Damaged roofs are serious issues that require prompt attention. Ignoring the problem could lead to more trouble and higher replacement costs. In the United States, wood shake roofs are a popular choice among homeowners. These roofs are beautiful and have a great lifespan, but they’re not invincible.
If your building has a wood shake roof, it’s crucial to be on the lookout for early signs of damage. By addressing these issues quickly, you can maintain your roof’s durability and extend its lifespan. Keep reading to learn the signs that your wood shake roof needs repair.
#1 Leaks
Water infiltration is a critical issue for wood shake roofs. The main culprit behind leaks in a wood shake roof is typically damaged or missing shakes, deteriorated underlayment, or improper installation. Water penetrating the roof’s structure can lead to major damage, including rot, mold growth, and structural weakness. Immediate wood shake roof repair is essential to avoid further damage and protect the overall integrity of your home.
Action needed: Do an inside and outside assessment of your roofing system. Check for a leaking ceiling or moist walls inside your home. From outside, look for missing shakes or cracks on your roof. A professional inspection is the best choice if the problem is severe.
#2 Curling
As wood shakes age, they may curl or cup due to exposure to fluctuating weather conditions. This curling can compromise the roof’s ability to shed water effectively and may allow moisture to seep underneath the shingle. When curling is severe enough to expose the underlying felt or roof deck, it’s a clear sign that a wood shake roof repair is needed.
Action needed: Inspect your roof regularly for signs of curling. If you notice significant curling, consult a professional to determine whether an individual shake replacement or a full roof replacement is necessary.
#3 Splits Or Cracks
The natural expansion and contraction of wood shakes due to temperature and moisture fluctuations can lead to splitting or cracking over time. These random cracks can allow moisture to seep into the roof’s structure, potentially causing leaks and further damage. Wood shake roof repair becomes crucial when these cracks become visible from the ground.
Action needed: Schedule a professional inspection to assess the extent of cracking. Depending on the severity, individual shakes may need to be replaced, or a more extensive repair may be required.
#4 Missing Or Damaged Shingles
Wood shake roofs are tough and durable, but they can still be damaged by falling branches, hail, rain, or other weather conditions. Missing or damaged shakes leave your roof at risk of water infiltration and further deterioration. Considering an instant wood shake roof repair is essential to maintain your home’s overall integrity and prevent further damage to other roofing materials.
Action needed: Replace missing or damaged shakes as soon as possible. If you’re comfortable with DIY repairs, you can replace individual shakes. However, for major damage, or if you’re unsure about doing it by yourself, it’s best to hire a professional.
#5 Moss Or Rot
Shaded areas on your wood shake roof that don’t dry properly after rain can become breeding grounds for moss, algae, and rot. These organic materials retain moisture, accelerating the breakdown of wood shakes. Signs of this issue include a fuzzy texture, frayed shake edges, and streaks on the shakes.
Action needed: Clean the affected area carefully to remove moss and algae. For more severe cases, or if rot has already set in, you may need to replace the affected shakes. Consider installing zinc or copper strips to avoid future moss growth.
#6 Color Changes
While wood shake roofs naturally weather to a silver-gray color, dark or uneven staining can indicate moisture problems or algae growth. It can compromise the integrity of your wood shake roof and may require repair or maintenance.
Action needed: Assess the cause behind why your wooden shakes are changing color. If it’s due to natural weathering, you might not have to take any action, but if it’s caused moisture or algae, clean the roof and address any underlying issues that may be causing excess moisture retention.
#7 Granule Loss On Shingles
Some wood shakes have a protective granule coating. If these granules wear away, they expose the bare wood to weather, debris, insects, and other elements, which will accelerate the deterioration leading to leaks and other roofing problems. Regular inspection and maintenance are important for wood shake roof repair and longevity.
Action needed: Replace shakes with significant granule loss to maintain the roof’s protective barrier. Consider applying a new protective coating to the entire roof if granule loss is widespread.
#8 Sagging Roof Deck
A sagging appearance in certain areas of your wood shake roof could indicate serious structural problems. This may be caused by water damage, inadequate ventilation, or issues with the roof’s supporting structure. Immediate wood shake roof repair is crucial to prevent potential collapse.
Action needed: Accurately assess the structural integrity of your roof and look for necessary repairs, which may include replacing damaged decking or reinforcing the roof’s structure. Again, we advise hiring a professional for accurate recommendations about the next steps to take.
#9 Increased Energy Bills
A sudden rise in cooling or heating costs can sometimes be caused by poor roof insulation due to damaged wood shakes. Damaged or missing shakes can allow air to escape, forcing your HVAC system to work harder and increase energy consumption.
Action needed: Conduct an energy audit of your home, focusing on the roof. Repair or replace damaged shakes and make sure that your attic space has proper insulation and ventilation to improve energy efficiency.
DIY vs. Professional Wood Shake Roof Repair
We have stressed the importance of hiring a professional for your roof repair throughout this blog post, since repairing a roof (specially pitched roofs) by yourself is a risky job! While it may save you money, it’s often safer and smarter to call in the experts. Otherwise you put yourself at risk of being hurt.
Plus, if you don’t know how to repair your roof accurately, you might end up causing more harm to the other parts of your roof, such as damaging shakes by walking on them or creating leaks.
Professional roofers know how to repair wood shake roofs properly. They have the right tools and skills, and can spot problems you might otherwise miss and fix them before they worsen.
Therefore, when it comes to figuring out how to repair an aging wood shake roof, it’s best to consult the experts. They can advise you on the types of solutions you need, and even if you require a full replacement. If you are a homeowner or commercial building owner in Oklahoma and looking for some reliable roofing advice, then we are here to assist you. Click here to learn more!
Call Capital Roofing For Roof Repair And Installation In Claremore, OK
If you are looking for a reliable roof installation in Claremore, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma, then we are here to assist you with top-quality roofing services. We not only provide installation, but we also offer roof repair and full roof replacements.
Our commitment to serving our community with durable, high-quality roofing services is what makes us one of the best-rated contractors in Oklahoma. Trust us for all your roofing needs, and our skilled professionals will make sure that your roof not only looks good, but also functions well for many years to come. For more information, or to get a free quote, feel free to call us at (918) 260-4075.
