Repairing Guides

how to repair cedar shake roof

by Eino Cassin PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Now follow these steps to make your cedar shake roof leak repair:

  • Place a wooden block flat on the roof below the area of repair to protect the shakes immediately below from damage.
  • Hold downward pressure against the block with the bar. Cut off the roofing nails at the underside of the shake with a...
  • Put on work gloves and use pliers to fold under the opposite corners...

Full Answer

What is the lifespan of a cedar shake roof?

Cedar wood shake shingle roof. Generally, all sources agree that when a cedar shake roof is properly installed and maintained, a cedar roof life expectancy is around 30 years. Deterioration prevention maintenance needs to be performed every 2 to 4 years for the longest cedar shake roof life possible.

How to replace a cedar shake or shingle?

  • Wood shingles Qty: 1
  • Cedar wood trim Qty: 1
  • Stainless-steel or galvanized nails or staples Qty: 1
  • Caulk Qty: 1
  • Primer and paint or sealer Qty: 1

How to repair shake roof?

To repair a wooden shake roof:

  1. Use hammer and sharp chisel to split damaged shake. Slant chisel up into shake at same angle as pitch of roof. ...
  2. Measure gap left by old shake, and cut new one about 3/8 inch smaller than this measurement, using fine-tooth hacksaw. ...
  3. Install new shake. ...
  4. Set heads of nails with nail set, and seal them with caulking compound.

How to replace cedar shake?

Pros of Cedar Shakes

  • Beautiful appearance. The natural look of the wood will naturally fade into a greyish hue as it ages, which gives your home a unique, beautiful aesthetic.
  • Highly durable. Their high density makes them resistant to strong winds and can withstand heavy rains, hail storms, snowstorms, and other severe weather.
  • Energy-efficient. ...

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How thick is a cedar roof?

The quality of the roof depends upon the grain (“edge” grain or flat grain), the thickness (1/2” for medium, ¾” for heavy, 1 ½” for jumbo), the exposure of each course, ventilation, and the proper care and maintenance. Contact Eastman Roofing to discuss your Shake Roof Repair & Maintenance concerns.

What is a flashing roof made of?

Today’s flashings are made of galvanized metal, a process that protects the steel core from rusting. There are rusted flashings on this roof. Rust cannot be simply sealed over, as it will continue to grow. The rust needs to be treated chemically, and then sealed properly.

How long does it take for shake felt to develop holes?

Exposed Felt. The wood has deteriorated, exposing the shake felt below. If the shake felt is not protected from the sun, it can develop holes within 2 years, allowing seepage. Replace the damaged shakes or “shim” below the damaged shake to protect the felt from the sun.

What happens if you have no access to the roof?

If there is no access, have the panels removed, then effect the repair. Hole in Roof. Over time, the thin spots in the shakes wear and expose the felt. Felt exposed to the sun will eventually get a hole. This is usually on the south side, which will wear faster than the east, west, or north sides.

Why does my shaker wood look curled?

This is caused by the “grain” in the wood. When the wood gets wet, it dries from the top down, causing the wood to shrink on top and curl up. If the shake felt is exposed to the sun, it needs to be repaired. If the shake felt is not exposed to the sun, the curled shakes are a cosmetic issue only.

Why are my shakes so narrow?

Some shakes installed are too narrow, with not enough side lap. When there’s not enough side lap, water can get under the roof and if the felt is exposed to the sun, it can eventually destroy it, causing seepage. Adjust, shim and/or flash the area or replace with a new shake. Overexposed Shakes.

What to do with cedar shake roof?

You must remove all the leaves, pine needles, and sticks from your cedar wood roof as part of your regular shake roof maintenance. Debris retains moisture that breeds wood-destroying fungus that weakens the shingles, leading to expensive repairs and a shorter lifespan for your roof. 4. Power Washing.

