Wood Rot and Dry Rot Found on a Beautiful Older Home Roof Inspection

This is a gorgeous older home. Mature trees, classic cedar shake roof, a lot of character. But when we got up close during our roof inspection, we found some things the homeowner had no idea were there - and that's exactly why these inspections matter.

The cedar shake roof has seen better days. Moss, debris buildup, and gaps between shingles where shakes have split or shifted. That alone is worth paying attention to. But what really stood out was the dry rot hiding underneath - exposed underlayment showing through where shakes had completely broken down, with the wood underneath soft and deteriorated. That's not cosmetic. That's a water intrusion waiting to happen.

Then there's the window trim. Up close, the casing shows early-stage wood rot right at the corners where moisture tends to sit longest. The paint is cracking and pulling away, and the wood beneath is starting to go soft. It looks fine from the ground. It's not. This is exactly the kind of thing that turns into a major repair bill if it gets ignored for another season or two.

Older homes like this one are worth protecting. The bones are great. The craftsmanship is there. But wood rot doesn't care about any of that - it just needs moisture and time. Catching it now, before it works its way into the structure, is what keeps a repair manageable instead of massive. That's what a thorough roof inspection is actually for.

If you've got an older home and haven't had anyone take a close look at the roof and exterior in a while, now is a good time to get it on the schedule. Summer books up fast, and getting eyes on it sooner rather than later gives you options.