Common Signs to Replace Cedar Shake Roofing

When Do You Need Cedar Roof Replacement in Portland, OR?

Cedar roofing is beautiful, elegant, and timeless. When it is properly cared for, cedar roofing can last for decades. However, over time, your cedar roof may experience such wear and tear and damage that it is no longer safe or economical to choose roofing repairs. At Cedartech Roofing, our roofing specialists offer cedar roof repairs, restoration, and roof replacement throughout Portland, OR, and the surrounding areas. Here is our guide to determining when you need cedar roof replacement.

How Long Does a Cedar Roof Last?

With proper care and maintenance, a cedar roof can last up to 50 years before you need a complete replacement. However, just like any other roofing system, cedar roofing needs proper care and maintenance to ensure it stays functional and structurally stable.

What Causes Damage to a Cedar Roof?

Many things can cause damage to your cedar roof. You can protect your cedar shingles and shakes against some types of damage, but others are unpreventable. The most common causes of damage to cedar roofs are:

Rain and Moisture – Heavy storms and rain can cause your cedar shakes or shingles to absorb moisture and expand and contract. If the roof dries out quickly, the shingles or shakes will bend or curl.
Snow and Hard Freezes – Frequent freeze-thaw cycles can cause shingles or shakes to split or crack. This cycle can allow moisture intrusion underneath the roofing system and expose the roof deck or underlayment to moisture, mold, mildew, and moss growth.
Wind – High winds can rip cedar shingles or shakes off roofs and cause them to loosen or curl.
Hail – We see many instances of hail damage to cedar shake roofs in Oregon. Even small pieces of hail can cause cracks, dents, or holes in your roof that get worse over time.
Animals and Insects – Cedar is at risk of damage from animals and insects. Rodents, birds, and other wildlife can access your roof by overhanging trees or nearby structures. They can cause major damage very quickly and eventually significantly diminish the structural integrity of your roof.
Moss, Mold, Fungi, and Mildew – Cedar shingles and shakes are susceptible to moss, mold, fungi, and mildew. If your roof turns a dark gray, it may be colonized by microfungi. If you see silvery, green, brown, or black patches or stains, you may have moss, mold, or mildew growth.
Extreme Temperatures – Extreme heat and cold can damage cedar shakes and shingles. Eventually, your cedar roof will go from reddish-brown to silvery gray due to UV exposure, cold temperatures, snow, ice, rain, and heat.
Poor Installation – If a cedar roof was poorly or improperly installed or if your contractor used sub-par materials, it will age faster and experience more wear and tear.
Improper Drainage or Ventilation—Without proper drainage and ventilation, your roof is at a greater risk of damage due to humidity, moisture intrusion, UV damage, wind damage, and mold, mildew, moss, or fungi growth.

Can You Protect Your Cedar Roof From Damage?

You can protect your cedar roof from certain types of damage, but others are out of your control. Here are some tips for protecting your cedar roofing:

Apply a specialized wood preservative or sealant to protect it from water intrusion, UV damage, and insects.
Invest in CedarSilver roofing treatments to clean your roof and protect it from moss, lichen, and fungi.
Do not ever pressure wash your cedar roof.
Use a natural oil replacement to restore and replenish the natural oils in cedar shakes.
Use natural methods to restore the original color of your cedar shake roof.
Make sure all gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are operating properly.
Hire professionals for roofing inspections and roofing repairs.

What Are the Most Important Types of Cedar Roof Maintenance?

Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your roof. The most important types of cedar roof maintenance are:

Regularly cleaning debris from the roof.
Cleaning the gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly.
Inspecting your roof every season and before and after major storms to check for signs of damage.
Keeping trees and plants trimmed so they don’t overhang the roof.
Closing holes, gaps, or cracks so rodents and animals can’t access your home.
Regularly inspecting insulation, ventilation, and drainage systems.
Hiring a professional for a roofing inspection every one to three years, depending on the age of your roof.

Signs You Need Cedar Shingle or Cedar Shake Roof Replacement

Even with care and maintenance, you may eventually need to replace your cedar roof or invest in cedar re-roofing services. Here are some warning signs you need cedar roof replacement:

Curling, cracked, or loose cedar shingles or shakes
Missing cedar shingles or shakes
Sagging roof or roof deck
Sagging ceilings
Signs of water damage
Signs of roof rot
Mold, mildew, algae, fungi, or moss growth on the roof or exterior siding
Damaged flashing, soffit, or fascia
Broken or clogged gutters or downspouts
Roof leaks
Rafter or purlin damage
Color loss or a gray or white roof

Why Choose Cedartech Roofing for Cedar Roof Services?

At Cedartech Roofing, we have been providing quality, reliable cedar roof services since 1991. We pride ourselves on our commitment to exceptional workmanship, materials, and customer service. We are a member of the Construction Contractor’s Board and the Better Business Bureau. Our unique process is designed to protect and restore your roof without causing damage or wear and tear. We don’t cut corners, and we stand by our work. We offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all cedar roof services and a five-year warranty on our CedarSilver applications.

Schedule a Cedar Roof Inspection

Call us now or contact us online to schedule a cedar roof inspection. Our specialists can determine if you need cedar roof repairs, restoration, or cedar roof. We will offer a free quote for the cost of cedar roof replacement services and answer any questions you have about the process.