Are you a homeowner looking to add a classic touch to your home’s exterior? Wood shingles could be the perfect fit for you. These thin, uniform roofing materials resemble the look of asphalt shingles during installation but offer a unique, rustic charm.
They are especially suitable for historic homes, enhancing their aesthetic appeal with their traditional wood look. However, they do require a bit more upkeep than other roofing options. The good news is, that wood shingles come in a variety of shades, making it easy to match them to your home’s color scheme.
If you love the look of wood but are concerned about maintenance, don’t worry! There are composite shingles available that offer a beautiful wood look with less upkeep. This blog post will explain everything you need to know about wood shingles. Let’s dive in-depth.
What is a Wood Shingle?
A wood shingle is a type of roofing material made from natural wood. It’s often used for siding on homes too. This type of shingle is cut from a block of wood, usually cedar or red cedar. Sometimes other types of wood like white oak are used. The wood is cut into a taper, which means it’s thicker on one end and thinner on the other. This gives the shingles a uniform appearance when they’re stacked on the roof.
With regular care and maintenance, wood shingles can last a long time and keep your home looking beautiful.
Wood Shingles vs Wood Shakes: What’s the Difference?
Wood shingles are a type of roofing material that is cut from a block of wood. They are sawn on both sides, giving them a smooth and uniform look. This not only makes each shingle look alike, but it also gives the entire roof a consistent appearance.
On the other hand, wood shakes are different and not cut from a block of wood like shingles. Instead, they are typically hand-split. This means that each shake is broken apart by hand, not by a machine. This process gives wood shakes a rougher texture and finish than wood shingles.
Because of the way they are made, wood shake roofs have a more rustic appearance than wood shingle roofs. The shakes may vary in size and shape, adding to their unique look. Also, wooden shakes are generally thicker than wood shingles, which can make them more durable.
Both wood shingles and shakes provide a natural, beautiful look for your home. But whether you choose shingles or shakes may depend on the look you want for your home. If you prefer a smooth, uniform appearance, wood shingles are the way to go. But if you want a more rustic, unique look, you might consider wood shakes.
Characteristics of Wood Shingles
Wood shingles provide a unique and charming aesthetic to any home. Let’s delve into the characteristics of wood shingles to help you understand why they might be the perfect choice for your next roofing project.
Material and Origin:
The beauty of wood shingles lies in their natural origin. They are traditionally made from cedar wood, a durable and weather-resistant material. Cedar shake roofs have been a popular choice for centuries, offering a beautiful and rustic look. The wood is naturally resistant to rot, mildew, and moss, adding to its longevity.
Appearance and Patterns:
Wood shingles offer a unique and modern wood look that is hard to replicate with other roofing products. The difference between wood shingles and other materials is evident in their appearance. They come in a variety of patterns and designs, allowing homeowners to customize their roofs to their liking. Whether you prefer the traditional look of shake shingles or the sleek look of roof shingles, wood offers a variety of options to suit your taste.
Dimensions and Preparation:
Wood shingles are typically thin, tapered pieces of wood. This makes them lightweight yet durable, providing excellent protection for residential and commercial roofing. The preparation process involves cutting the wood into a taper, giving the shingles a uniform appearance when stacked on the roof or used for siding.
Surface and Material Varieties:
There are different types of wood used for shingles, each offering its unique characteristics. Cedar wood is a popular choice due to its durability and beautiful color. However, other wood species like cypress or redwood are also used. Each type of wood provides a different look, from the rustic appearance of cedar shake to the sleek and modern look of other wood types.
Maintenance and Use:
While wood shingles require some maintenance to prevent rot and moss growth, the effort is well worth it. Regular cleaning and treatment can ensure the longevity of your wood roof. If maintained properly, your wood shingles will provide a beautiful and durable roofing solution for many years.
Types of Wood Shingles
There are several types of wood shingles, each with its unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular types.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar wood shingles are a popular choice among homeowners for their unique appeal and durability. Like the cedar trees they originate from, these shingles are known for their strength and flexibility. Cedar is a tree native to the U.S. Pacific Northwest and can grow up to 50 meters tall. This contributes to the robust nature of the wood and makes it a preferred material for wood roofing.
Cedar shingles are not only durable but also have a fine grain and uniform texture, making them easy to work with. They are suitable for steam bending, which allows for versatile shaping of the shingles.