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

It may seem expensive, but replacing a cedar shake roof can cost $600 to $670 per square or between $18,000 and $20,000 for a 3,000-square foot shake roof. Here are nine things you need to know about shake roof maintenance: 1. Protective Treatments.

Why does cedar shingle have cracks?

Cracks can occur in a cedar roof because wood naturally expands and contracts from moisture exposure and temperature fluctuations which can lead to small cracks on the surface.

Why do you remove the hanging branches on a shingle roof?

Removing the hanging branches allows the roof to dry faster, reducing the chance of harmful mold. Removing branches also significantly decreases the likelihood of a tree falling on the roof and either damaging it or setting it on fire.

How long does a cedar roof last?

A cedar roof can last 30 or more years with regular inspection and maintenance.. If you neglect regular maintenance, your roof will probably need replacement after 15 years. You should inspect your roof for damage, debris, and mold twice a year (Spring and Fall) and after a hailstorm, severe wind event, or snowstorm.

Can you neglect a cedar roof?

Neglecting the roof will significantly decrease its longevity and aesthetic value. Due to the dangers of working on a roof and the complexity of cedar roof maintenance, you should hire a professional roof contractor.

Does power washing a roof remove moss?

Power washing not only improves your roof’s appearance but also helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the roof. 5. Gutter Maintenance. Gutters on a roof move water away from your house so that the moisture won’t harm the roof or foundation.

How long do cedar shakes last?

Because they are thinner, cedar shingles can have an average lifespan that is even shorter than that! Surprisingly, preservation practices and proper care can extend the a cedar shingles lifespan for up to 20 to 30 years while the shakes can last for 30 or even 40 years. This level of durability ensure that you will not need to worry about premature or even frequent roof replacements. You may have to pay for roofing maintenance and hiring professionals for cleanup and repairs, but your total expenses for cedar roofing maintenance are still less than that of early roof replacement. Aside from cutting down potential expenses, you are also well-protected for a longer time.

What happens if you lose shingles on a cedar roof?

Consequently, the said pests may enter through the defects in your roofing structure and wreak havoc in other area of your home interior. Through cedar roofing maintenance, the lost and broken shakes or shingles will be replaced, limiting the possible entrances of pests, and keeping their damage to a minimum .

What causes a clogged gutter?

Leaves, twigs, dropping, broken shingles and other debris may clog your gutters and downspouts over time. Accumulated debris holds water and moisture up against your roof causing premature aging and damage. Removing this debris ensures that rainwater will flow easily and will not retain in your roof. By keeping potential sources of moisture to a minimum, you reduce the risk of having moss, mold and mildew on your cedar roof. As you clean your gutters and downspouts, see if there are rust, missing screws and other problems and have them repaired.

Why do shakes deform?

Shakes and shingles may deform due to uneven water absorption and drying – particularly if your home is in the shade most of the time. This distortion is called curling if it occurs along the roofing material’s length. Cupping is the term used to describe the distortion occurring along the width of a shake or a shingle. The kind of grain partly determines the susceptibility of shakes and shingles to distort. Flat-grain tends to deform more easily compared to their slash-grain and edge-grain counterparts. In some instances, the cupping or curling shakes and shingles will shrink back, but it doesn’t mean you can just ignore the distortions as if they continue to grow over time it can spell disaster for your roof. Have you noticed several problems? Get help here >> Cedar Roofing Repair

What causes moss to grow on cedar shakes?

High moisture and low temperature are the key ingredients for moss growth and survival. This is why on a cedar roof the problem often manifests in areas that are shaded by trees. Early signs of moss growth include green or brown grass-like protrusions around the edges of your cedar shakes or shingles.

Why do mold and mildew grow on roofs?

Moss, mold and mildew in roofs often go together because they prefer the same growing conditions and help each other to grow . The moisture the moss retains makes it easier for the mold and mildew to form and spread over your roof.

What does it mean when a roof splits?

Splitting shingles, on the other hand, mean that the roofing materials are already divided into two or more parts due to the cracks. 5. Distorted shakes and shingles.

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