Cedar shake roofs, known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, have been very popular in the Lower Mainland for many executive-style homes. However, their longevity in this climate has not been great to the chagrin of many homeowners who have found themselves replacing these roofs after only 20 to 25 years. What makes this situation even worse is that the cost of cedar roofing materials right now is at an all-time high, making such replacements prohibitively expensive.
Replacing with asphalt shingles
Increasingly, Absolute Roof Solutions receives calls from homeowners considering a switch to asphalt shingles — not their preferred material, but a practical alternative considering the high costs.
How to extend the life
The question arises, “Is it possible to extend the life of a cedar shake roof beyond this 20 to 25 year lifespan?”
The answer is yes, and the solution is the timely replacement of damaged shakes.
It is not well known to homeowners in the Lower Mainland that cedar shakes can be replaced on a roof. Oh, it takes roofing skills to do so, but it can be done. In cities like Calgary, homeowners understand and regularly have individual or numbers of individual shakes replaced, extending their roof’s lifespan significantly.
What to look for
Over time, cedar shakes do degrade. Key signs of deterioration include:
- Splitting: This shows the wood is drying out or under stress.
- Curling: This is due to moisture exposure and the wood’s natural aging process.
Regular maintenance is needed
In order to extend the life of their cedar shake roof, it is necessary for homeowners to be vigilant, recognize these signs and take action when they are seen.
A properly trained installer, like one of Absolute Roof Solutions repair technicians, can remove those splitting and curling shakes directly out of the roof and then slide in new ones secured with hidden nails without damaging the roof. And that’s going to repair that roof.
Replacing shakes saves the roof
As the roof gets older, more and more shakes will need to be replaced in this manner but not the whole roof.
Doing regular maintenance of this kind, It is quite possible to make cedar shake roofs last up to 50 years and even beyond.
