The wood shake is the true classic roofing material for any residential property. Out of all of the choices, it can arguably be the most aesthetically pleasing. Even if you think that the new materials such as metal and asphalt are better, the wood shake can provide so much more than beauty.
Since wood shakes are hand split traditionally, they often have a rougher finish and texture. Because of its appearance, every shake may lack uniformity as it covers the whole roof.
Contemporary technology may also be in use for the creation of the modern wood shakes. A side may deliver the hand split texture that lots of homeowners love. However, the opposite side is sawn and typically smooth. Compared to shingles, shakes are also thicker and because of this, they appear different after installation.
Advantages of Wood Shake Roofing
1. High Quality Insulation
Wood shake shingles are natural insulators as they are made from natural hardwood which includes cedar. These shingles can make sure that the indoor temperatures will be warm during winter and naturally cool whenever it is summer. Because of this, wood shake is a great choice in increasing the home’s energy efficiency.
2. Roofing Systems that are Resistant
It is highly recommended to use wood shake shingles if you want your home to become resistant to any of the elements. The natural preservatives of cedar wood provide protection from moisture and the harsh UV rays. Aside from this, wood shake shingles can also resist pests and be naturally resilient to wind compared to the new roofing materials.
3. Durable Roofing
Our wood shake shingles are of great quality and can maintain their original dimensions and form even if they are strained by increasingly humid conditions. Natural wood shakes have an inert chemical composition that prevents the occurrence of shrinkage and provides them a high level of durability that is similar to asphalt.
4. Aesthetically Wonderful
When it comes to beauty, wood shake shingles may actually be the most attractive roofing system that people can install on their homes. Asphalt shingles that take on the appearance of wood shakes can never match the authentic texture and appearance of natural wood. Whenever you want your home to stand out from the rest, make sure to use the wood shake roofing.
Care and Maintenance of Wood Shake Roofs
It is essential for any material to undergo regular maintenance to make sure that the roof performs its job well. Roofs need to get cleaned regularly of all the debris, leaf litter, and conifer needles to limit the growth of any organism such as lichens and mosses. You may have the debris removed through washing, leaf blowing and sweeping. We recommend that you have this done before rain falls.
Cleaning of the Surface
A lot of companies in roof maintenance offer services in power washing even if this is more like for cosmetic purposes. The process can strip away the wood that is weaker and has weathered which can vastly improve the roof’s overall appearance. Not using the power washer properly may end up damaging the fracture shingles and the surface of the wood. It is typical for improper washing to involve the use of too much washing and water pressure against the roof’s downslope. Having the roof power washed may not alter the weathering’s progression on the surface of the wood. Even if the roof is clean, it may weather eventually after it gets washed. Using the power washer is useful for the removal of accumulated debris, lichens, and moss.
Cleaning of the Gutters
Having the gutters cleaned can move the water away from the structure. In case you fail to clean the gutters regularly, it may lead to water backups that could extend to the roof’s lowest part.
Removal of Vegetation
It is recommended to remove any overhanging branches as it can affect the roof’s life. Even if trees provide shade to the roof by slowing the drying whenever there is rainfall, the debris that fall from its branches may accumulate on the roof’s surface. This may eventually become a water trap. Removing the overhanging vegetation can also help in the reduction of the risk of fire.
Treatments on the Surface
Shingles made of Western Cedar can be inherently resistant to the uptake of moisture making them a great material for roofing. Because of this, any treatment on the surface can penetrate the wood by just a short distance. Since roofs can also experience severe rainfall and sun exposure, it may lead to the rapid loss of any chemicals for treatment as well as its quick degradation.
It is recommended to utilize an inhibitor of ultraviolet light and a water repellent as it can wax and resist the uptake of moisture. Resins may also be a part of this and it can fix the surface of the wood. Inhibitors of UV include hindered amines, iron particles, pigments, as well as other compounds that can slow down but not completely avoid the weathering process. Specific treatments may have algaecides and fungicides that can kill lichens and mosses but you need to ensure that they are used correctly in order to avoid damaging the plants. Products that claim to control fungi, lichens, and moss needs to have a registration with the Environmental Protection Agency of the USA.
Even if there are roof treatments that claim they can protect the roof for a decade, they cannot last for that long in reality. There may be products that claim they are fire retardants but you need to be highly cautious about them because only a few fire retardants can resist rainfall and they are often applied at the factory before any installation. The surface treatment’s protective period may also depend on the roof’s condition.