Wooden roofs have been a popular roofing option for centuries, and with good reason. The natural beauty and durability of wood make it an attractive choice. This is because enhances a home’s aesthetic appeal while providing long-lasting protection from the elements.
From cedar to cypress, many types of wood can be used for roofing. But, choosing the right wood and ensuring proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring a wooden roof’s durability and longevity. So, how do you know if you’ve picked the best type of wooden roofing for your home?
In this article, we’ll cover the most important tips you should know when considering a wooden roof.
Shingles or shakes?
One of the first tips you should know when choosing wood for roofs is to figure out which type of wood product will work best with your home’s aesthetic. The two types of wood products for roofing we’re talking about here are shingles and shakes.
While both of these products can be made from a variety of wood species, including cedar, redwood, and pine, their main distinction lies in the way that they’re crafted. But, they also have differences that affect their appearance; and thus, how they blend in with different styles of homes. We’ll go over both shingles and shakes. This should help you determine which type would make the best fit for your wooden roof.
Crafting wooden roofing shingles
The process of making wood shingles involves cutting the wood into blocks or bolts. These blocks are then split or sawn into thin, uniform pieces that are shaped into the desired size and shape of the shingle. Although today, it’s common for shingles to be manufactured by machines rather than manually sawn. Using a machine to split the wood is a great perk, not only because it saves time but because it also enhances the wood’s uniform nature.
Will my home look good with a wooden shingle roof?
Wood shingles go great with traditional or colonial homes. This is because homes with these types of aesthetics often have a classic look, with symmetrical facades, clean lines, and simple yet striking architectural features. Since roof wood shingles provide a clean and uniform appearance, they highlight the overall symmetry and balance of the home’s exterior. Plus, the consistent size and shape of the shingles create a sense of order and harmony that pairs well with traditional-styled homes.
Wood shingles are typically available in natural shades of brown or gray. These shades can further enhance the timeless, classic look of the roof and home. So, when paired with other traditional design elements– like shutters, gables, or dormers– wood roofing shingles produce a cohesive look that’s elegant and inviting.
Crafting wooden roofing shakes
To make wood shakes, the logs are first debarked and then cut into the desired length. Then the logs are split along the grain into tapered, irregularly shaped pieces. These pieces vary in thickness, width, and length. Lastly, each piece is smoothed and shaped with a saw or knife, depending on what you want the final appearance to look like.
Will my home look good with a wood shaker roof?
Does your home have a more rustic or naturalistic feel to it? If you love that cozy cottage or cabin vibe, try opting for wood roofing shakes. Shakes often have a more relaxed, casual aesthetic, with an emphasis on natural materials and textures.
This is why wood shakes make an excellent complement to rustic or vintage-styled homes, as they offer a more textured and irregular appearance. Their organic, asymmetrical shapes can help create a sense of movement and flow that’s in keeping with the naturalistic style of a home.
As a result, they’re great for adding depth and character to a roof.
Also, wood shakes are often available in earthy tones, such as brown or gray. These earthy tones help the roof blend in seamlessly with the natural environment around the home, particularly in areas with forests or mountains. And in turn, wood shake roofs can make homes feel more integrated with the surrounding landscape, creating a sense of harmony and connection with nature. So, if you’re looking to enhance the rustic or naturalistic style of your home, consider wooden shakes for a roof that’s both charming and authentic.
Pick the right kind of wood for your climate
Not all wooden roofing is created equal. Different types of wood are more suitable for different environments. So, a smart tip is to do your research or ask a roofing professional about what the best wood for roofing is according to the climate you live in.
Below, we’ll go over a few different types of wood and what climate they’re the most suitable for.
Cypress
Cypress wooden roofing is an excellent choice for homes in wet climates due to its natural resistance to decay and moisture. It has a high level of natural oils and resins that help to protect it from rot, insects, and decay. These oils and resins also make the wood water-resistant. The latter is important in areas with high levels of moisture and rainfall.
Also, cypress wood is a dense and durable wood that can withstand heavy winds and storms. So, whether you choose cypress for your wood roof trusses or wood roof framing, it’s a smart choice if you live in an area that’s prone to severe weather conditions.
Redwood
Similar to cypress, redwood is the most suitable for areas with high levels of moisture and humidity, such as coastal regions, where it is prone to rain and fog. The natural properties of this type of wooden roofing, including its resistance to rot and insects, make it a great choice for areas where moisture and insects are prevalent. These properties also help to prevent damage caused by rot and insect infestation, which can occur in moist and humid environments.
But redwood roofs can also be used in drier climates as long as proper maintenance is carried out regularly. This will prevent the wood from drying out and becoming more prone to damage.
Cedar
Cedar wooden roofing is a trending choice among homeowners because it’s very versatile. This material is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and decay. So, people can use it in a variety of climates. Not to mention it’s an ideal choice for areas with heavy rainfall or high levels of humidity.
It is also a terrific insulator. It can help keep your home cooler in hot climates and warmer in cold climates. But, it’s important to note that cedar roofs might not be as suitable for arid climates. This is because the lack of moisture can cause cedar wood to dry out and become more susceptible to damage.
Wooden roofing maintenance
Putting off regular maintenance checks for your wooden roof is like neglecting to go to the dentist. Ignoring a cavity for too long can turn into a tooth with a dying nerve. And then before you know it, you’re gunning for a root canal before it’s too late and you need to get a tooth replacement. So, the best tip is to keep up with roof maintenance. This way you’ll avoid the stress, cost, and time it takes to get a roof replacement,
Conducting regular maintenance checks on your wooden roof is crucial to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of your roof. Whether you have wood shingles roofing or wood shakes roofing, your wooden roof will likely require more maintenance than other types of roofing. Why? Well, in general, wood is more susceptible to algae growth, moss, and mildew compared to other roofing materials.
A critical tip that any wood roofing company will tell you is to power wash or sweep your shingles or shakes every so often. If you fail to do this wooden roofing maintenance, moss or mold could cause the wood to deteriorate. As a result, you might have to replace rotted wood under the roof– which is more complicated than regularly doing a quick sweep or wash of the roof.
Your go-to guide for wooden roofing
By considering the tips outlined in this article, you can feel good about making a decision when it comes to the wood roof you choose for your home. Whether you choose cedar shakes for your craftsman-styled Tudor, or cypress shingles for a coastal, contemporary look, you can boost the value and aesthetic appeal of your home.
