How Long Do Cedar Shake Shingles Last? The Complete Guide to Lifespan and Care

Cedar shingle shakes have been loved for decades with their rustic good looks, natural beauty, and longevity. They not only put warmth and character into houses and boost the home's appeal at the curb and beyond but also demonstrate superior weather resistance. But if you're going to get cedar shingle shakes placed on a home, or if you've got them and need a solution to the query of how long they last, the solution will be dependent upon a myriad of factors that include weather, maintenance, and the shingle quality itself.

The Lifespan of Cedar Shake Shingles

Generally speaking, the life of a cedar shingle will be 30-50 years if it receives regular maintenance and attention. However, this life cycle does not follow a set standard. There will be a multitude of factors that will dictate the life of your roof of cedar shakes:

Factors Influencing Cedar Shake Shingle Durability

Quality of Cedar - Cedar of good quality, like Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar, will be stronger and resistant to rot.
Climate Conditions –Severe weather patterns, including heavy rains, snowfall and intense UV sunlight, will influence the life of the cedar shake shingle roof.

Proper Installation: Proper installation of the shingle reduces the likelihood of premature wear and tear and deterioration.

Regular maintenance: Continuous cleaning and maintenance and periodic repairs will substantially extend the life of a roof with cedar shakes.

Protective Treatments: Treatments such as the application of fire retardant and a preservative will help offer additional strength and insect and moisture resistance.

Drainage and roofing – a roof that slopes sharply permits the free flow of water and prevents the entrapment of moisture and rotting.

Underlayment Quality: Installation of a superior-quality moisture-resistant underlayment behind the shingles will protect the roof framing and extend the life of the shingles.

Signs Your Cedar Shake Shingles Need Attention

Although they will endure years, the shingle will weather with the passage of years. The homeowner will be required to note the weathering of the shingle with the onset of the following:
Splitting or Curling: This happens if shingles get dehydrated and they lose the natural moisture that they normally contain.

Algae Growth or Moss Growth: Too much moisture that becomes trapped in the shingles will cause fungal growth that will rot the shingles.

Leaks or Water Damage: You will observe the marks of water inside the home if the roof shingles get damaged.

Thinning of the Shingle - Over the years, the Cedar shingles get thinned and become easy to break.
Discoloration and Warping – Uneven colour changes and warping may indicate exposure damage or insufficient ventilation.

Insect Infestation - Wood-infesting pests such as termites may be compromising the strength of the cedar shingle.

Maintenance Instructions that will extend the life of Cedar Shake Shingles

Regular maintenance will help extend the life of the cedar shake shingles. The maintenance tips that follow will keep the roof in top shape:

1. Keep it clean
Leaves and debris will also hold moisture and allow mildew and moss to develop at a faster rate. Remove debris at regular times with a soft-bristled broom or blower in an effort not to allow moisture accumulation.

2. Trim Overhanging Branches
Hanging branches also enable branches and leaves to fall and create gutters and moisture accumulation. Branches that extend beyond the roof and get pruned curtail this and preclude falling branches' hazards.

3. Ensure Adequate Ventilation
A ventilated roof maintains the balance of moisture and prevents premature deterioration. Make sure that the roof system and the attic allow enough air flow so that there will be no accumulation of excess moisture.

4. Apply Protective Treatments
These shingle shakes of cedar may be fire retarded, treated with a preservative and weather-resistant sealed. They ward off moisture and insect invasions and also provide fire resistance.

5. Perform frequent checks
Regular 1-2 times a year checks with a specialist will identify small faults that will not yet be major repairs. Loose and damaged shakes will be identified, and specialist roofers will recommend repairs.

6. Repair or Replace Leaky Shingles immediately
If you notice damaged shingles that are cracked or missing, replace them as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might lead to major issues such as leakage and faults in the structure.

7. Clear Out the Gutters
Gutter blocking leads to stagnation of the water against the roof and maximizes the probability of moisture infiltration and rotting. Proper drainage and removal of the water damage ensue if the gutters are cleaned at regular intervals.

Advantages of Cedar Shake Shingles

Natural Look – Provides a timeless and sophisticated look.
Durability: They will last decades if they're properly maintained
Energy efficiency: The higher insulation reduces the energy bills.
Environmentally friendly - Cedar is a natural and degradable substance.
Weather Resistance – Strong against harsh temperatures if treated properly.

Drawbacks of Cedar Shake Shingles
Greater Initial Cost – Higher than the cost of asphalt shingles.
Maintenance Needs: Ongoing maintenance is required to sustain longevity.
Flammability: Cedar shingles that are not fire retardant treated will be potentially more flammable than any roofing system.

Closing Remarks
If properly maintained, the shingles of the cedar will be beautiful and protected for decades. You will be able to know how long they will last and how they will be maintained if you know how they live and die. You will be able to keep the durable and beautiful shingles of the cedar for thirty years, forty years, and fifty years if the cleaning, repairs, and maintenance checks are maintained.

If you're having a cedar shake roof put in place or need maintenance performed routinely, call a roofing company to keep the shingles in prime condition and looking great. The shingles will continue protecting and beautifying the home for years and years with regular maintenance performed.

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