A Shake Roof Repair Guide to Stop Leaks and Rot Problems
Wood roofing is often vulnerable to different problems that don't affect asphalt shingles. These problems can start when the shakes begin to cure or they can develop as the roof gets older. No matter what causes the issues, you should address the issues to prevent them from getting worse. The following repair guide will help you deal with some of the most common problems that affect wood roofing:
1. Cracks and Curling as Shake Roofing Cures
The wood roofing you have installed on your home will crack and curl as it cures. This can cause leaks to develop and severe damage if you do not address these problems. If your wood roofing is newer, you can contact a roof repair contractor to replace the defected shakes once they've had time to cure and these problems become visible.
2. Nails That Cause Damage
Nails can also cause problems with leaks on a wood roof. Nails can be exposed at the edges of shakes and cause leaks. The wood curing can cause nails to be exposed as it dries due to shrinkage. Repairs will be needed in these areas to stop leaks from causing severe damage to the roofing materials. Replace shakes that have been damaged by fasteners and make sure nails are not exposed where they can cause leaks.
3. Moisture Barriers that Cause Leaks
Wood roofing is installed with moisture barriers on each row. If the moisture barrier is damaged or works loose, it can eventually cause leaks and problems. These problems often start when the asphalt felt paper or other materials become loose from beneath the shakes. Without the moisture barrier, the wood roofing is exposed to problems with moisture getting through and causing damage. A contractor should install new moisture barrier materials wherever necessary to stop the damage from getting worse.
4. Moisture Problems that Cause Rot
There are problems that start when moisture and condensation get trapped beneath wood roofing. These problems are caused by moisture that gets trapped beneath the roofing materials. When moisture gets trapped, it can cause shakes to wear and rot. Replace rotten shakes and keep the surface of the roof clean to prevent these problems.
These are the most common problems that affect wood roofing and what you will need to do to fix them. If you can't or don't want to address these repair tasks, consider working with local roof repair services.