As time goes by, the elements will take their toll on any roof, and a cedar shake roof is no exception. Though rugged and durable, even with proper maintenance, your cedar shakes will eventually show splits and large cracks that indicate they need replacing. Other signs that your roof is wearing out include:
- Missing shingles
- Shingles that have warped
- Leaks that have developed
Patching and Repairing
You may notice these signs on only one section of your roof and consider repairing the roof instead of replacing it. However, there will be a marked difference in color and surface texture and the variance may be enough to detract from the appearance that made you fall in love with cedar shakes to begin with. When deciding what to do, consider that a repair job can be very expensive. Small repairs can cost between $100-$400, depending upon the materials used and availability, while a large repair can easily cost over $1,000. There is also the risk of damaging other shingles while the service work is being done; damage that may not be discovered until long after the repair work is completed. If repairing your roof causes too many concerns, then a total re-roofing may be your best option.
Typical Lifespan Of A Cedar Shake Roof
A properly maintained cedar shake roof should hold up for 30+ years. This will be dependent upon the thickness of your shingle as well as the kind of wood that the shakes were made from. Cedar comes in many grades with the heart wood being the strongest and most appealing. Shingles cut from this section of the tree will also be the most expensive and will last the longest.
The most important factor in getting the longest life from your cedar shakes is maintenance. Even a weather-resistant wood like cedar will start to deteriorate when exposed to the elements, so it is vital that you follow a standard maintenance routine.
Durability of Cedar Shakes
Cedar has a reputation for being more durable than other roofing materials due to the natural preservatives (tannins) in the wood and its natural resistance to bug infestation and rot, and a cedar roof will perform exceptionally well under high wind and rain conditions as long as the roof has sufficient drainage. Of course, these factors will be enhanced by having a professional install your roof. Here some things to consider when deciding to install a new cedar shake roof or when inspecting an older roof to determine if it needs replacing:
- Is there proper ventilation?
- Are the shingles spaced properly?
- Have they been installed on the right decking?
- Is there a gutter system that keeps water diverted from the roof?
Maintenance Requirements for a Cedar Shake Roof
Wood shake roofs are a beautiful, classic option that is still very popular today. In order to preserve the rugged and chiseled look of cedar roofing, you need to adhere to a regular maintenance program every 2-4 years.
Removing sticks and leaves
Some things are obvious. Every week you should take a walk around your home and make sure there are no limbs, sticks, or leaves building up on your roof. Moss and lichens can also be an issue, since l these items can retain moisture and promote wood-destroying fungus growth. Even though cedar is resistant to many types of these fungus, you want to make sure that you aren’t providing a safe place for them to grow and develop. They can make your shingles susceptible to damage like brittleness which can cause broken shingles.
Clearing overhanging branches
Standing moisture is the biggest enemy of your cedar shake roof and there are a number of sources that can cause this condition. The main culprit is overhanging tree limbs. They can prevent much needed air flow and are a possible fire hazard. Keeping your roof clear of overhanging branches can add years of life to your roof.
Properly cleaned gutters
Most folks wouldn’t think that their gutters had anything to do with the proper maintenance of a cedar shingle roof, but it should be high on the list. Standing moisture is public enemy #1 to a cedar roof and if gutters are filled with debris and not directing water away from the roof and the house, then moisture can build up in the shingles across the entire length of the gutter system facilitating rot and fungus growth. Pay special attention to this area in the autumn, when dead leaves and limbs tend to accumulate.
Additional helps
An occasional power washing (light pressure) can help keep the shingles in tip-top shape by removing dirt buildup and any mold that has started to grow. Power washing will also remove loose pieces of shingle and maintain the soundness of your roof. There are topical treatments that can occasionally be applied to your roof that will maintain the vibrant colors of the shakes and make them more water- and fire-resistant. You can get fungicides and algaecides that can be applied with a garden sprayer that add significantly to the life of your roof. These topical treatments should be applied every few years to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from them.
Cost To Remove/Replace A Cedar Shake Roof
When considering the installation of a cedar shake roof, you will want to peer into the future and take into account the eventual cost to remove and replace the roof. Professional installers will charge more for a cedar shake tear off and install than they will for a cedar shingle roof because there is more involved from a labor standpoint. According to industry standards, it costs between $600-$700 per hundred square foot to install a new cedar shake roof, and most installers will charge an additional amount to tear off the old roof and replace any damaged wood that is discovered. With proper maintenance, the average cedar shake roof will last about 30 years, so the replacement costs need to be factored into your plans. Even though you may not be the one replacing the roof, the eventual buyer may consider an older cedar roof as a negative factor in his/her purchase decision.
Is there a better alternative to natural cedar shakes?
Brava Synthetic Cedar Shakes Are A More Practical Solution
Brava composite cedar shake roof tiles provide the beauty of natural wood with the benefit of up to 50 years of useful life. Our cedar shake shingles are environmentally friendly because no trees are used in their manufacture, and they are made from recycled material, helping to reduce landfill overloads. Our Brava cedar shakes eliminate the expensive and time-consuming maintenance associated with natural cedar shakes because our synthetic shakes don’t absorb moisture and are not susceptible to wood rot. Additional benefits include:
- They are more durable than natural wood.
- They can be manufactured with both Class A and Class C fire ratings.
- They carry a Class 4 impact rating making them perfect for areas prone to hail damage.
- They are available in multiple widths to give the natural look of cedar shakes.
- They can be manufactured in almost any color.
- They do not require special tools or additional safety precautions to avoid damage while installing.
Our cedar roof shakes are on homes across the USA and throughout Europe, and we would love the opportunity to speak with you about the value that our roof tiles can add to your home. Contact us today and we can ship you some samples to see why Brava is the best choice for synthetic cedar shakes!
