Leave Cedar Shake Installation to Reliable Roofers

Homes may use asphalt or composite shingles for their rooftops, but there are many homeowners who still stand by good old wood. Experts recommend cedar shakes or shingles for those who want a rustic and natural feel for their roofing systems, specifically because these wood-based materials offer the best in terms of aesthetics and function. However, it is also advisable to engage reliable roofers for such installation, rather than opting for a weekend DIY project.

The task is not simple because wood is very vulnerable to moisture, and can only be fixed with the careful application of preservatives. Some wood panels that have been treated with “fire-retardant” preservatives may even lose their coveted protective layer if the house has a history of extensively using heat sources (such as fireplaces and oil lamps). Professional roofers can work around this by introducing additional wood layers to the roofing system, something that an ordinary homeowner can't possibly know of from the get-go.

Cedar shakes can also be a bit picky when it comes to the selection of fastening materials. Experts recommend galvanized steel staples or nails to provide the best “grip” without damaging the wood material. When it comes to roof flashings, cedar shakes may need to incorporate a few metal plates to protect the wood from concentrated levels of rainwater and melted snow, which can soak even the strongest cedar shakes with dangerous levels of moisture.