For centuries, wood shingle and shake roofing have been used to protect buildings from the elements. This type of roofing is still popular today and is often used in commercial buildings. It provides a unique, rustic look that can be customized to match any building’s aesthetic. In addition to providing a unique look, wood shingle and shake roofing is also known for its durability and longevity.
This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about this type of roofing, including the advantages, disadvantages, and installation process. Wood shingle and shake roofing is a traditional roofing choice that has been used for centuries and is still popular today. It is made up of wooden shingles or shakes that are cut in various shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. These wooden pieces are then assembled to form a roofing system that provides protection against the elements. Cedar, redwood, and southern yellow pine are some of the most common types of wood used for wood shingle and shake roofing.
Cedar has a long lifespan, is naturally resistant to decay, and has a beautiful look. Redwood is also a durable wood that is resistant to insects and decay, but it is more expensive than cedar. Southern yellow pine is a softer wood that is less expensive than cedar and redwood, but it may not last as long. The cost of wood shingle and shake roofing varies depending on the type of wood chosen, as well as the size and complexity of the roofing system. In general, wood shingle and shake roofing is more expensive than other types of commercial roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing.
However, the cost is often offset by its classic look, durability, and energy efficiency. Installing wood shingle and shake roofing requires knowledge of carpentry and roofing techniques. It is important to ensure that the proper tools and safety equipment are used during installation. The process includes cutting the wooden pieces to fit the roof's shape, installing an underlayment of felt paper or tar paper, nailing down the pieces in a staggered pattern, and sealing all seams with asphalt-based sealant.
Wood shingle and shake roofs require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good condition. This includes inspecting the roof for signs of wear or damage such as broken or missing pieces, cracked or warped seams, or loose nails. The roof should also be cleaned regularly to remove debris, dirt, and leaves. Additionally, it is important to check for signs of rot or water damage as these can cause serious damage to the structure if not addressed promptly. Wood shingle and shake roofs offer many advantages over other types of commercial roofing materials.
They have a classic look that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any building. They are also very durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as wind, hail, snow, and rain. Additionally, wood shingle and shake roofs can be energy efficient as they provide an insulating layer of protection against the elements. While wood shingle and shake roofs are beneficial in many ways, there are some drawbacks to consider as well.
Wood is susceptible to rot if not maintained properly. Additionally, wood shingle and shake roofs can be more expensive than other types of commercial roofing materials. Finally, they require more maintenance than other types of roofing materials in order to keep them in good condition.
Advantages of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Wood shingle and shake roofing is an excellent choice for many commercial buildings due to its classic look, durability, and energy efficiency. The traditional style of wood shingle and shake roofing provides a timeless look to any building that is aesthetically pleasing.Wood shingle and shake roofing also provides durability and longevity. This type of roofing is known for its strength and can last for decades with proper maintenance. Additionally, wood shingle and shake roofing can withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy snowfall and high winds. Finally, wood shingle and shake roofing is an energy-efficient roofing option.
It helps to keep the building cooler in the summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning, and warmer in the winter months, reducing the need for heating. This can help to reduce energy costs significantly over time. Overall, wood shingle and shake roofing is an excellent choice for commercial buildings due to its classic look, durability, and energy efficiency.
Disadvantages of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Wood shingle and shake roofing is a popular option for many commercial buildings due to its classic, traditional look. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider when deciding if this is the right choice for your building.One of the most significant disadvantages of wood shingle and shake roofing is its susceptibility to rot. Wood is naturally absorbent, so it can quickly become damaged when exposed to the elements. To prevent rot, the wood needs to be treated and maintained regularly. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.
Another disadvantage of wood shingle and shake roofing is that it is often more expensive than other types of roofing materials. This is because wood is a natural material and therefore more costly than synthetic options. Additionally, the installation process is often more complex and labor intensive. Overall, wood shingle and shake roofing can be a great choice for commercial buildings that are looking for a traditional style of roofing.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of this type of roofing before making a decision.
Cost of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Wood shingle and shake roofing is a popular roofing choice for commercial buildings due to its traditional look. Although wood shingle and shake roofing has its advantages, it can also be expensive when compared to other types of commercial roofing materials. The cost of wood shingle and shake roofing will depend on the quality of the wood used, the type of material, and the size of the roof. The average cost for wood shingle and shake roofing is between $1.50 and $6.00 per square foot installed, with the higher end materials costing more.However, it is important to note that a higher quality material may increase the price slightly but will last longer and require less maintenance over time. When compared to other materials such as metal, which can cost between $7.50 and $12.00 per square foot installed, wood shingle and shake roofing is often more affordable. Clay tile is also an option, with an average cost of between $10.00 and $15.00 per square foot installed. Overall, the cost of wood shingle and shake roofing is often lower than other types of commercial roofing materials, making it a popular choice for many businesses.
