Skipping the details, Wood Shake and Shingle roofs-        Chelan, Wenatchee and Leavenworth Home Inspections

Wood roofs- Is it a Shingle or Shake? This at times is very difficult to really know because the modern milling techniques for shingles can mimic shakes, but generally shingles are sawn (smooth) and shakes are split (rough/rustic). 

The common wood species is western red cedar, though redwood, treated pine or even cypress may be used.

Wood roofs can be very beautiful but they need special attention during installation.

This issue I am seeing during the home inspection of the roof is with the use of solid decking behind the wooden shingles/shakes. Improper installation technique on solid decking is causing the shakes to wear much quicker, curl and split. This is shortening the life of the roofing.
 

Wood shakes/shingles need to breath and have air movement around them. The older tradition was to install skip or spaced sheeting which allowed proper air movement around the shakes. Skip sheeting is usually 1x4 or 1x6 evenly spaced for shingle attachment. The more humid the environment the more critical this breathability is.

On the solid decking if this air movement is not properly accounted for you will see issues in the shakes and the decking from moisture and excessive heat.
 

There are breathable membranes that can be installed and some manufactures of the shingles actually design the shingle to have built in integral ventilation.
 

When hiring a roofing contractor it is critical to hire one who truly understands the roofing materials being installed, the environment and the proper installation techniques involved for such environment. It is also important to buy premium Shkes or shingles to get the longevity out of the roof covering.

You don't want to be the one who hears from the home inspector or roofing contractor that the roof is done and it is only 10 years old.

Here is a case study on wood roofs. A 70 year old shake roof

Skiping the details, Wood Shake and Shingle Roofs.
 

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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