Wood Roofing Materials
Admired for their natural warmth and old-world charm, wood shingles and shakes have been used for centuries in various architectural settings. They are still frequently used for homes and structures, and for good reason.
This guide will explore the timeless appeal and practical benefits of wood, a material that has stood the test of time.
From an introduction to wood roofing to a look at the various types of wood used and the advantages of choosing wood, we'll cover all the essential aspects you need to know.
Whether you're a homeowner considering a new roof or someone interested in the architectural beauty of wood shingles, this guide is designed to offer valuable insights and practical advice.
Let's get started.
1. Introduction to Wood Roofing
Wood shingle and shake roofing have been classic materials for years, providing homes with a natural, rustic aesthetic. Wood shingles are made from various types of wood and are sawn on both sides, giving roofs a neat and orderly appearance. Wood shakes are split rather than sawn, resulting in a more rugged, textured look that adds character to any structure.
History of Wood Roofing
Early settlers in North America relied on the abundant forests as a material source when building their homes. Wood became a staple in colonial architecture. Over time, wood shingle and shake roofing have evolved with advancements in manufacturing and treatments to enhance durability and resistance to the elements.
Where It's Used
Wood shingle and shake roofing are popular in many regions, particularly for their natural, traditional look. Wood can be used for residential homes, cottages, and historic buildings. Cedar shingles and shakes are favorites in coastal regions for their natural resistance to moisture and decay. These roofing materials are also used in mountainous areas, providing an organic look that blends with the natural surroundings.
Wood offers numerous benefits. Let's learn more about these in our next section.
2.Benefits of Wood
Wood is a popular roofing material for many reasons. It gives homes, resorts, and other buildings a distinguished, textured look.
Wooden shakes and shingles also feature many other benefits that make them a fantastic investment.
Versatility: Wood can be carved, shaped, and bent, making it great for custom roofing jobs. Wooden shingles and shakes come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, cuts, and patterns. Whether you want an intricately cut trim or a domed roof, wooden shingles create a distinct appearance.
Insulation: Wood is an excellent insulator. It outweighs other roofing material options with great insulating capabilities while also allowing proper ventilation to your roof.
Durability: Wood shingles and shakes are naturally durable, especially when made from rot-resistant wood. With proper treatments, they can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rains, strong winds, and extreme temperatures.
Longevity: Wood roofing can last for decades with appropriate maintenance. High-quality wood shingles and shakes, particularly those treated to resist insects and decay, can provide a beautiful and functional roof for up to 30-50 years.
Sustainability: Wood is a natural, renewable resource. With sustainable harvesting practices, your wood roof can be very environmentally friendly. It's naturally biodegradable, and some varieties of wood roofs can even be recycled. A popular recycling option is to turn shingles into gardening mulch.
Traditional look: Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, wood was one of the most common building materials. Builders used the local trees in their region to craft hand-split shingles and shakes. While most wooden shingles and shakes are machine-manufactured these days, they offer a unique, classic look.
Properly installed and maintained, wood shingles can last for decades, providing a durable and attractive roofing option. However, they do require regular maintenance to prevent issues such as moss growth and weathering. When choosing wood shingles, it's essential to consider factors like wood type, treatment options, and local climate to ensure the best performance and longevity of the roof.
3. Types of Wood for Roofing
Not all wood is created equal. Certain types of wood are better suited for different projects.
Premium hardwoods are best for roofing projects. These woods perform well against the elements, often shedding water and resisting damage such as mold growth and rot.
Dense wood is critical for sheltering your building. Materials with a naturally straight grain are best for most roofs. The best types of wood for roofing include Teak, Wallaba, and Cedar.
Custom Shingles, our sister company, specializes in designing, cutting, and steam-bending individual shingles and shakes. It offers highly customizable products in shape and color. Homeowners, architects, and preservationists love these shingles and shakes because they conform to a variety of architectural styles.
Below are a few of the wood choices Custom Shingles offers, along with their benefits:
Teak: Teak is a luxury shingle made from a premium exotic hardwood. People use it in shipmaking, a testament to its extreme moisture resistance. The wood has a high oil content and a tight grain, which creates a dense, durable roofing material. Teak's superior strength makes it wind-, rain- and even fire-resistant. It also resists the effects of moisture damage, including rot, fungi, and mildew. Despite its reputation as a dense wood, it's workable. Shingles or shakes can be bent into curved patterns.
