Common Issues With Wood Shake Roofs
With the constant beating it takes all year round, your residential roof requires proper upkeep and care to maintain its structural integrity.
Undertaking regular seasonal inspections of the roof is essential because it allows you to catch problems early so you can avoid expensive roof repairs later on. If an extreme weather event occurs in between those inspections, it's important that you schedule an emergency inspection of your roof. That way, any serious roof damage can be remedied as early as possible.
Problems with residential roofing vary depending on the roof type. Because of this, the problems that affect your specific roof may not apply to other roof types. If your residential roof is built with wood shakes, you'll want to watch out for the following issues during roof inspections.
Biological Growth
The growth of mold, moss, mildew, algae, lichens and other forms of microbial growth is not uncommon on roofs, but it can be particularly prevalent in homes with wood roofs.
Wet wood creates favorable conditions for destructive bacteria and fungi to colonize your roofing material. This explains why microbial attack is common on residential roofs that don't receive a lot of sunlight on wet days.
If you spot microbial elements on your wood shake roof, you'll need to clean the roof with products that are specifically formulated to rid your roof of those unsightly, destructive microorganisms.
Insect Infestation
Although wood roofs are built with wood species that are highly resistant to insects, your wood shake roof is still susceptible to insect damage. When carrying out roof inspections, it's important to be on the lookout for any signs of termite activity or other insects that would love to eat away at wood elements of your home.
While any evidence of insect damage to your roof will have to be addressed immediately, it may point to a serious pest problem in your home. If the wood-loving critters have reached your roof, it's likely they're wreaking havoc in several other parts of your home, too.
Natural Deterioration
Wood shakes degrade over time just like other roofing materials. When inspecting your wood shake roof, look for signs of aging or deteriorating wood, including cracking, splitting, warping, and rotting.
Any damage that cannot be repaired may warrant the replacement of the damaged wood.
Since wood shake roofs are constructed using organic material, they're more susceptible to weather damage compared to inorganic roofing materials like asphalt, concrete, and metal. As a result, they require a higher level of care and upkeep to avoid damage and premature deterioration. For professional assistance with maintaining your home's wood shake roof, get in touch with a local roofing contractor.
