Wood shake shingles are a popular choice of roofing material due to their natural, rustic look. They have been used for centuries in many parts of the world and can add character to any home or building. However, wood shakes come with some environmental drawbacks that must be taken into consideration when selecting a roofing material.
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In terms of appearance, wood shake shingles are made from thin pieces of split cedar or redwood which is then sawn into various shapes and sizes. This type of roof has an unmistakable texture which makes it stand out among other types of roofs. It’s unique look also allows for more creative designs such as varying shapes and sizes, custom color combinations and even patterned cuts.
When considering the pros and cons associated with using wood shake shingle roofs, one important factor is its environmental impact. Wood shakes are not only harvested from forests but they also require high levels of energy during production compared to other materials like asphalt shingle roofs which use less energy during manufacturing processes. Because it’s a natural material, wooden shakes often require additional treatments in order to keep them weatherproof throughout their lifespan – this means extra resources being used up unnecessarily if you decide on this option instead of another type such as metal or synthetic roof tiles which don’t need additional treatment before installation onto your home’s exterior walls and/or roof structures.
On the plus side though; wooden shakes offer better thermal insulation than most conventional materials so homeowners can benefit from lower heating bills in winter months thanks to this property – although again here there is an element involving resource usage since producing these products requires large amounts electricity too. Furthermore; depending on where you source them from (i.e. Sustainably managed forests), wooden shake roofs provide excellent renewable sources – meaning no matter how long you live in your house or whatever happens down the line after it’s gone – these resources will still remain available for future generations if sourced responsibly today!
Pros
One of the biggest advantages to using wood shake shingles for roofing is that they are a renewable resource. Wood shakes can be harvested from sustainably managed forests, which means that the environmental impact of their production and installation is minimal. This makes them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still having a beautiful roof.
Another benefit to using wood shake shingles is their natural ability to absorb sound. The material absorbs sound waves, making it great at reducing noise levels both inside and outside of your home or building. Because they are made from natural materials, they provide additional insulation benefits compared with other types of roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or metal panels.
One more advantage of using wood shakes is that they have a classic look and feel that will never go out of style – no matter how much trends may change over time. With proper care and maintenance, these timeless materials can last for decades without losing any of their original beauty and character.
• Durability of Wood Shake Shingles
When it comes to the durability of wood shake shingles, they are generally expected to last anywhere between 15-30 years. However, this depends on the quality and thickness of the wood that is used in their construction as well as how often they receive maintenance and care. The thicker a wood shake shingle is, the longer it will typically last before needing replacement. With proper installation and upkeep, some can even be expected to last up to 50 years or more.
When selecting a type of roofing material for your home or business, choosing one with longevity should be an important factor. While there are other types of roofing materials available that may have slightly higher upfront costs but require less maintenance over time than wood shakes do; when you take into account their long life expectancy it’s easy to see why these natural materials remain popular among homeowners and businesses alike.
Wood shakes are also known for being able to stand up against extreme weather conditions such as high winds and hail storms better than most other materials out there due in part because of its flexibility which allows them move with changing temperatures without becoming brittle or cracking like asphalt shingles might under similar circumstances. This makes them an excellent choice if you live in an area where severe weather events occur frequently throughout the year.
• Aesthetics of Natural Wood
For homeowners seeking to make a statement with their home’s exterior, wood shake shingles can provide an elegant and timeless look. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin vibe or something more refined, natural wood roofing materials offer an array of styles that are sure to fit your desired aesthetic. From cedar shakes to redwood and even spruce, the choices for achieving a unique style are plentiful.
In addition to providing visual appeal, natural wood is also naturally resistant against moisture and decay due to its high content of preservative oils found in the lumber. This makes it ideal for those living in areas with humid climates as the lumber will be able to better withstand moisture exposure from rain or snow over time than other traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingle roofs.
Moreover, using wood shake shingles helps promote sustainability since many manufacturers use reclaimed woods when producing their products. Reclaimed woods not only reduce waste but also help ensure that new trees don’t have to be cut down just for roof replacement purposes which further lessens the environmental impact of installing a new wooden roof on your home.
• Eco-Friendly Nature of Reclaimed Materials
Using reclaimed materials for roofing is an environmentally friendly way of ensuring that a structure is properly maintained and protected from the elements. Reclaimed wood shake shingles are an excellent choice for this type of construction as they have already been used in previous applications and can often be recycled multiple times, reducing waste output. These materials are typically sourced from sustainable forests or certified timber suppliers to ensure that the product has minimal environmental impact.
In addition to being eco-friendly, using reclaimed materials also helps conserve natural resources by not consuming new ones. By reusing existing material, it eliminates the need to cut down more trees or deplete other resources needed to produce a brand-new product. It also means less energy consumption as no additional manufacturing processes need to take place before installation can occur.
