Crazy roof question
 

I just bought a well built but 20 years old house. My contractor friend indicates that the roof could be new and only installed a few years. I went to the attic and everything looks like they are in excellent shape. My weird question is whether or not people waterproof their wood structure on the roof to keep them in better shape longer. I ask this because all attic are hotter and colder than the house and that tend to age things quicker. Should wood be treated with water seal to prevent aging.

If I was building my own home, stick by stick with my bare hands, I would either use treated lumber or waterproof it myself. Call me crazy but I want my house to last as long as possible.

Thanks.

A properly installed/maintained roof does not allow water in
So no waterproofing required
Roof lumber will last hundreds of years w/proper roofs

I agree with Scuba Dave. I tore off my Dad's 150 year old farmhouse, and his framing and decking was discolored due to age, but otherwise in perfect condition.

i doubt new fast growth framing will withstand the test of time

Its not like his house was built of old growth hardwood... just pine trees like nowadays.

My last house was almost 100 years old
Poor maintainence & roof for the last maybe 5-8 years & was still in pretty good shape
Only 1 rafter was broken - due to weight of 5 layers of roofing & a heavy branch landing on it from an oak tree
Rest were not rotted, roof boards (sheathing) were fine too

"If I was building my own home, stick by stick with my bare hands, I would either use treated lumber or waterproof it myself. Call me crazy but I want my house to last as long as possible." ---------
Does pressure-treated lumber need waterproofing?
Yes. Pressure-treated wood is pretreated with chemicals to prevent insect damage and rot. It is not waterproofed. The chemical treatment actually causes the lumber to dry out quicker and absorb more water than untreated lumber. When wood absorbs water, it swells. As the wood dries, it shrinks. These cycles cause wood to crack, warp and split - this is typically what is meant by "water damage." From: http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/advice/faq.cfm

Be safe, Gary

Thanks for the information of treated lumber and its durability limitation. I really appreciate it. This is my first house and I really like the location, style, and neighborhood, which is located in a good school district area and is very convenient to everything except my job.