Last Updated on March 4, 2022 by Kravelv
One of things you should know when planning a roof project is which are materials available for you to choose from. There are a number of options, each of which offers its unique features and benefits. In this post, I will walk you through the basics of wood shake roofing so you can see why you should put it on your list of viable choices.
What is Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shake is a type of wood roofing. Like wood shingles, shakes are typically manufactured from western red cedar, pine, cypress, and redwood trees. Shakes are split from logs and then reshaped to fit for building use. They are also thicker than shingles, with one or both surfaces intentionally split to provide a textured effect.
Why Choose Wood Shake Roofing
While other roofing materials such as metal and asphalt appear to be more popular among American homeowners, there is no denying that wood roofs offer a number of irresistible benefits, too.
Aesthetics. Wood shakes have interesting color variations that offer a natural and timeless look to significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal. Shakes have a rustic, rough-hewn appeal with a rugged, yet warm and welcoming vibe.
Excellent Insulation. Wood is a natural insulator; thus, any building material made from wood can be expected to offer the same benefit. This makes wood shakes an energy-efficient choice. In fact, shakes provide natural insulation up to two times better than asphalt shingles.
Durability. Wood shakes are usually made from the toughest woods. When properly maintained, they are able to resist rot and pest infestation. Cedar shakes, for instance, can last for up to 35 years.
Weather Resistance. Wood shakes have natural preservatives that make them resistant to the elements. They can resist moisture, UV rays, and strong winds. They can also adapt to any climate. Furthermore, they can be factory-treated to become fire- and fungus-resistant.
Maintaining the Beauty of Wood Shake Roofing
People mostly put off the idea of getting a wood roof because of the notion that wood shakes require extensive maintenance. This may be true, but then again, all roofing materials actually need to be maintained well to stay in optimal condition for years. Here are some basic maintenance tips that can help retain the beauty of wood shake roofing – and believe me, none will cost you any more than the will to keep your wood roofing in good shape.
- Debris such as leaf litter, conifer needles, and bird nests, among others, should be removed. They can deteriorate the roof in two ways: First, they can block shedding water. Second, they can hinder complete drying and retain moisture.
- Wood roofs in general should be kept dry as much as possible. To promote effective and complete drying, it is important to remove overhanging branches that shade sections of the roof. You may also need to prune or trim trees, if any, to allow for maximum airflow.
- From time to time, you may want to enlist the services of a roofing professional to perform a thorough inspection on your roof. This will ensure that there’s no hidden damage slowly eating away at your roof.
Choosing a roof for your home can be both exciting and overwhelming, but as long as you know your options, you’ll be pretty much set. But if you want to be absolutely sure about your choice, do consult a professional roofing contractor.
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Author Bio:
Dawn Smith is General Manager of Peak Roofing Contractors. With her attention to detail, promptness, and efficiency, and over a decade of professional experience in the roofing industry, she has loads of tips and information that she gladly shares with people with a similar passion for home improvement. Check out her blog at http://www.peakroofingcontractors.com/our-blog/ and/or check for updates at https://www.facEB.com/peakroofingcontractors.
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