Wood shake roofing is often considered premium roofing. It's more expensive than some other types of roofing, but it gives your home a classic look that can't be achieved with other roofing materials. Wood shakes are different from wood shingles. Wood shingles are smooth and flat. Shakes are thicker and have a rougher surface. Shakes have a unique appearance that gives your home a distinctive look. Here's a look at a few things to know about wood shake roofing.
Cedar Is A Popular Type Of Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shakes can be made from different types of wood. However, the natural properties found in cedar make it a popular choice. Cedar repels insects, so insect damage isn't usually a problem with cedar shakes. Cedar also resists moss growth and moisture problems as long as the roof gets adequate ventilation. Cedar is an attractive color and gives your home beauty. However, the color will slowly turn gray as the roof oxidizes and ages.
Wood Shake Roofing Can Be Fire Resistant
Wood isn't naturally resistant to fire, but the shakes can be treated when they're made so they are more fire resistant. You can even select the degree of fire protection you want. Shakes can also be treated with a special preservative to resist fungal growth.
When you're getting a new wood shake roof, talk to your roofer about all of the options in treated shakes and get advice on the right shakes to choose from because it may not be possible to mix fire protection with other types of treatments.
Wood Shakes Can Be Installed In All Seasons
Some roofing has to be installed in a desirable temperature range because of the adhesives used to install the materials. Wood shakes are nailed down, and they typically don't use any adhesives. That means they can be installed in both hot and cold seasons of the year. As long as the weather is suitable for working, your roofer can put your new shake roof on in the winter.
Surface Treatments Can Prolong The Roof's Life
Talk to your roofer about how to maintain your wood shake roofing so it stays attractive and has a long life. You'll probably need to clean the roof regularly with a garden hose rather than a pressure washer.
You might also need to add roof treatments that protect the wood from UV rays and the weather. However, this is different from sealing the shakes. Wood shake roofing shouldn't be sealed because the shakes need to expand, contract, and breathe. A roofer experienced in wood shakes can help you choose the right products to use on your roof so your roof isn't damaged but still benefits from the treatments.
To learn more about wood shake roofing, reach out to a local service, such as Rainbow Roof Maintenance.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.