All roofing materials have advantages. Understanding how a certain material can benefit you is a good way to determine which roofing option is right for you. If you are looking to replace your old roof, there are plenty of good reasons to choose wood shakes. Some of these include:
- Wood shakes impart a rustic feel that makes a home more charming. A range of finishes may be used to accentuate the roofing material’s beauty but if none were used, it will also age wonderfully, providing a home with character.
- High Durability. Wood shakes are tough enough to withstand various weather conditions, complemented by natural resistance to decay, insects, and UV damage.
- Eco-friendliness. Wood shakes are sustainable. They can also be recycled and re-purposed as new shakes, reducing trash in landfills.
- Superb Insulation. Wood is a great insulator. By helping prevent heat loss and transfer, wood shakes normalize indoor temperature, allowing for a more efficient use of electricity in your home. Not only will this help ensure your comfort but you’ll also save on costs because your HVAC system is not working overtime to address your heating and cooling needs.
- Fire-resistance. When wood shakes are treated, they are imbued with fire-resistant capabilities. These vary though, depending on the fire-resistance ratings. Class A offers the best kind of protection while a “C” grade has the least.
- Long Lifespan. While the exact number of years that wood shakes would last depends on various factors, it is not unthinkable for cedar to last 30 to 40 years up on a roof. Wood shakes also last longer than shingles.
Did you know?
There are four main types of wood shakes, each one based on how the roofing material was split. These include:
- Taper-split. A shake is split on both sides, tapering from butt to tip
- Straight-split. A shake is split on both sides but not tapered
- Hand-split. A shake is split on its surface facing up, tapering
- Taper-sawn. A shake is sawn on both sides, looking similar to a shingle with a heavier butt
Sold on wood shakes? Make the most out of getting the roofing material by properly caring for them. Head on over to the next part to learn more.
