Cedar shakes change as they weather, so a faded or uneven appearance does not always mean the roof needs repair. The useful clues are changes that expose gaps, loosen shakes, or let water into the home. You can look for several warning signs from the ground and inside your attic, but climbing onto a roof can damage shakes and create a fall risk. Knowing what to watch for helps you decide when a professional inspection is sensible.
Look for visible changes
From the ground, scan each roof slope for shakes that are cracked, split, curled, or missing. Pay attention to areas that look uneven or have openings between pieces. A few surface checks may be part of normal aging, but widespread splits or exposed gaps can leave the layers below vulnerable to wind-driven rain.
Notice whether the damage appears concentrated near a chimney, valley, roof edge, or other transition. These areas can collect water or require careful flashing. Use binoculars or a camera with zoom if helpful, and avoid leaning a ladder against the roof or walking on the shakes.
Check for moisture clues
Inside the home, look for water stains on ceilings and upper walls, peeling paint, or damp areas after rain. In the attic, check for darkened wood, visible daylight through the roof, damp insulation, or a musty smell. Do not touch wet electrical components, and avoid entering an attic if access is unsafe.
A stain may appear far from the roof opening because water can travel along framing before it shows indoors. Note when the mark appears and whether it grows after rain or snowmelt. Photos and a brief record of the location can help a contractor trace the source.
Notice growth and debris
Moss, algae, and piles of leaves can hold moisture against cedar shakes, while branches rubbing across the roof can wear away the surface. Check whether gutters and downspouts are clogged or overflowing; poor drainage can contribute to water backing up near roof edges.
Avoid scraping growth, pressure washing, or applying a roof treatment without guidance. Aggressive cleaning can split or loosen shakes. A contractor can assess whether the growth is affecting the roof and recommend a cleaning method that suits its condition.
Know when to call
Arrange a roofing inspection if you see missing or loose shakes, repeated leaks, multiple cracked areas, damaged flashing, or changes that are getting worse. After severe wind or hail, a professional can check for damage that may not be obvious from the ground. Prompt attention can help clarify whether a small repair is appropriate or whether broader work is needed.
Contact a contractor promptly if water is actively entering the home. Keep people away from sagging ceilings and place a container under a drip only when it is safe. Do not climb onto a wet, icy, or steep roof. Ask the inspector to show you the observed damage, explain any recommended work, and distinguish urgent repairs from routine maintenance.
Regular ground-level checks can help you catch changes before they become harder to manage. Focus on missing or split shakes, moisture inside the home, and growth or debris that may hold water. If you notice these signs or are unsure what you are seeing, contact Des Moines Cedar Roofing to discuss a professional inspection.