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When installed and maintained properly, a cedar shake roof should last up to 60 years. Severe weather and high winds will damage your roof, reducing its life span. Expect a shorter life span if the roofer didn't use top-grade material, didn’t have cedar shake expertise, didn’t create the proper ventilation, or didn’t use the correct fasteners. Keeping up with maintenance will help it last longer. It’s also a good idea to get roof inspections on a regular basis to help spot repairs before they become major issues.

Condensation can occur on the inside of a roof, but it should always be temporary. It does not necessarily mean there is a roof leak. Condensation happens when the inside and outside of a house are at different temperatures. For instance, if it is hot during the day and then gets very cold at night, the inside of the house will be warmer than the outside and may cause condensation to form on the inside of the attic. This may not be cause for concern, but if it is happening frequently, it should be addressed; otherwise, it could cause roof leaks, compromise the structural integrity of the wood, or allow mold to grow.

Fall is widely considered the best time of year to replace a roof. The moderate temperatures are ideal for roofing crews to work and for new shingles to seal properly. Additionally, autumn weather is often drier, reducing the risk of weather-related delays compared to the rainier spring season.

While spring is also a viable option, the higher chance of rainfall can slow down the project. The main drawback to a fall installation is that it's the peak season for roofers, which can lead to higher prices and scheduling challenges.

To potentially save money, you could consider scheduling your roof replacement during the summer or winter off-seasons. However, both seasons have significant disadvantages. Extreme summer heat can make shingles too soft to handle, while winter's cold, snow, and ice can create dangerous working conditions and prevent shingles from sealing correctly, as they typically require temperatures above 40-45°F.

A gable roof with steep pitches covered in asphalt shingles or wood shakes is the most popular roof for Cape Cod homes. Asphalt shingles started gaining popularity in the early 1900s, so wood shake roofs, which were popular in the 1700s when Cape Cod homes were first built, are the traditional option. You can further modernize your Cape Cod home by raising the roof in the front, back, or both to add living space and change up the traditional single-gable roof with doghouse dormers.