Some homes around the Minneapolis area have wood shake roofing.  If yours does, this post is for you.  shingle-246965_640One of the biggest selling points for wood shakes is the weathered look that they provide to a roof. However, this type of roofing also comes with a list of maintenance points that have to be adhered too. Without proper maintenance, you're going to find that your wood shakes do not last as long as you’d like them too.

Spring in the perfect time of the year to do this maintenance and inspection. It is never too early to start thinking about the maintenance that needs to be done around your home when the weather gets nicer. The better you care for the outside of your home, the more comfortable the inside will be. Not only that, but you’ll help save money by not having to repair or replace the items on a yearly basis.

Generally, any roofing repairs should be handled by a professional. Not only that, but an inspection should also be carried out by a professional roofing contractor, both for safety reasons and to ensure that you haven't missed something.  Here are things that you should do, or hire someone to do for you:

  • The roof should be washed using a stiff brush and water.
  • Tree limbs and branches that are hanging over your home should be cut away and removed.
  • Any gutters that are around the home should be cleaned out and checked for clogs.
  • Look for mold or mildew that is building up on the roof as well. This may indicate moisture problems - have your roofing company check it out.  Applying a mildewcide or fungicide can help reduce future buildup.
All of this maintenance should be done twice or even three times a year to ensure that your wood shake roof stays in good shape.

If you like the look of wood shake roofing but not all the maintenance that goes with it, then why not consider replacing it with a metal roof? We can install steel or other metal roofing that looks just like the real wood shakes on your home but without all of the upkeep that is involved. Never have to worry about having to do this checklist again when you make the switch. Call us here at Quarve when you’re ready for the change.  We provide free estimates, and we can also inspect your existing roof.

Quarve Contracting, Inc. is a licensed MN exterior home improvement contractor, and we install and repair roofs in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, as well as in western Wisconsin.