The Pros and Cons of Choosing Wood Shingles for Your Residential Roof

When it comes to residential roofing, there are three main material types you can consider. These options are asphalt, metal, and wood roofing shingles. While asphalt shingles are by far the most popular option, this does not necessarily mean they are the best option for all homeowners. In fact, more and more homeowners are choosing to set themselves apart from their neighbors by making the switch from traditional asphalt shingles to wood shingles when replacing their roof.

Taking the time to consider both the pros and cons that come along with this somewhat uncommon roofing option can help you to decide if wood shingles are the right choice for your residential roofing needs as well.

The Pros of Choosing Wood Shingles

1. Beauty: Wood offers a natural beauty that quickly improves the curb appeal of your home and really makes your home stand out from the crowd. The different species of wood that you can choose from also provides you with the ability to select a finish that is most appealing to you on a personal level while also complimenting the style of your home.

2. Insulation: Wood is well known as a superior insulator due to the fact that it naturally resists the conduction of heat. This means that installing wood roofing shingles on your home will make it easier to heat and cool your home while keeping your energy costs as low as possible.

3. Resistance to Wind Damage: One of the primary issues that homeowners experience with asphalt roofs is wind damage. Wood roofing shingles offer a far superior resistance to this type of damage.

4. Sound Barrier: In addition to insulating your home from extreme temperatures, wood offers impressive sound absorption which can help to block outdoor noises from entering your home. This sound barrier can prove especially beneficial for homeowners who live in noisy areas such as near an airport or railroad tracks. 

The Cons of Choosing Wood Shingles

1. High Maintenance: Wood shingles will require a considerable amount of ongoing maintenance in order to prevent moisture related damage. This maintenance will include the need to have your shingles treated with special preventative products to protect against the growth of algae and mildew. 

2. Increased Fire Risk: Wood is a naturally flammable material. Consequently, residential roofing contractors will often tell you not to use these materials if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires. 

While there is no such thing as a perfect building material, wood roofing shingles do offer a unique blend of pros and cons that make them the ideal choice for many homeowners. To further explore these pros and cons or to discuss the installation of your new roofing shingles, be sure to reach out to a reputable contractor in your area.


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