Here are a few key characteristics of cedar shingles:
- Budget-Friendly: Cedar is the most affordable wood for roofing, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Workability: The fine grain and uniform texture of cedar make it easy to work with.
- Resistance to Humidity and Temperature Changes: Cedar is known for its resistance to humidity and changes in size caused by temperature fluctuations. This makes it an excellent choice for areas with varying weather conditions.
- Longevity: Good quality cedar roofing can last a minimum of 30 years and can extend up to 50 years or more with proper maintenance.
- Insulation Properties: Cedar shingles provide insulation, adding to their practical benefits.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar shingles feature a beautiful wood finish and a pleasant aroma, enhancing the overall visual and olfactory appeal of your home.
Teak Shingles
Teak shingles are another type of wood shingle that homeowners can choose. Made from teak wood, which belongs to the Mint Tree family of Lamiaceae and is native to Southeast Asia, these shingles are known for their durability and unique appearance. They are hand-split, giving them a rustic look similar to weathered wood.
Teak wood shingles can give your home a unique, rustic look. They are sawn to ensure a uniform size and shape, which contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. The use of teak for shake and shingle roofing can provide a unique look of weathered wood shingles, making them a great choice for homeowners seeking a natural, rustic aesthetic.
Here are some key characteristics of teak shingles:
- Strength in Extreme Conditions: Teak wood shingles maintain their strength even in extreme weather conditions. This makes them a great choice for homes in areas with harsh climates.
- Longevity and Element Resistance: Teak wood shingles are known for their longevity. They are highly resistant to the elements, including wind, rain, and sun, making them a durable choice for your home.
- Unique Appearance: The unique look of teak wood shingles can add a distinct visual appeal to your home. Whether you choose a wood shake or wood shingle style, teak can provide a beautiful, rustic look.
- Water Repellent: Teak wood shingles are water repellent. This means they can withstand various weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow.
- Strong Structure and Aesthetic Appeal: Teak wood shingles are not only strong and durable but also aesthetically pleasing. They can add a touch of elegance to any home.
- Resistance to Rot, Fungi, and Mildew: Teak wood shingles are resistant to rot, fungi, and mildew. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance roofing option.
- High-Class Usage: Teak shingles are often used in some of the most timeless buildings around the world, reflecting their high-class status.
- Variety in Design and Color: Teak shingles come in a variety of designs and colors. Whether you prefer gold, copper, or silvery-gray tones, you can find a teak shingle that fits your style.
Wallaba Shingles
Wallaba shingles are another type of wood shingle that homeowners can choose. Derived from the tropical forests of South America, wallaba is a reddish-brown wood with unique properties. It has been traditionally used for shingles on homes throughout the Caribbean for over a century. These shingles are valued worldwide for their resistance to mites, corrosion, and environmental elements.
Wallaba shingles are used globally, from Oceania to the United Arab Emirates, for roofing on public buildings, residential properties, and private estates. They are preferred by homeowners for their cost-effectiveness, resistance to insects such as termites and decay, humidity resistance, and hurricane resistance. Due to their high-level resistance to corrosive factors, wallaba shingles are preferred by architects domestically and internationally for buildings of various sizes.
Here are some key characteristics of wallaba shingles:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Wallaba shingles cost less than teak, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Insect and Decay Resistance: They resist insects such as termites and decay, enhancing their durability.
- Humidity Resistance: Ideal for situations where humidity is a factor, and high-durability wood is needed.
- Hurricane Resistance: Wallaba shingles resist hurricane conditions, making them suitable for areas prone to such weather.
- Industry Preference: Due to high-level resistance to corrosive factors, wallaba wood shakes or shingles are preferred by architects domestically and internationally for buildings of various sizes.
- Global Usage in Diverse Buildings: Different kinds of wood shingles made of wallaba are used for roofing on a wide range of structures, including homes, hotels, and buildings across regions from the Middle East to the South Pacific and North America.
Composite Wood Shingles
Composite wood shingles are made from a combination of wood and other materials, hence the name “composite.” This type of shingle offers the look of real wood but with added benefits.
Composite wood shingles are produced in factories, unlike cedar, teak, or wallaba shingles which are naturally sourced. While they lack the natural qualities of these woods, they make up for it in other areas. Let’s explore the concept of composite wood shingles and their benefits:
- Compliance with Building Codes: Composite wood shingles are suitable for places where building codes don’t allow wood siding. They comply with all standard building regulations, making them a safe choice for homeowners.
