Signs your cedar roof may need replacement soon

Cedar is a very durable and resilient roofing material but it can also be vulnerable to wear and tear. Eventually, the elements and weather conditions take their toll and you may need to replace your roof. If you delay replacing your roof, you might experience problems like leakages and internal damage. Just keep an eye out for the signs mentioned below to know when you need to replace your cedar roof.

4 Common Signs

  • Leakages – Leakage is one of the most common signs of roof damage. If you see water stains on your interior walls or ceilings, you need to get your roof professionally inspected for damage. Leakages occur only if the shingles and roof are too worn down.
  • Extreme Curling or Cupping – Cedar is a relatively flexible material and warps a little when exposed to the elements. It’s not uncommon for new shingles and shakes to curl or cup at the edges when they’re exposed to rain, sunlight, heat, and cold. However, if the curling and cupping is significant enough to expose the underlayment, you need to repair or replace the roof.
  • Split Shingles – Cedar shingles will expand and contract based on their exposure to the elements. The action can cause the shingles to split after a certain time and expose the underlayment to the elements. If you spot split shingles, you need to call in the professionals to either repair or replace the roof.
  • Rot, Algae, and Mold – Cedar is an organic material and even with special treatments and coatings, it can be vulnerable to rot, mold, and algae. These infestations can damage the structure of the shingles permanently so you need to replace them if you see noticeable damage like cracks or split edges.

What Should You Do?

Roof repair, replacement, or installation isn’t a DIY project unless you have some experience in the field. Many homeowners attempt to repair their roofs with disastrous consequences and unnecessary expense. If you suspect your roof is damaged and requires attention, you should take the steps mentioned below:

  • Get the roof professionally assessed. An expert roofer will study the cedar shakes and shingles carefully to determine the extent of the damage and create a thorough report for you. They will also offer recommendations based on their findings and will let you know if you roof requires minor repairs or full replacement.
  • Ask questions, especially if the contractor recommends a full replacement. If your cedar roof isn’t more than 20 years old, you might not need a full replacement and can make do with minor repairs.
  • Always choose a certified, licensed, and insured roofing company to get the job done. Roof repairs and installations can be expensive so you need to find a trustworthy and reliable contractor to handle the job.

Don’t hesitate to contact us at Emerald Cedar Contracting for a free quote. You can fill in this contact us form and request a call back from us.