If you want to give your property a unique touch, you can make a statement in many different areas: landscaping features, siding materials, lighting, fencing. Although an afterthought for many homeowners, shingles can greatly influence your home’s curb appeal. For example, installing shingles made of natural wood is a great way to customize your home. In addition to creating a rustic appearance that your neighbors are sure to envy, wood shingles have many functional benefits worth investigating. Scroll down to explore the pros and cons of wood shingles.
Getting to Know the Pros and Cons of Wood Shingles
No building material is the perfect solution to all problems. However, this particular material might be right for you. Wood shingles serve the same function as their asphalt and tile counterparts, but they will give your home a more natural look. Plus, some builders recommend them because they can improve your building’s insulation.
A Unique Beauty
In the United States, most homeowners stick with asphalt shingles. So if you want to make a splash, consider installing wood shingles instead. Naturally beautiful and undoubtedly unique, wood shingles complement a variety of architectural styles and siding materials. Plus, these shingles’ timeless beauty will endure for decades.
Cost More Than the Bare Minimum
Of course, wood shingles aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Experts note that they typically cost more than asphalt options. As of June 2016, you could expect to pay just under $200 more per 100 square feet of roof area. Of course, this is still significantly lower than what you might shell out for tile or slate. Plus, your roofer will certainly thank you for not asking them to lug all that weight up a ladder.
The Durability of Asphalt in a Nicer Package
Asphalt shingles usually last between 20 and 40 years. Alternatives derived from redwood and cedar survive equally long in many cases. This will depend where your building is located, as wooden shingles will degrade faster in very wet and humid areas. Proper ventilation can improve your roof’s long-term outlook. In addition, the pitch of your installation surface and the design of your wooden shingles can affect the amount of surface area exposed to the elements. As with any construction project, we encourage you to pick fixtures that suit the building in question.
More Options Than You Can Shake a Shingle At
It’s impossible to overlook the customizability of wood shingles. You can choose from a variety of different wood species and colors, but keep in mind that the shingles’ color will likely change over time. In addition, there are several grades of wood shingles. The top-notch, highest-rated grade will not contain any defects whatsoever, and these shingles are cut perpendicular to the tree rings (edgegrain). The lower grades, on the other hand, may contain knots and flaws and are cut parallel to the tree rings or perpendicular but at an angle (flatgrain or slashgrain).
Insects and Maintenance
Any discussion of wood shingles must include some mention of insects. Wood borers, termites, and other pests may view your new shingles as a kind of heavenly feast. Unless you enjoy paying for yearly repairs, you will need to take steps to stop these insects in their tracks. Treating your wood shingles with paint, stain, or varnish is a necessary aspect of homeowner maintenance. In addition to stopping insects, these coatings can minimize cracking, rotting, and warping.
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Now that you know more about the pros and cons of wood shingles, what do you think? Do they suit your home? If you’re having trouble deciding, discuss your top shingle choices with your roofing contractor. With their many years of experience and knowhow, they can provide helpful tips to guide you in the right direction. Finally, if you’re looking to replace your roof and you live in southwest Missouri, please give Taylor-Made Roofing a call today at 417-326-8778 to request a free estimate. We would be happy to help!