Teak creates a sophisticated look that will make any home or resort look elegant. It has a muted gold, copper, and tan appearance with natural highlighting. The color will fade to a silvery gray, and the shingles will last between 50 and 80 years. Besides its strength and aesthetic, the material also requires very little maintenance. It will not deteriorate or shrink with time.
Wallaba: Wallaba is a luxury wood prized in many resorts throughout the Caribbean for its beauty and ability to shed water. The wood comes from trees grown in South America. It's an incredibly dense roofing material known for its naturally occurring resins, which protect it from damage. Its coarse texture has a straight grain, which is why you can use it in fencing, flooring, and decks. Even without chemical treatments, it resists fire, decay, and insects.
Wallaba is famous for its gorgeous deep red color, which will mature into beautiful silver. Many homeowners simply fall in love with the natural red. The material is lightweight, which makes it easy to install. It's also durable and resistant to mold and mildew. The material requires very little maintenance and will last between 35 and 60 years.
Western Red Cedar: As the most abundant species of cedar, Western Red Cedar is the variety of cedar most people think of first. As the most common species of cedar, it's a cost-effective building material. It's known for its resistance to decay and pleasant aroma. It's a native North American Tree that grows as far south as California and as north as Alaska. It's famous for resisting insects and is also highly resistant to rot and decay. Because of its prestige as a building material, Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular wood roofing options.
Not as bright as Wallaba, Western Red Cedar gives off a reddish-brown. The coloration varies and may get as light as a yellowish gold. It will mature to a regal brownish gray with time, and the shingles are estimated to last between 30 and 50 years.
Eastern White Cedar: In many ways, Eastern White Cedar is comparable to the red and yellow varieties. It's durable, thanks to natural tannins and oils that resist insects, rot, and general decay. Its pale coloration, cell structure, and even grains make it ideal for staining. So, eastern white cedar can match almost any architectural style and color pallet. It's also famous for a sidewall application.
Eastern white cedar is pale yellow or brown and fades to gray over time. Like the western red variety, it lasts 30 to 50 years.
Selecting the best wood for your project is imperative. So is regular maintenance on it. In the next section, we’ll dive into a few essential practices to extend your roof’s lifespan.
4. Maintaining Your Wood Roof
Maintaining a wood roof is essential to preserve its natural beauty and longevity. Regular maintenance extends the roof's life and enhances its performance and appearance. Here are some key practices to keep your wood shingles or shakes in good condition.
Cleaning and Inspections: Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent the buildup of debris, moss, and algae, which can trap moisture and lead to rot. Use a soft brush or a low-pressure washer to remove dirt and organic matter from the surface. It's also important to conduct regular inspections, especially after severe storms. Look for signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, and check for areas where water might pool.
Treatments and Sealants: Applying treatments and sealants can significantly enhance the durability of your wood roof. Wood preservatives help protect against insects, mold, and mildew, while water repellents prevent moisture absorption. Depending on the manufacturer's guidelines and local climate conditions, it's recommended to reapply these treatments every few years. Additionally, consider using a UV protectant to shield the wood from sun damage, which can cause the shingles or shakes to become brittle and discolored over time.
Repairs and Replacements: Promptly address any damage. Replace any cracked, split, or missing shingles or shakes to prevent water from seeping into the underlying structure. Minor repairs can often be overlooked but should be taken seriously. Regularly trimming overhanging branches can also reduce the risk of damage from falling limbs and minimize the amount of debris accumulating on the roof.
By following these maintenance practices, you can enjoy your wood roof's timeless beauty and functionality for many years.
5. Conclusion
Wooden roofs are renowned for their beauty and durability, making them a popular choice for both modern and historic buildings. Preserving the original design while enhancing the roof's strength is crucial for landmark structures. At Huber & Associates, we are experts in wood roofing with over 40 years of experience working on historic buildings. Many of our projects include National Historic Landmarks and registrants on the Department of the Interior's National Register of Historic Places.
As a proud member of the prestigious Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB), Huber & Associates adheres to the industry standards for the quality and grading of cedar shingles. This membership requires strict compliance with guidelines to ensure that the shingles and shakes we use are consistently of the highest quality.
We provide historical preservation and restoration services for roofs across the country and the world, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.
Contact us today or call (828) 275-7678 to request an estimate or learn more about our roofing expertise and restoration experience.
We can’t wait to serve you!