A classic wood shake roof can be a wonderful addition to any home, giving it a beautiful Colonial appearance. Shakes made from cedar and other types of wood provide years of protection when well-maintained by experienced roof services and are a more durable option than wood shingles.
Although this type of installation demands a bit more attention than synthetic shingles, homeowners who know what to expect from wood shake and how to take care of it can expect the longest and most trouble-free life from their wood shake roofs!
Wood Shakes Appearance
Wood shakes look similar to shingles but are made with a different process. Where shingles are cut with a saw, shakes are split. They are also not as uniform in size and thickness as shingles, which is part of what gives shakes their distinctive and classic look. When expertly installed by roof services familiar with this type of material, shakes form a beautiful and watertight layer over the top of a home or building.
Since shakes are frequently left in their natural state, over time the wood will slowly age to various shades of gray or brown depending on the type of wood that is used. With regular maintenance, this slow color change is natural and lends to the beautiful appearance these roofs offer.
Wood Shakes Maintenance
When properly installed and maintained, wood shake roofs should last between 25 and 40 years. This is longer than most synthetic shingles installed by roof services. Yet getting a full service life from wood shakes requires good maintenance and the following steps:
- Keep It Clean - The biggest issue that affects wood shakes and shingles is decomposition due to the presence of mold, mildew, and moss. Water retention is the main reason why organisms grow on shakes, so it is essential to check them regularly for any growth. Shakes affected by this problem should be scrubbed off using a solution to kill the growth and promote drying. It is also important to keep trees trimmed away from the roof to prevent any drying issues.
- Gutter Maintenance - The most commonly affected areas to suffer from vegetative growth, mold and mildew, or rotting due to saturation are those closest to the gutters. When shakes are submerged due to gutter overflow, they absorb water. This causes expansion, cracking, and warping, which loosens shakes on the roof and encourages mold, mildew, and moss growth. To prevent these problems, it is essential that gutters be properly installed to divert water away from the roof edge. They must also be cleaned regularly to prevent pooling and overflowing.
- Sealant Protection - In addition to keeping the gutters clean and washing shakes as needed, homeowners can also apply a protective coating to preserve them. There are a number of sealants available for shakes and shingles that help prevent water and UV damage; some are even tinted to retain the original shake shades. There are also sealants available to protect the metal flashing used with shakes to discourage rusting, which could eventually cause leaks.
When properly maintained, wood shake roofs can last for nearly half a century, providing home and building owners with classic good looks for many years. Gutter and shake cleaning is not difficult for owners to do on their own and is all needed to keep wood shakes in top condition. For those who would prefer not to do this themselves, it is a simple maintenance task that can be arranged with local roof services to ensure the shake roof is clean and in its best condition!