Another benefit of using reclaimed wood shake shingles is their longevity; these products can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance depending on weather conditions and application technique. This makes them an ideal long-term solution for any project requiring a high quality yet cost effective roof covering option while helping reduce landfill waste output in the process.
Cons
Wood shake shingles may be aesthetically pleasing, but they come with a few cons. Most importantly, wood shakes are not environmentally friendly. They require harvesting of trees, which can have a negative impact on the environment and ecosystems in the area where they are sourced from. They release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere when exposed to sunlight or heat. VOCs contribute to air pollution and can be harmful to human health when inhaled in large amounts over long periods of time.
Wood shakes need regular maintenance that includes cleaning and re-sealing them every few years for optimal performance; this requires more energy than other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or metal roofs do. Due to their flammability properties, wooden shake roofs tend to increase home insurance premiums since fires spread more quickly across them than other types of roofs do.
• Short Lifespan Compared to Other Roofing Options
One of the biggest disadvantages of wood shake shingles is their short lifespan when compared to other roofing options. While a high-quality asphalt shingle can last for up to 50 years, wood shakes have an average life expectancy of around 30 years – and in some cases as low as 20 or 15 years. This may be due to their tendency to warp over time, which affects their ability to protect the home from water damage.
Another factor that contributes to the shorter lifespan of wood shake shingles is their susceptibility to fire damage. Wood shakes are highly flammable and pose a higher risk than most other types of roofing materials such as metal or slate tiles. For this reason, it’s important for homeowners who choose this type of roofing material ensure they take all necessary precautions when installing them on their property.
Because they are made from natural timber resources, wood shakes require more energy during production compared with synthetic alternatives like rubber or plastic roofs – adding further strain on our environment by increasing carbon emissions into our atmosphere. As such, homeowners should consider these environmental factors before making a decision about what type of roofing material best suits them and their needs.
• Fire Hazard Potential
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a roofing material is its fire hazard potential. Wood shake shingles have been used as a traditional roofing material for centuries, however they may present an elevated risk of fire due to their combustible nature. When installed correctly and maintained regularly, wood shake shingles can offer protection from most fires that occur in residential areas.
It’s important to be aware of the local building codes when it comes to choosing a roof material, as many jurisdictions may require additional safety measures such as underlayment or other precautions if you choose wood shakes over other materials such as asphalt shingle roofs. Proper ventilation should be considered when installing any type of roof system in order to ensure adequate airflow and reduce the chance of heat buildup which could lead to combustion.
In order for wood shakes to offer optimal fire resistance, there are several steps that must be taken during installation including ensuring all flashing is securely fastened and free from gaps or openings where sparks could enter through; caulking around joints; avoiding overlap between courses; properly sealing all edges with tar paper or another appropriate sealant; and lastly using treated shakes which are designed specifically for enhanced flame retardance. Taking these extra steps can greatly reduce the risk posed by wooden shake roofs while still allowing homeowners the benefits associated with this classic aesthetic choice.
• Increased Maintenance Requirements
When it comes to roofing materials, wood shake shingles can offer a unique aesthetic that many homeowners find attractive. However, the increased maintenance requirements associated with these types of shingles can be a deterrent for some people. Wood shake shingles are not as durable or water-resistant as other types of roofing materials and require regular inspection and maintenance in order to ensure their longevity.
In addition to regular inspections, wood shake shingle roofs also require periodic re-sealing or caulking around areas such as nails or exposed edges in order to prevent water infiltration into the home. This type of work should only be done by a qualified professional who has experience working with wood shakes, as improper sealing techniques can lead to further damage down the road. If you live in an area prone to high winds, your local building codes may require additional reinforcements around nail lines and joints for extra protection against wind uplift forces.
Since wood is a natural material susceptible to rot over time due its absorbency levels when wetted by rainwater, it is important that any moss growth on the surface of your roof be removed regularly before it causes structural damage from within. Depending on how much moss there is on your roof will determine how often this task needs performing – generally every two years – but even without visible signs of growth it’s still wise practice too have yearly checkups performed just in case.
• Higher Initial Cost
Installing wood shake shingles can be a great way to add an attractive and classic look to your roof, however it comes at a higher initial cost than some other roofing options. A high quality cedar shake installation may cost up to 20% more than asphalt shingle roofs, due to the extra labor required in cutting and fitting them. Moreover, additional costs are incurred for applying special sealants that help protect the shakes from moisture damage.
While these upfront costs might seem intimidating at first glance, there is potential for long-term savings with wood shakes when compared with other materials like asphalt or metal. Asphalt shingles have been known to last only around 10-15 years before needing replacement whereas wood shakes can last as long as 30-50 years depending on their maintenance level and quality of installation. Many states offer tax credits or rebates for homeowners who install certified Class A fire rated wood shake roofs which reduces their overall cost even further.