Can you believe that if you take care of a wood shake roof, it can last up to 50 years before needing to be replaced? Besides their natural beauty, that fact is one of the most attractive things about a wood shake roof to homeowners. If you have questions about California wood shake roofing and its benefits, contact the professional roofing team at Noah’s Roofing.
What Is Wood Shake Roofing?
Wood shake roofing is made from wooden shingles or shakes, usually crafted from natural wood, such as cedar and redwood. These are the most common choices due to their durability and resistance. Wood shake roofing gained popularity in the colonial period due to its lightweight design that was easy to install.
Types of Wood Used in Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shake roofing comes in various kinds of wood species, and each has unique characteristics, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Cedar, specifically Western redcedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and white cedar, is used because of its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to decay and insects. Each type of cedar wood features a unique and distinctive appearance, including how it weathers over time. For example, Western redcedar develops a silver-gray patina as it ages.
Redwood is another popular wood species used because of its natural resistance to insects and decay. Redwood has a distinct appearance and weathers over time to a silver-gray color.
Southern pine is sometimes used, though not as often as redwood or cedar. This is because it is not as durable; however, southern pine can be treated with preservatives to enhance its resistance to decay and insects. It is also a more popular choice due to its lighter color.
When deciding what type of wood to use in your wood shake roofing, you should keep in mind your local climate, maintenance requirements, and the availability of wood species. There may also be local building codes and regulations you will have to follow.
Why People Choose Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shakes can be an attractive option for people as they can be tailored to fit a home’s aesthetic, increase its curb appeal, and are relatively easy to install. But these are not the only reasons people choose wood shake roofing. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Natural Aesthetic Appeal and Architectural Versatility – Wood shake roofs have a natural and timeless look that adds warmth and charm to any home because of their distinctive grain patterns, color variations, and rustic appearance, which many people find attractive. Wood shakes are versatile and complement many different architectural styles.Additionally, the natural weathering process of each wood adds character and uniqueness.
- Insulating and Eco-Friendly Properties – Many homeowners love the eco-friendly nature of wood shake roofing. Wood shakes are great at providing natural insulation, which regulates the home’s temperature and increases energy efficiency. Since wood is a renewable resource, when done with sustainability, it can be an environmentally friendly roofing option.
- Durable and Resistant – Wood shake roofs are wind-resistant and can withstand various weather conditions. Their natural preservatives protect the wood from pests, moisture, rot, UV rays, and even shrinking and swelling.
- Customization Options – Wood shakes are customizable and are available in different sizes, wood species, finishes, and installation patterns.
- Historical and Traditional Appeal – Wood shake roofing has a long history and was used in many traditional and historic homes.
- Investment in Home Value – Wood shake roofs can increase the overall value of a home due to their unique and long-lasting qualities. Due to this, choosing this style of roof can be seen as an investment.
Cost of a Wood Shake Roof
The cost of a wood shake roof varies depending on the quality and type of wood used, local labor costs, the size and pitch of the roof, the amount of decking that has to be replaced, and any potential recycling and dump fees.
To get a more accurate quote based on your wood shake roofing needs, it is recommended to get an estimate from an experienced roofing contractor at Noah’s Roofing.
FAQs
Q: What Is Wood Shake Roofing?
A: Wood shake roofing is usually made from cedar, redwood, or other durable types of wood. They are shaped into shakes or shingles and are known for their rustic and natural appearance. Their distinctive grain pattern and color variations are used to enhance the aesthetic of a home.
Q: What Is the Life Expectancy of a Wood Shake Roof?
A: How long your wood shake roof will last depends on a few different factors, such as the quality and what type of wood is used, local climate, whether routine maintenance and cleaning are performed, and how good of a job the contractor did. The two most common types of wood used, cedar and redwood, can have a lifespan between 20-50 years.
Q: Are Wood Shakes More Expensive Than Other Roofing Materials?
A: Wood shakes are often more expensive upfront compared to other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. This is because of their durability and a potential lifespan of up to 50 years, which could lead to cost savings in the long term.
Q: How Do You Maintain a Wood Shake Roof?
A: Maintaining a wood shake roof can lengthen its lifespan and preserve its natural beauty. It is recommended that you do regular inspections at least twice a year to check for signs of damage and loose shakes, clear debris, mildew, moss, and algae so that moisture is not trapped, and apply preservatives or sealants, fire treatments, and apply insecticides to keep away termites or carpenter ants.
Q: How Do I Know if My Shake Roof Needs Replacing?
A: If you see cracked, missing, curled, cupped, rotted, or decaying shakes, the roof may need repairs or replacements, as well as if there is excessive mold, mildew, or algae growth. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact an experienced roofing contractor for an inspection.
Choose the Right Shake Roof Contractor
At Noah’s Roofing, we offer verified, high-quality services at an affordable rate. If you are looking for an experienced, licensed roofing contractor to replace, restore, or repair your wood shake roof, contact us today for your free, personal estimate.
