When Should I Replace My Wood Shake Roof?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Leaks. The most common problem that Portland homeowners face when they have a damaged roof is leaks. …
  2. Curling. A natural part of the aging process for shakes is to warp or distort from their shape. …
  3. Split Shingles. …
  4. Moss/Rot. …
  5. Missing or Damaged Shingles.

How much does it cost to replace a wood shake roof?

The average price range to install a 3,000-square foot shake roof is

between $18,000 and $20,000

, or about $600 to $670 per square. Low cost for installation is around $16,000 and high cost is about $27,000. A shake is a wooden shingle that is split on one side and sawn on the other.

How long do wood shake shingles last?

Generally, all sources agree that when a cedar shake roof is properly installed and maintained, a cedar roof life expectancy is

around 30 years

.

What is the average life of a shake roof?

As long as it's properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get

30 years

of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions, you could possibly get up to 50 years out of it.

How do I know if my cedar shake roof is bad?


Severe splitting, curling, and buckling

are all signs of a roof in need of serious help—and maybe a complete replacement. These signs typically crop up after serious weather problems, or on roofs that are getting on in years. Dealing with too much water.

Can you walk on wood shake roof?

So can you walk on a cedar shake roof? The short answer:

yes

. … Still, even if they do support your weight, cedar shakes are also notoriously slippery and difficult to navigate, especially after a recent storm or if they are covered in moss or other growths.

Are cedar shake roofs a fire hazard?

One of the most prominent reasons that cedar shake roofs are a thing of the past is that

cedar shingles present a fire hazard

. After all, cedar is wood, and wood can catch fire in the right conditions.

What is the difference between wood shingles and shakes?

Cedar shakes are split off while shingles are sawn smooth on both sides and cut tapered. Lastly,

shakes are thicker than shingles

. Durability – Generally speaking, cedar shakes are more durable and last longer than shingles because they are thicker and made from premium grade wood.

How do you maintain a wood shake roof?

Trim overhanging branches that drop pine needles or leaves on the roof.

Clean debris out of gutters

, off the roof and the keyways between shakes. Ensure adequate year-round ventilation of the attic or roof assembly. Install strips of zinc or copper at the ridge and midway across the roof on long slopes.

Are cedar shake roofs good?

Cedar wood shingles and shakes are also resistant to strong winds and are durable in hurricanes, heavy rains, hail storms, snowstorms and other types of severe storms. Cedar wood roofs are also

energy efficient

, providing a natural insulation up to two times that of asphalt shingles.

Are wood shake roofs good?

As a poor conductor of heat, wood is one of the best insulating materials there is. …

Wood shakes are also resistant to wind damage

, one of the most common problems faced by asphalt shingles. In particular, cedar and redwood shakes have been shown to even improve the stability of the whole roof deck when installed.

How long does a wooden roof last?

Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for

about 30 years with warranties that run up to 30 years

. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.

How long do metal roofs last?

Longevity. Metal roofs can last

40-70 years

, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years.

Do cedar shake roofs leak?

Cedar shakes expand in moist weather and contract in warm weather. Over time, this can cause some of the shakes or the roofing paper underlayment to deteriorate, which

may result in a leak

. … Minor leaks that show up as small stains or drips can often be fixed in a relatively short time.

Why do cedar shakes curl?

Some curling on a shake roof is normal since cedar shakes are a natural material. Excessive cupping and curling is usually due

to improperly placed nails

, too high or too far from the edge.

Can cedar shake roofs be repaired?

Cedar shake roofs are well-known for being durable and long-lived. However,

even cedar roofs will eventually need repair and replacement

. While many cedar shake repairs are simple, they must be performed the right way to be effective and to avoid compromising the roof.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.