ARE WOODEN SHINGLES MORE PRONE TO DAMAGE?

There are various types of roofing shingles, and choosing the best one for your house can be a difficult choice. There are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing the perfect materials for your roof. Your choice will be primarily affected by the kind of weather patterns found in your area. Roof shingle selection considers shingle composition, color and style, and, most importantly, the price. If you are into durable roofing materials, you should absolutely be considering wooden shingles. Wooden shingles may seem old fashioned but they can be great for dry climates, and look great too! 

To help you decide if wooden shingles are what you need, here is a list of pros and cons of wooden shingles: 

Pros:

  • Unique Look
    Wooden shingles have a very natural look that blend in with the natural surroundings. Their distinct exotic appearance adds a lot of aesthetic value to your home’s exterior.
     
  • Convenient Natural Insulation
    Wood is porous and dense, unlike other shingle materials. This makes it an excellent insulation material. If you choose wooding shingles for your roof, you might see a reduction in your cooling or heating bills.
     
  • Organic and Eco-friendly
    Because of its insulation abilities, wooden shingles are eco-friendly. As well, the manufacturing of wooden shingles does not require synthetic materials as they are completely made of organic material. 
     
  • Durable
    Aside from wood’s ability to withstand strong winds, wooden shingles are also resistant to cracks from hail. Wooden shingles can outlast other cheaper roof types if provided with regular maintenance check-ups and a little TLC.

Cons: 

  • Expensive price
    Even though wooden shingles are made of organic materials and require less processing than man-made shingles, they can actually cost more than other roofing materials. 
     
  • Susceptible to Insect Damage
    A lot of insects build their homes or colonies in wood. Compared to asphalt and other shingle materials, it is more susceptible to insect –related damages. Aside from termite invasion, wooden shingles may also suffer from mold growth. 

If you are located in an area where high winds occur constantly, replacing your roof with wooden shingles is a very practical move. Wooden shingles are less prone to damage compared to other shingle materials. However, wooden shingles are less popular for modern home builders because of their price. Still, many homeowners are choosing cedar wooden shingles because they add a unique look to their home, are durable, and are made of a natural material. 

Are you interested in having wooden shingles installed on your roof? Contact the roofing experts at Cherry & Clark for a free estimate.