Its classic look is also a major factor when it comes to choosing this type of material.
Maintaining Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Maintaining a wood shingle and shake roof requires regular inspection and upkeep. When it comes to maintenance, the most important thing is to check for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any missing shingles, cracked shakes, or other signs of wear, it's important to replace them as soon as possible. This will help protect the roof from water damage and help maintain its structural integrity. In addition to these inspections, it's also important to clean the roof on a regular basis.Cleaning the roof will help remove any dirt, debris, or other materials that can accumulate on the roof over time. It's best to use a soft-bristle brush and a mild detergent to gently clean the roof without damaging the wood shingles or shakes. Finally, if you notice any signs of moss or algae growth on the roof, it's important to treat it as soon as possible. Moss and algae can cause damage to the wood shingle or shake material, so it's important to treat it with a moss-control product or a fungicidal solution. Once it's been treated, it's important to regularly inspect the area for any further signs of growth. Wood shingle and shake roofs require regular maintenance to stay in good condition.
By inspecting and cleaning your roof on a regular basis, you can ensure that your roof will last for many years to come.
Installing Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Installing wood shingle and shake roofing is a complex and time-consuming process that should be done by experienced professionals. The exact installation process for wood shingle and shake roofing will vary depending on the size and shape of the roof, as well as the type of wood shingle or shake used. Generally speaking, the installation process involves several steps:Inspection:Before any work can begin, an inspection of the roof is required to determine the type of wood shingle or shake that should be used and to assess the existing condition of the roof. This is important to ensure that the installation process will be successful.Removal:
If necessary, any existing roofing materials must be removed before the new wood shingle or shake can be installed.This step is important to make sure that there are no overlapping layers of material that could lead to water leakage.
Preparation:
The surface of the roof must then be prepared for installation. This includes cleaning the surface, removing any debris, and ensuring that it is completely dry. It is also necessary to check for any weak spots or holes in the roof that may need to be repaired.Installation:
The wood shingle or shake can then be installed. This is done by nailing each piece into place using special nails designed specifically for this purpose.Care must be taken to ensure that each piece is properly secured and that there are no gaps between them.
Flashing:
Once the wood shingle or shake has been installed, flashing must be added around any pipes, vents, or other protrusions. This will help prevent water leakage in these areas.Finishing:
The final step in installing wood shingle or shake roofing is adding a final finish, such as paint or stain. This will help protect the roof from the elements and give it a finished look.Types of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
Wood shingle and shake roofing is a popular choice for many commercial buildings due to its traditional style. There are a variety of types of wood shingle and shake roofing available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.One of the most common types of wood shingle and shake roofing is cedar, which is lightweight, durable, and relatively easy to install. Cedar also has an attractive natural color that can be stained or painted to match the color scheme of your building. Cedar is also resistant to decay, making it a good choice for long-term use. Redwood is another type of wood shingle and shake roofing that is commonly used in commercial buildings. Redwood has a beautiful natural color that can be enhanced with a stain, giving your building an eye-catching look.
Redwood is also resistant to rot and insects, making it a great choice for long-term use. However, redwood is more expensive than cedar and may require more maintenance over time. Southern yellow pine is another popular type of wood shingle and shake roofing. This type of roofing is known for its strength and durability, making it a great choice for commercial buildings. Southern yellow pine is also relatively easy to install, although it can be more expensive than other types of wood shingle and shake roofing.
Additionally, this type of roofing may require more maintenance over time due to its susceptibility to rot. Ultimately, when choosing the best type of wood shingle and shake roofing for your commercial building, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type to ensure you choose the best option for your needs. Cedar, redwood, and southern yellow pine are all popular choices for wood shingle and shake roofing, but each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into consideration before making a final decision. Wood shingle and shake roofing is a popular choice for many commercial buildings due to its classic look and long lifespan. There are several types of wood shingle and shake roofing available, ranging in cost and installation difficulty. When choosing the right type of roofing for a particular building, it is important to consider factors such as the climate, type of building, and the budget.
Maintaining wood shingle and shake roofing is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. With proper installation, maintenance, and care, wood shingle and shake roofing can provide decades of protection for a commercial building.