- Weather Resistance: These shingles can withstand intense freeze-thaw conditions, making them durable in various climates. Whether you live in an area with hot summers or cold winters, composite wood shingles can stand up to the elements.
- Simulated Aesthetic Appeal: Composite wood shingles provide the look of real wood while incorporating benefits like fire and rain resistance, durability, and insulation. They offer a natural-looking appearance, even though they are artificially produced.
- Color Retention: Composite shingles hold their color unlike natural wood that fades to a silvery-gray color over time. This means your home can maintain its fresh, vibrant look for many years.
- Reliable Alternative to Organic Wood Roofing: In states where building codes prohibit certain organic wood roofing, composite wood shingles serve as a reliable alternative. They offer the same aesthetic appeal but with added benefits.
- Strength and Ease of Installation: Composite shingles are lighter than certain wood roofing types, making them easy to install and replace. They are also generally as strong, if not stronger, than individual materials.
- Weather Resilience: Synthetic wood shingles are designed to withstand harsh wind storms and heavy downpours, providing reliable protection in various climates across the U.S.
- Lasting Color: Composite shingles have artificial colors that won’t fade, allowing homes to retain a fresh exterior appearance for many decades. In contrast, natural wood shingles, such as wallaba, teak, and cedar, fade to a silvery-gray tone over the years.
- Environmentally Friendly Aspect: Composite shingles, requiring less logging, can be considered more environmentally friendly than traditional wood shingles. By choosing composite shingles, you’re making a choice that’s good for your home and the environment.
What are Wood Shingles Made Of?
Wood shingles are mostly made from cedar trees, but sometimes they use redwood or pine. Cedar is popular because it’s strong and lasts a long time. It also has natural oils that help protect it from rot and bugs.
To make wood shingles, people cut trees into big logs. Then, they saw the logs into thin slices or they split them with special tools. This makes each shingle unique, with a nice rough look.
Wood shingles are not only good at keeping water out, but they also add a beautiful, rustic look to homes. They’re eco-friendly because they come from nature.
Benefits of Wood Shingles
Let’s explore why wood shingles might be the right choice for your home, examining their unique advantages and things to consider.
Aesthetic Appeal
Wood shingles and wood shakes are typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine, which gives them a natural charm that other popular roofing materials can’t quite match. The hand-split wood shakes provide a rustic, textured look, while shingles are sawn for a more uniform appearance. Choosing wood shingles for your home can enhance many different home styles, from classic to contemporary, thanks to their timeless beauty.
Durability and Longevity
One of the biggest pros of wood shingles is their durability. When properly maintained, wood shakes and shingles can protect your home for decades. Cedar wood shakes are also naturally resistant to harsh elements, such as heavy rain, hail, and strong winds. Plus, they have a natural ability to resist decay and insect damage, thanks to the oils in the wood.
Eco-Friendliness
Wood is a natural, renewable resource, making wood shakes and wood shingles an environmentally friendly choice. When it’s time to replace them, they can be recycled or composted, reducing waste. Many homeowners who are conscious of their environmental impact find that using wood shingles aligns with their values.
Insulation Properties
Another advantage of wood shingles and shakes is their insulation capability. Wood has natural insulating properties, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, potentially lowering energy costs.
Variety and Adaptability
Wood shingles and shakes can be treated with a variety of stains and finishes to suit the look you desire for your home. They can also complement other roofing and siding materials, making them versatile for use in remodeling or new building projects.
Installation and Maintenance
The installation process of wood shakes and shingles is more specialized than other shingle materials, so it’s crucial to hire a reputable roofing contractor with experience in wood roofing. A local roofing provider can help you understand the specific needs of your existing roof and determine if wood shakes are the right choice for you.
Disadvantages of Wood Shingles
Wood shingles sure look nice and can last a long time, but they do need a lot of care to stay in good shape. You have to treat them often to keep them from getting damaged by rot or algae. This means you’ll be doing a lot of upkeep to keep your wood shingles looking great. Also, since wood can catch fire, these shingles are not the best choice for homes close to places where wildfires happen a lot. That’s something really important to think about when choosing the right roofing for your house.
How Long Do Wood Shingles Last?
Wood shingles are like a strong shield for your house that can last a long time when you choose custom ones. They might cost a bit more at the start. But they’re like a superhero cape for your home because they last years and years! Custom Shingles make three cool kinds: cedar, wallaba, and teak.
