The decision of what kind of roof to install over your head is not an easy one. You want a roof that will provide reliable protection and look attractive since it stands guard over your home or business 24/7. That is why wood shakes have stood the test of time better than any other roofing material. Wood shake roofs have been used for thousands of years, not just hundreds.
Due largely to the emergence of many high-performing roofing materials in recent years, wood shakes have become less popular in recent years. Nevertheless, some homeowners still prefer the earthy, rustic beauty of wood roofing and all the visual benefits that come with it.
What Are Wood Shakes, Anyway?
Although wood shakes and wood shingles differ in terms of size, depth, texture, and other properties, they are commonly referred to as wood shingles. Various trees are used to produce wood shakes, including western red cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood. Manufacturers shape and finish the shakes on residential and commercial roofs after they are split from logs. Wood shakes have been used worldwide for centuries. Fire retardants and other chemical preservatives are often added to wood shake and shingle products to prevent them from catching fire or decaying. Wood shakes that resist moisture are typically listed as eco-friendly roofing options since they are derived from a renewable resource - trees.
Advantages of Natural Wood Shakes
For as long as buildings have had roofs, wood shakes have been a common roofing material. However, what makes wood shakes a good roofing material? The following are a few advantages of wood shake roofing:
1. Natural insulator
A wood roof is an excellent insulator, which cannot be said of every roofing material. If energy efficiency is important to you and your home environment, then wood shake shingles might be the right choice for you. Natural wood roofs provide insulating properties that keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
2. Natural resistance to winds & pests
Shakes of wood are cut to depths and weights that make them more wind-resistant than other roofing materials, provided they are installed properly. Many pests are discouraged by woods like cedar, and cedar is naturally pest-resistant.
3. Durability & stability of natural cedar
Cedar shakes have several other advantages as well. Cedar features natural preservatives that protect against UV exposure, moisture, and rot. Cedar maintains its structure and form well, preventing shrinking and swelling, even when humid.
4. Unmatchable natural beauty
Finally, there's the factor of natural beauty. There are still many people who believe that natural wood shakes make the best roofing material. Some modern roofing materials may imitate wood shakes, but nothing is as authentic as real wood.
What It Takes to Maintain a Wood Shake Roof
A better understanding of wood shake roof maintenance is helpful if you are ready to invest in a wood shake roof. The following recommendations will help:
1. Prevention is the best medicine
Prevention is the best medicine for wood shake roofs, as it is for pretty much any other roof type. If there are overhanging branches or nearby vegetation, keep them trimmed. This will reduce the chance of debris falling onto your roof. Make sure your gutters are clean as well. Adding some strips of zinc or copper to wood shake roofs is another tip. As a result, moss, mold, and mildew are inhibited from growing on these strips.
2. Proper wood shake washing
Wood shake roofs should not be pressure washed in the same way as other roof types. In addition to damaging your roof, pressure washers can also force water into the roof sheathing. As an alternative, use a garden hose and brush or pump sprayer.
3. Apply regular preservative treatments
Wood roofs with some years of service can benefit from commercial treatments that can restore decay-resistant properties. The best way to prolong the longevity of your wood shakes is to apply these treatments about every five years.
For more information call Watkins Construction & Roofing in Ridgeland and Jackson, MS or roofing contractor in Byram, Mississippi at 601-966-8233.
Are you looking for roofing financing for the budget conscious homeowner ?
Today Farha Roofing Team share some guidance with you because replacing or repairing your roof can be an expensive endeavor and for the financial burden, top roofing companies often receive clients who have been delaying replacements and repairs for months and even years.
The guidance regarding Max Out Your Insurance and Warranty Coverages First, Next Use Cash, Then Look at Company Loans and more details you can get here in brief.
keep reading to learn more.
