Specialty Roofing Material (Wood Shake) – Secondary Inspection Necessary

The home was roofed with a wooden shake/shingle roofing material. This non-traditional roofing product is rare within this area and requires specialized training and knowledge to fully inspect. The inspection of specialty roofing materials lies outside the scope of a general home inspector.

Please Note: It is strongly recommended that prior to the expiration of the inspection period that the buyer hire a qualified roofing specialist to inspect this roof system.

How Wood Shingles Differ from Wood Shakes

Wood Shingles traditionally have a smooth and uniform look, not just across each plate but over an entire roof. This is due to the traditional manufacturing method of sawing off singular cedar shingles from one block of wood. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are traditionally hand split, which leads to a rougher texture and finish. An appearance like this manifest as a lack of uniformity across each shake and covering for the entirety of the roof.

Exposed Fasteners

Exposed nail heads were noted on the roof surface that had not been properly sealed. Both shingle and roofing component manufacturers recommend that ALL exposed roofing fasteners be sealed with an appropriate roofing/exterior rated sealant. The head of an unsealed fastener will rust and slowly deteriorate. This deterioration can allow moisture to travel down the nail shank and damage the underlying roof sheathing. The inspector recommends that ALL exposed roof fasteners be sealed by a qualified roofing contractor.

Lifted Wooden Shakes/Shingles – Under-Driven Fastener

The indicated wooden shakes/shingles were noted to be lifted from the roof surface by an under-driven fastener. These lifted shakes are at a significantly increased risk of wind damage. The Inspector recommends repair by a qualified roofing contractor.

Damaged Wooden Shake/Shingle(s)

During the inspection of the roof, damaged wooden shakes/shingles were found. (Location detailed within the pictures) These damaged shakes are potential moisture intrusion points. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then make the necessary repairs.

Damaged Wooden Shake/Shingle(s) – Roof Sheathing Exposed

During the inspection of the roof, an area of extensive roof damage/deterioration with exposed sheathing was noted. (Location detailed within the pictures) This damage is a likely moisture intrusion point. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then make the necessary repairs.

Missing Wooden Shake/Shingle(s) – Underlayment Exposed

During the inspection of the roof, an area of missing wooden shakes/shingles with exposed underlayment was noted. (Location detailed within the pictures) The exposed roof sheathing/underlayment is subject to moisture damage. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then make the necessary repairs.

Cracked Wooden Shake/Shingle(s)

During the inspection of the roof, damaged(cracked) wooden shakes/shingles were noted. (Location detailed within the report photos) These damaged shakes are potential moisture intrusion points. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then make the necessary repairs.

Discoloration

There were areas of the roofing surface that were discolored or stained. This organic staining is common and is part of the normal aging of the roof surface. If desired, contractors with soft wash technology/equipment can clean the roof surface and often reduce the amount of visible staining.

Moss Growth

Moss growth was noted on the roofing surface. (Location detailed within the report photos) Moss growth is common on shaded areas of the roof that are not able to fully dry out. Heavy moss growth can lead to a buildup of roof debris and cause accelerated deterioration of the affected shingles. It is recommended that a qualified contractor treat/clean the affected shingles.

Loose Wooden Shake/Shingle(s)

During the inspection of the roof, loose wooden shakes/shingles were noted. (Location detailed within the report photos) These loose shakes are potential moisture intrusion points and are at an increased risk of additional/ further wind damage. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then make the necessary repairs.

Hail Damage – Minor/Cosmetic

During the inspection of the roof, some impact damage on the wooden shakes/shingles surface (possible hail damage) was observed. This damage was minimal and did not penetrate the shake. Depending upon the comfort level of the buyer, further evaluation by an insurance adjuster or roofing contractor may be a consideration.

Hail Damage – Needs Further Evaluation

During the inspection of the roof, some impact damage on the wooden shake surface (possible hail damage) was observed. This damage could potentially shorten the useful lifespan of the shakes. Further evaluation by an insurance adjuster or roofing contractor is recommended.

Roof Debris - Organic

Debris was noted on areas of the roofing surface (Location detailed within the report photos) This debris can potentially slow the flow of water down and off the roof surface allowing water to potentially back up and flow under the shingles. It is recommended that the roof debris be removed.

Roof Debris - Construction

Construction debris was noted on areas of the roofing surface (Location detailed within the report photos) This debris can potentially slow the flow of water down and off the roof surface allowing water to potentially back up and flow under the shingles and/or clog the gutters. It is recommended that the roof debris be removed.

Damaged Ridge Cap Shakes

During the inspection of the roof, damaged ridge cap shakes were noted. (Location detailed within the report photos) These damaged wooden shakes/shingles are potential moisture intrusion points and are at an increased risk of wind damage. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to make the necessary repairs.

Missing Ridge Cap Shakes

During the inspection of the roof, missing ridge cap wooden shakes were noted (Location detailed within the report photos) These damaged/missing wooden shakes/shingles are potential moisture intrusion points, and the adjoining shakes are at an increased risk of wind damage. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to make the necessary repairs.

Tree Damaged Shakes – Roof Edge

A number of damaged wooden shakes/shingles were noted on the edge of the roof (location detailed within the pictures). It appears that the damage is result of impact damage caused by tree limbs. It is recommended that the damaged shakes be replaced by a qualified roofing contractor and that the tree limbs near the damage area be trimmed or removed.

Patched - OK

Evidence of a past repair was noted on the roof surface. The repair appeared to be professional in both methods and materials. The patch appeared to be performing as intended at the time of the inspection.

Non-Professional Repair

A non-professional repair was noted on the roof surface (Location detailed within the report photos). This repair / patch appeared to be temporary in nature and will need to be replaced by a qualified roofing contractor using the appropriate methods and materials.

Non-Professional Installation

During the inspection of the roof, there were multiple issues noted with the installation quality of the wooden shakes/shingles. The roof installation appeared to be non-professional and the long-term ability of the roof surface to protect the home is suspect. It is strongly recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate the roof system and determine if repair/replacement is necessary.

Slope Less than 4:12 – INPUT REQUIRED

The wooden shake/shingle roof had a roof slope of * x * :12. According to both modern building standards and shingle manufacturers’ installation recommendations, asphalt shingles should NOT be installed on roofs with a slope of less than 4 feet of rise over 12 feet or 4:12. When a shingle roof is not installed to the recommended specifications, the roof is at an increased risk of failure and or leakage. It is recommended that a qualified roofing contractor be asked to further evaluate and then create an action plan for repairs.

Excessive Shingle Overhang

The wooden shake/shingle overhang at the roof edge was excessive. Shingle manufacturers recommend that the wooden shake/shingle extend past the roof surface by approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Excessive overhang can result in damage to the shake/shingle as a result of wind lifting the leading edge of the shingled surface. As installed currently, the roof’s surface life expectancy could be reduced (potentially significantly).

Inadequate Shingle Overhang

The shingle overhang at the roof edge was not adequate. Shingle manufacturers recommend that the wooden shake/shingle extend past the roof surface by approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Inadequate shingle overhang can allow water to blow up under the shingle. As installed currently, the roof’s surface is at an increased likelihood of roof leakage.

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