Today, homeowners have more options for roofing materials than ever before. One of the classic and prominent choices is wood shake, which appeals with its natural and timeless beauty, sturdiness, and resistance to the elements. If you are considering wood shake roofing, here are three commonly asked questions about it so you can make the decision confidently.
1. Is a Wood Shake Roof a Good Choice?
Like other roofing materials, wood shake roofing has its pros and cons. Luckily, the pros outdo the cons, making it an excellent roofing material for residential and commercial applications.
Firstly, since wood is a poor heat conductor, it offers superior insulation. A wood shake roof keeps your home warm in winter by trapping heat inside and cool in summer by limiting heat gain. It is a perfect choice for homeowners looking to increase their home's energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Secondly, wood shake roofing is resistant to the elements. It is sturdy and has a natural wind resilience - most roofing materials are prone to wind damage. Thirdly, wood shake is durable and a good investment for any home. You can expect it to last for 30 to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Fourthly, wood shake roofing is one of the most attractive roofing materials available with an authentic and elegant appearance. It enhances your property's aesthetics and increases curb appeal. The long-term charm and timeless beauty of this material makes it a top choice for antique-styled and historic homes.
Even with its visual and practical benefits, wood shake roofing has a few cons. First, it is relatively high maintenance and requires significant time and effort to keep it functional and prevent problems.
Second, wood is flammable, making it unsuitable for homes in wildfire-prone regions. However, modern woods like cedar can be treated with fire retardant to increase fire resilience. Lastly, wood shakes can crack over time, resulting in leaks that can wreak havoc on your home.
2. What Is the Cost of a Wood Shake Roof?
The cost of a wood shake roof depends on several factors, including the type of wood, brand, size of the roof, and labor expenses. Cedar is the most common wood type due to its attractiveness, durability, and fine texture. It also provides greater insulation and pest resistance than other wood types.
You will pay between
$6 and $9.50
per square foot to install a cedar shake roof. A 1500-square foot roof can cost you between $9,000 and $14,250.
3. Does a Wood Shake Roof Need Maintenance?
A wood shake roof requires regular care and maintenance to keep it attractive, increase its lifespan, avoid recurrent repairs, and get a return of investment. Start by applying treatments and preservatives to the roof to prevent cracking, warping, decaying, and pest infestation.
In the past, the popularity of wood shake roofing decreased drastically due to fire hazard concerns. Luckily, today, homeowners can enjoy these roofing systems' aesthetics and high performance since they can be coated with fire retardants. However, you need to coat the wood shakes regularly to reduce fire risk.
Having your roof cleaned is fundamental to keep off damaging elements like moisture, mold, and algae. A dirty roof is not only unsightly but also allows debris to accumulate. Wet debris contains high moisture levels, allowing mold, mildew, and fungi to thrive. Lastly, schedule a professional roof inspection to identify any problems early before they damage your roof.
Wood shake is a beautiful and reliable roofing material that gives your home a warm and stylish appeal. Get in touch with
Cal Roofing Systems
for wood shake roofing installation and maintenance in Vacaville, California. Our experienced crews work with high levels of professionalism and integrity to meet all your residential roofing needs.
