Your home’s roof is one of its key features, so keeping it in good condition must be a top priority, especially if it is a wood-shake roof. While these roofs are beautiful and durable, they require special care to maintain their chic and rustic appearances. You also need to protect them from damage caused by water and other elements. Here are some effective tips for taking care of your wood roofs and ensuring they last longer and look as good as new all year round.
Top 8 Tips to Maintain Your Wood Shake Roofs
Wood shake roofs are undoubtedly a lovely, natural addition to any home. However, like any other kind of roof, they need regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Here are 8 tips to help you keep your wood roof in top shape:
Inspect Your Roof Regularly
It’s essential to inspect your wood shake roof regularly for any signs of damage. Look for damaged or missing wood shakes, cracks, and other signs of disfigurement, and in case you spot any issues, make sure to address them right away.
Keep Your Roof Clean
Acorns, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on your rooftop and wreak havoc. This can also lead to moss and mold growth, resulting in more extensive damage to your property. Cleaning your roof and removing dirt and debris regularly is crucial to preventing further damage.
Trim Trees and Shrubs near Your Roof
If there are any tall trees on your property that reach your rooftop, they must be trimmed periodically. Overhanging branches can cause debris to collect and harm your roof. So it’s best to keep them trimmed.
Repair Damage Promptly
If you notice any missing or curled shakes, have your roof inspected and fixed immediately. Ignoring the damage will only make the problem worse, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs down the road.
Restore Missing or Damaged Shakes
Proper maintenance can help improve the durability of your wooden roof. Broken or curled shakes can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage. So it would be best to replace any damaged or missing wood roofing shakes as soon as possible. Ideally, wood shake roofs should be cleaned and oiled well every five years to keep them in good condition and prevent damage.
Apply a Sealant to Your Roof
Sealing your roof will help protect it from water damage. Restoring and applying a specialized oil to your rooftop every 5-7 years is recommended to maintain the integrity of the wood shakes.
Clean Your Gutters
It’s essential to keep your gutters clean to prevent water damage. When gutters are clogged, water can back up and cause harm to your roof. So make sure to clear your gutters regularly, especially after rain storms.
Schedule Regular Roof Inspections
It’s crucial to have your roof inspected by a professional every few years. This will ensure that problems are identified before they can get worse and repairs are made on time and in the right way.
A wood shake roof's lifespan depends on the material's quality and how well it was installed. It also depends on your home’s location and the local weather conditions. An excellent way to care for your wood roof is to inspect it periodically, repair any damage as soon as possible, and keep it clean all year round. Oiling your roof every five years will help protect it from weather damage and keep curling, cupping, and decay at bay.
Braswell Construction Group is an award-winning roofing company that provides residential and commercial roofing and restoration services to the residents of Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina. With our team of experienced professionals, no roof repair is too small or too big for us. Contact us today for a free consultation call!