The Expected Life of a Cedar Shake Roof

Three types of shakes

There are three types of wooden cedar shakes, and each differs in quality.    The life expectancy of your cedar roof will depend on the grade of cedar shake you choose.   The higher the grade, the longer the lifespan of your roof. Of course, higher grade cedar comes with a premium price, but the more extended durability of your roof will outweigh the initial savings on a different product.

Let’s look at the different options:

• Common-grade cedar shakes:   Common-grade shakes are usually made up of random (and sometimes left-over) pieces of cedarwood. These shakes are prone to damage as the pieces of wood sometimes don’t stick properly and will curl. So, if you want your cedar roof to last long, these shakes are not the way to go. However, common-grade shakes can be an option if you want something inexpensive and quick to install, say, on a shed or porch. 
• Select-grade shakes:  Also, commonly known as ‘cull shakes,’ select-grade shakes will last longer than common-grade shakes but will still be prone to damage.   These shakes are a good option if you only need your shakes for a few years and don’t mind replacing them.   Select-grade shakes comprise about 20% common-grade shakes and 80% straight grain shakes.   They usually are thicker than common shakes, which gives them a more natural look and texture.   
• Premium-grade shakes (or 100% straight grain grade shakes.)  These are the shakes you want if you look for maximum quality and longevity in a roof.   This is your most expensive option, but 100% straight grain shakes will last the longest.   The shakes are 100% pure quality material and won’t curl.   Should you choose this option, it will undoubtedly increase the life expectancy of your roof, but keep in mind that it does not mean you can get away with not doing regular maintenance. Premium cedar shake roofing material is lightweight and easy to work with. It can even be stained to match the exterior color of your home. It will not degrade in the sun and does not contain any harmful chemicals that may harm your family.   

More factors that will heighten the life expectancy of your cedar shake roof.

1. Proper installation 

Use a professional

Proper installation of your cedar shake roof will increase its expected life.   It makes sense, as structural damage is a genuine threat if the correct spacing and general installation are not done as they should be. A contractor that cuts corners in one area can cause issues (like roof leaking) in other areas.   A cedar shake roof needs a professional that knows the technicalities and has the expertise to install a roof properly. 

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• The wood must acclimate.   Cedarwood expands and contracts with different weather conditions. If not allowed to acclimate before installation, the shakes may end up misaligned and push each other up as they try to expand and contract. 
• Use the correct manufacturer-recommended fasteners.   Aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel nails are the best options and should preferably be installed by hand as a nail gun can penetrate too deeply and shorten the overall lifespan of your roof. 
• The shakes must be appropriately aligned. The space between each shake must have the correct ‘keyway’ to allow proper ventilation and water run-off. 
  

2. General Maintenance

The expected life of a cedar shake roof also depends on how it is preserved and maintained.   Your cedar shake roof can withstand snowy, windy, and other harsh conditions, but you need to maintain it for it to last.  

Depending on the local climate and weather conditions, a cedar shake roof needs proper maintenance and a full clean roughly every 7 – 10 years. It is also recommended to make sure the gutters are clear and there is no organic matter (such as leaves) settling and staying on the roof –do this once or twice per year.   The water build-up will ultimately destroy your roof if you don’t clean the gutters. 

Experts say if you only do these two things, you can double the life expectancy of your roof. Of course, it is always better to have it done professionally, as a roofing expert will adhere to safety protocols and ensure that the shakes won’t break during maintenance. 

Please note:  Many people will suggest adding oils, sealers, and other chemicals to a cedar shake roof to supposedly help increase the roof’s lifespan. Unfortunately, this is simply a marketing and upselling technique and can do more harm to your cedar shake roof than good. A waterproofing sealant, for example, forms a film on the wood, which, in time, traps water, causing mold and rot.  A cedar shake roof should breathe naturally.

3. Wood repairs 

Get rid of fungi, mosses, and lichens. 

Fungi, lichens, and mosses are common organisms that grow on wet wood.   Although these do not cause structural damage, they can disfigure the appearance of your cedar roof.   You’ll find fungi typically under the shake overlaps where moisture helps it grow.  

Mosses accumulate soil and other debris on the roof, causing the top to remain wet for longer. Although cedarwood is resistant to these organisms to a large extent, wood rot can still develop, especially if the moisture level rises above 20%.

The proper cleaning of your roof will help avoid harm to the cedar shakes and possible leakage.    Cleaning a cedar shake roof requires a soft wash technique and a non-aggressive approach.   Doing it correctly will increase the expected life of your roof and should be done by a professional who will do so with care and caution so that the cedar shakes are not damaged. 

Slight curling is typical.

It is natural for cedar shakes to age and warping and distorting occur because of heat and rain.  

However, if your cedar shakes start to curl too much, your roof can eventually begin to leak in numerous places. At this point, a complete roof replacement is the only answer.   

Regular observation and timely repairs can help to get shakes replaced before any real damage is done to the felt underlay of your roof.   Timely maintenance will therefore increase your cedar roof’s life expectancy. 

4. Keeping an eye on bugs and pests.

Bugs, squirrels, and rats.

The expected life of a cedar shake roof is affected by bugs and pests.   Although cedar shakes usually resist bug infestation, an invasion can happen, especially in wet and snowy climates.   You should get a professional cedar shake roof cleaner to deal with the problem if you find any signs of infestation. Power washing the roof is not the solution! 

Squirrels and rats can also access a home through missing, and broken cedar shakes.   Once inside, these pests can cause extensive damage to the wood itself, electric wires, and eave troughs.   They can also carry diseases.    To limit problems to your home’s structure and prevent the shortening of the lifespan of your roof, first, get rid of the pests and then contact a professional for repairs as soon as possible.