Maintaining A Cedar Roof Requires Regular Inspections

Cedar shingle roofs are a luxury that can pay dividends. The cedar itself is beautiful and increases a building's appeal while also providing a solid defence against the elements. However, cedar is a tricky material to work with and does need to be monitored. After installing cedar shingles, they need regular inspections to ensure all is well. 

This should be done at least yearly, and it's better done twice a year - once in the spring, and once in the fall. This allows you to check for damage done over the winter and then ensure your roof is in good shape for the following winter.

In general, it's best to call in experts to inspect your cedar roof. Experienced roofers and building renovators will know what to look for, especially subtle signs of damage and wear that could escape the eyes of a layman. However, you can inspect them yourself if needed.

Exterior Inspection Of Cedar Shingle Roofs

1 - Missing shingles or shakes

Shingle-based roofs rely on having near-total coverage. Even a handful of missing shingles or shakes can compromise the roof's integrity, allowing water into the underlayment or even into the building. Any missing shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

2 - Cracked or otherwise damaged shingles

Even if a shingle isn't missing, it may be cracked or otherwise visibly damaged. Look carefully at each shingle and shake it to ensure it's still in good shape. Broken shingles should be replaced soon before the problem gets worse.

3 - Curling

When installing cedar shingles, they should be adequately treated at the factory to protect against water or humidity damage. However, if the treatment fails, they may begin to curl at the edges or even begin forming into cups. The latter is particularly dangerous to a roof, as it encourages water to pool on those shingles, adding to the damage.

4 - Green or black discoloration

The colour of cedar will shift subtly over time due to weather exposure, but be aware if any tiles begin to look green or black. That means they've become host to mold or mildew and should be replaced.

5 - Rusting metal

Finally, be sure to check the metal elements of your roof, including the gutters and any flashing. Look for damage, particularly rust. If these elements fail, they may compromise the rest of the roof.

Interior Inspection

It's always good practice to inspect your roof from the inside after examining the exterior. In particular, focus on the following:

• Humidity buildup. Too much humidity directly underneath the roof can lead to it seeping into the underlayment and damaging the roof from below.
• Leaks. Is there any sign of water damage beneath the roof? This almost always indicates leaks, even if they aren't apparent.
• Light. The space below your roof should be pitch black with the lights off. Even tiny shafts of light coming through the roof indicate holes that must be patched.

Heather & Little are America's experts in historic building restoration. If your historical property has roofing issues, contact us to restore it while preserving your building's look and feel.