- Cedar can protect your house for 30 to 50 years;
- Wallaba can keep guarding for 35 to 60 years, and
- Teak can stand strong for a whopping 50 to 80 years.
How to maintain wood shingles
Maintaining your wood shingles is like taking care of a superhero shield. It protects your home from rain, sun, and even snow! Just like your favorite bike needs a tune-up, your wood shingle roof needs regular check-ups to stay strong and look great. Here’s how to keep it in top shape!
Why Roof Check-Ups are Super Important:
Imagine having strong armor but never fixing any small cracks. Over time, those little issues could make it weak. That’s why looking after your wood roof is super important. It stops tiny problems from becoming big, expensive ones. Plus, it can help your roof last a lot longer – even up to 40 years!
Be Safe Up There:
Before you start, remember that being safe is rule number one! Climbing on roofs can be risky, so wear the right safety gear and only do it if you know how. If you’re not sure, ask a grown-up for help.
The Sun, Rain, and Wind Battle:
Your wood shingles face a daily battle against the weather. The sun can dry them out and make them weaker, while rain and wind can make them wet and cause yucky stuff like mold to grow.
Keep it Dry to Survive:
Wood shingles hate staying wet. To stop them from getting damaged, make sure they dry quickly after the rain. This means keeping things like leaves off your roof, as wet leaves can trap water.
Hero-Style Yearly Maintenance Moves:
Kick Debris to the Curb:
Just like kicking away rocks on a path, clear away leaves and twigs from your roof. It stops water from sticking around and causing trouble.
Tree Haircut Time:
If you have trees close to your roof, give their branches a trim. It stops them from scratching your shingles and blocking the sun, which helps your roof dry out.
Gutter Detox:
Superheroes need a clear path to zoom around, and water needs a clear path to flow away from your roof. Clean those gutters so they can do their job.
Extra Roof TLC:
In places where it’s mostly wet or super humid, your roof might need some extra love to keep the mildew and algae away. Professionals can treat your roof with special stuff that’s okay for the environment.
Always remember, that safety is as important as a superhero’s cape. Only tackle what you can handle and for the big stuff, call in the pro roofers – they’re like the special forces for roofs!
Best Alternatives to Wood Shingle
When it comes to roofing, there are many options available, and each comes with its own set of benefits. Here, we’ll take a look at the differences between wood shingles, asphalt shingles, and metal roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a common choice for many homeowners. They are made of fiberglass or organic materials mixed with asphalt, then coated with small bits of rock called granules. These shingles are quite affordable and easy to install, making them a budget-friendly alternative to wood shingles. Asphalt shingles are also good at handling various weather conditions and can last around 20 years with proper maintenance.
One of the best things about asphalt is that it comes in lots of colors and styles. This means you can easily find something that matches your house well. Even though they don’t have the natural look of wood, they can still look nice and neat on your roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is quite different from both wood and asphalt shingles. It’s made from large panels or tiles of metal, like steel or aluminum. Metal roofs are super tough and can last a long time—50 years or even more! They’re also good at keeping your home cool by reflecting sunlight, which might help you save some money on air conditioning.
Metal roofing is a solid choice if you live in a place with strong winds or lots of snow because it handles extreme weather well. The cost might be higher at first than for wood or asphalt shingles, but because it lasts so long, it might save you money in the long run.
Metal roofs look sleek and modern, and they can give your house a cool, updated style. Plus, they’re good for the planet because you can recycle them when it’s time for a new roof.
Conclusion
Wood shingles are like special wooden armor for your house that gives it a beautiful, natural look. They come in different types, like cedar, teak, and wallaba, each with super strengths that help protect your home from rain and wind. Just remember, they need a bit of care to stay strong, like keeping them clean and dry.
But, if wood shingles don’t seem like the right choice for you, there’s no need to worry! Asphalt shingles are like the friendly neighbor of roofing – they’re pretty cool, easy to get along with, and won’t hurt your piggy bank too much. They also come in lots of styles and colors.
And then there’s metal roofing, which is like the superhero of roofs. Metal roofing is really strong and can last a super long time, saving you money over the years. Plus, it reflects the sun, which can keep your home cooler in the summer.
So, think of your roofing choice like picking a character in a video game – each one has different abilities and looks, and you can choose the one that fits best for your house’s style and the challenges your roof will face. The important thing is to find the one that will help your home stand strong for many years!