How to Repair a Wood Shake Roof

Wood shake roofs are beautiful. They give homes a classic look that appeals to homeowners everywhere. However, they are also prone to a lot of damage, and exposure to the elements, lack of maintenance, and time will render them broken, worn out, and unsightly. When wood shake roofs are in bad shape, the only solution is to contact a roof installation company and have them replace the shingles and other parts. However, if the damage is not extreme, you can perhaps do some DIY fixes in order to save some cash.

Before you touch the roof or call an expert, make sure that you first inspect the roof thoroughly. Are the shingles cupped or curled? Are they split or cracked? Is water leaking into the house? If it is not, then do you really need to have them replaced? Remember, wood shake roofs can be very expensive. Also, ask yourself the main reason why you are thinking of re-doing the roof. Is it mainly for aesthetics or practical purposes?

DIY Wood Shake Repair
If you are having trouble assessing your roof, you can always call a professional to do the inspection for you, and help you decide whether you need your roof done right now or if it can wait.
If you think the problems are minor, and you know that you are good with hammers and nails, then why not try these quick repairs?
If the wood shake is curled, you can try to nail the edges down, although you have to be careful. You may end up boring a hole through your roof and risk leaks. If the wood shake is badly curved, replacement is your only option.

If the wood shake is split and water is seeping in, then you should definitely replace it. You can do this by using a chisel and hammer to break the shingles into smaller pieces so you can pull them out easily. Once you have cleared the split shingle, you can slide in a new one and nail it. However, there are certain techniques that must be employed, like trimming the shake if it does not fit quite right (weathering can cause the nearby shakes to warp and thus make it difficult to install a single piece of shake in between), hammering it in the right angle (nails must be driven at an upward angle) and so on.

Wood shake roofs are beautiful, and add a classic touch to any home they are installed in. However, without proper care and maintenance, then they can turn into an eyesore. When you do attempt to conduct repairs, you need to be careful because the roof shingle may fall, break, or split when you step on them.

However, if you are unsure, then you can simply call a repairman to do the job for you. Hadley Roofing specializes in all kinds of roofing installs and repairs. Feel free to get in touch!