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When to Replace Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Perhaps the best feature of cedar roofing is its cost-effective replacement of individual cedar shingles and shakes with new ones as needed. This saves on purchasing a completely new roof.

Another great benefit of cedar roofs is the visible signs that let you know it’s time to replace certain cedar shakes or shingles.

Doing so in a timely fashion ensures your cedar roof system will outperform its life expectancy. One step in demystifying cedar shakes and shingles is figuring out what the signs are that they’re past their best days.

Signs a Cedar Shingle or Shake Needs Replacing

If one or more of the shingles or shakes on your cedar roof are showing any of these signs, it’s time to swap them out for new ones.

Splitting – If the split has rounded edges and the interior is a dull orange or grayish color, then it’s a result of natural weathering. However, if the split has sharp edges and a light orange color interior, then it’s an impact split, probably caused by hail. You should contact your insurance company to see if the replacement is covered under your policy.

Curling or cupping – This occurs when a shingle or shake curls upward or looks distorted. Curling and cupping are part of the cedar wood’s natural weathering and aging process. They are signs of wood stress caused by the sun’s UV rays and rain. However, if you can see the roofing felt or roof deck, then other problems may exist. If significant cupping or curling appears right after installation, it’s a sign of a poor install. That’s why it’s so important to have a roofing company with expertise in installing cedar roof shingles and shakes, such as the Shake Guys, install your cedar roof system. Our precise installation methods ensure a correct install for the style of your roof.

Cracks or splitting – This is a result of the wood expanding and contracting over time from moisture and ensuing drying. Cracks and splits are part of the natural cedar roof aging process. When tiny hairline cracks get larger, cedar shake or shingle replacement is highly recommended.

Fraying – This is caused by bottom edge rot. The decay is often the result of microorganisms, like moss, lichen or algae, that are left untreated. Bottom edge rot is common on homes where the roof receives mostly shade and never dries out completely after a rainfall.

Replacing Cedar Shingles or Shakes

Although some homeowners may attempt to replace an individual cedar shake or cedar shingle themselves or have a friend with roofing knowledge do it, this type of do-it-yourself roof repair could void your roofing warranty. Cedar roofing requires special skill and care during installation. Even if it’s just a few shingles, only a certified cedar roofing company, like the Shake Guys, should perform the install.

Here are other key reasons why only cedar roof experts should replace your cedar roofing shingles and shakes:

  • We know the replacement requirements for your roof design. Even if only one shake is damaged, sometimes the entire row of shakes or shingles needs to be replaced to ensure proper performance.
  • We know the weak spots for different roof types and how to properly replace the cedar roofing to ensure that fasteners won’t fail and lead to roof leaks.
  • We can recognize if other roofing material is about to fail and replace it as well.
  • We know how to perform shimming and other roof repair methods according to the style of roof on your home and its condition.
  • We know the underlying problems to look for that may be causing damage to your cedar shingles or shakes.

Whenever you have any problems with your cedar roofing system, get in touch with us. Remember, the Shake Guys don’t just install cedar roofs, we service them, too. Think of us as your personal cedar roofing experts!

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