Wood as residential roofing materials offers some energy benefits. It helps to insulate the attic while allowing the house to breathe by circulating the air under the small opening under the rows of felt where the shingles are laid.
It is important to note, however, that a cedar shake roof does demand proper maintenance and repair . When the proper attention is not given to the roof it will simply not last. Here, mold, insects and rot can become problems. Old shake roofs cannot be recycled, thus making the overall life cycle of this type of roof quite costly.
Shake roofs require much attention and care because the appearance must be properly maintained. Doing this requires regular cleaning. Also, most wood shake roofs are unrated by fire safety codes. Many use wipe or spray on fire retardants which offer minimal protection and only last a few years. Pressure treated shakes, however, include fire retardant substances in their materials and actually do meet national fire safety standards. This also extends the life of the roof.
Cedar shingles are dwindling in popularity because of the fire risks associated with them. In spite of this, cedar shingles possess a royal look that other residential roofing materials do not.
The installation of wood shingles is a more complicated process than installing composite shingles and the quality of the finished roof will depend greatly on the experience of the roofing contractor and caliber of shakes used. The best shakes come from the heartwood of large old cedar trees. Because of this, much care should be taken when shakes are selected due to the variance in quality from different shake mills.
All in all, shake roofs can be quite beautiful and elegant in appearance. Though they do present some definite risks and require regular maintenance, they can be an option if you are searching for residential roofing materials with a unique look or if you just prefer cedar shingles. If you choose a type already treated with a fire retardant and are willing to put in the time it takes to properly care for this type of roof, cedar shingles may be the right choice for you and your home.
The roof of your home doesn't just protect you from the outside weather. It makes a great impact on the look and feel of your home. The first thing to take into consideration when choosing a roofing company, is finding a contractor who is able to provide you with knowledge about the different options available to you. You need to be able to trust your contractor to provide you with information that will help you make the best choice far as looks, durability, and weather resistance goes.
When Selecting your roofing company, make sure the installers are certified and have the proper knowledge for installing a roof. Too often homeowners are disappointed with the outcome of their home improvement project because they did not bother to make sure the installers of the company they choose are trained properly. The most reputable roofing contractors can provide you with proof of installation certification. Beware of those who are unable to provide you with proper certifications.
Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association.
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