How to Spot Uncommon Problems with Your Wood Shake Roof

Wood shakes are one of the oldest materials used to make roof coverings. The fact that they have such a long use can make you understand that they are materials of natural origin and, consequently, environmentally friendly. Nowadays, given the fact that many other more resistant and durable roofing materials have appeared, wood shake roofs are used especially in restoration projects of old buildings that had such roofs originally; however, it can still be the preferred option for those who want to realize projects in a traditional rustic style.

The vast majority of sloping roofs in the northern states of the United States and throughout Canada were covered with wood until the middle of the twentieth century, after which wood began to become less popular as a roofing material.

The service life of such a roof can be estimated around 30 years, with proper maintenance, but you need to be aware that wood has not only advantages, but also specific vulnerabilities.

The humidity issue is perhaps the most important. Wood is known to have a high hygroscopicity, a property that causes damage over time, due to the dimensional changes it undergoes, between periods of temperature variations. Besides, shingles are not finished very rigorously, since their natural streaks, corresponding to the fibers of the wood, help to drain the water faster. There are waterproofing methods that can be used by roofing companies, but they are not necessarily based on environmentally friendly products.

To spot problems with your wood shake roof, even the most uncommon ones, you will need to ensure regular maintenance performed by a roofing company Highlands Ranch area or talk with them about other roofing options with less maintenance requirements.