Are wood shakes worth it?
Our roofing company offers you a wide range of roofing materials, and we’ve written a lot about many of them. However, we haven’t covered the wood as roofing material, which is not acceptable considering it was once the most popular material for building in general. Even today, people still love using wood not just for roofing but for decorating their house as well. Many details around the house or the furniture is made from wood simply because it gives a certain level of coziness and comfortable feel.
Wood roofing is a traditional form of roofing, and it offers you some benefits as well as some drawbacks. It has the power to transform the whole look of your property, and you have to be careful when choosing it since, unlike slate, it doesn’t fit each architectural style. However, wood shakes can be designed in various ways so you still have some freedom. There are big differences in the pattern, color, thickness and shape of your wooden roofing system. This roofing option can be your smart choice only if it’s installed by a professional, so we are here to help. The Cool Roofing company will inform you about everything you need to know about wood shakes – a traditional and old way of roofing that can easily be used as a modern technique and roofing option. So, sit back and read this article which will teach you everything you need to now about wood shakes and how to get the best out fo the material.
TYPES OF WOOD
First of all, we need you to know about the types of wood. Just like metal, there are differences between each type of wood. So, it’s not the same if your roof is made of red cedar or pine. When it comes to forms, there are two basic categories: shingles and shakes. The difference is in texture and thickness, so shakes are thicker and have more noticeable texture than shingles. Shakes can be made of pine, cypress, redwood trees and pine. It also depends on where the manufacturer is located. If you get the wood material from Scandinavia ( a part of Europe famous for using wood in architecture), you will probably get roof shakes made of pine. North Americans mostly produce shingles and shake made out of California Redwood or Western Red Cedar, so it all depends on where the factory is located in.
WOOD SHAKES: THE GOOD AND THE BAD
Since we live in the 21st century, it is about time to start thinking about the influence on the environment. Wood is a rare roofing material which is completely eco-friendly and has a green factor. The thing about wood is that it is hundred percent natural. Shakes made from wood are renewable roofing option and also biodegradable. Roofing companies all over the globe ( count us in as well) and nature enthusiasts always try to promote the wood for building or roofing since it can be recycled. Wood is also energy efficient- wood shakes provide insulation which will save you up to 35 percent of energy, so you will also save a lot of money.
Except for the incredible looks, wood shakes are also a long lasting roofing option. While asphalt shingles can last for 30 years if you are lucky, wood can go for 40 years without replacement. If you use appropriate preservatives and finishes, you can prolong its lifespan. The right care and maintenance are crucial when it comes to having wood shakes.
Unfortunately, wood is not completely perfect roofing material. There are some flaws and drawbacks that you have to be careful of. While it is one of the most beautifully looking materials, wood is also very expensive. Of course, the final price will depend on the size of your roof and other factors, but wood, in general, is a pricey material. Another drawback is a lot of needed maintenance. Caring for wood shakes is not an option. Your roof will have to be often inspected since there is a lot of things that can harm it. First of all, the insects can make their nests in your roof, so applying chemicals which will stop bugs from coming is a must. Shakes will probably split and fade over time, so it would be smart to learn how to replace individual shakes. Let’s not forget that wood is natural burning material, so be careful of that and get insurance.
Overall, wood can be a great roofing material, but your wooden roof has to be installed by an experienced roofing company which will provide you with all the information you need and warranty as well. So, contact The Cool Roofing company your trustworthy local Atlanta commercial roofing company to get the best out of your roof.
