Wood is one of the many popular roofing materials out there! It’s definitely a favorite amongst homeowners due to its elegant appeal and wide range of varieties. A wooden roof makes your house more aesthetically appealing and ups the value of the entire structure. Many different types of wood can be used for roofs. Whether you are building an entirely new home or renovating an existing structure, plenty of wood options are available. Wooden roofs are also a great alternative to steel and asphalt. These roofs are sound and sturdy, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Wooden roofs are also easy to repair in case of damage compared to other materials. As long as wooden shingles are correctly placed, they can easily be replaced. Wooden roofs also add uniqueness to your house. This is because no two wooden roofs are alike. The design and grain of wooden shingles vary, making your home stand out.
Let’s consider options for the best wood for roofing below.
Teak Shingles
Native to Southeast Asia, teak wood is known for its longevity and durability. More commonly used for doors, furnishings, roofing, and boat decks, teak is becoming an increasingly popular choice for roof shingles. There are several reasons for this. Teak wood is solid and can easily withhold through extreme conditions. It is also highly resistant to extreme weather conditions and can naturally resist moisture, rot, and fungi. By installing teak shingles, you will also be saving money in the long run as you will not have to replace the shingles for years.
Cedar Shingles
Cedarwood is also an excellent choice for roofing. Its weather resistance, sturdiness, and flexibility make it a great option. Cedarwood is also budget-friendly, so you will not have to surpass your budget for adequate roofing. Installing cedarwood is also convenient due to its fine grain and uniform texture. It also has a pleasant aroma and a great wooden finish. Cedar shingles can also easily resist humidity and fluctuations in weather. This wood also offers great insulation. Homeowners also love the long lifespan of cedarwood. Shingles crafted out of this variety of wood may last a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of 50 years.
Pine Shakes
Pine shakes are a great option for roofing. They have a beautiful light color as they are crafted out of yellow Pine trees. Pine shakes can last a considerably long time with the right chemical treatment. The treatment also prevents the wood from decay and insects.
Wallaba Shingles
Rarer than Cedar or Teak, Wallaba Shingles are also an excellent roofing option. Wallaba wood comes in beautiful hues of reddish-brown. This is a tropical wood derived from regions like Brazil and Guyana. Similar to Cedar in functionality, Wallaba wood does not have to be chemically treated. If you reside in coastal regions prone to tropical storms, Wallaba wood is a great option. This is because it is sturdy, robust, windproof, and moisture resistant.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are also widely used for roofing. Also known as synthetic wood, composite wood is crafted out of asphalt, recycled paper, and fiberglass. These shingles resemble wood and offer resistance to certain types of insects, moisture, rot, and fire. Composite wood shingles require zero maintenance and offer double the lifespan of authentic wood shingles, and are available in many colorful varieties. Composite shingles are available in both sawn and sanded textures. Sanded versions are slightly pricier than sawn ones due to the additional service of sanding the material.
Additional Wood Varieties
White Oak is a great option for roofing. This wood is durable, beautiful, and sturdy enough to use as roofing. Rot-resistant and affordable, a white oak roof can also easily stand the test of time. This variety of Oak is also highly customizable as it’s light brown and can easily be stained.
Red Cedar is also a popular roofing option due to its appearance and durable features. It is robust, sturdy, and strong, ideal for roofing. It is also naturally rot-resistant as well as moisture and insect-resistant. Red Cedar also has a pinkish-red hue that darkens over time. It is excellent for insulation and also helps maintain steady temperatures inside homes.
The 2 Best Wood for Roofing
ASIN: B08GYLGRV7
These cedar lumber boards measure 6×7.25×0.75 inches in actual size and are finished on one face and two edges. Moreover, they are excellent small home projects and also renovation projects. You can also use these versatile boards for crafting, furniture building, and installation activities. These boards are lightweight and require low maintenance, are decay-resistant, and have a distinctive pattern and warm coloring. Their natural tone is appealing and rich. Moreover, these cedar lumber boards are also straight and even grained.
ASIN: B08JM3F7W1
These White Pine soft boards measure 24×11.25×0.75 inches in size. They are finished on all four sides and have versatile usage. They are great for crafting activities as well as home improvement projects. You can also use them for furniture building and construction projects. The board adjusts well to both hand and machine tools and finishes well. They are also receptive to wood glue designed for tight bonding. These White Pine boards are pale yellow to white in hue. Their color tends to darken with exposure to the sun and age. They are medium-textured and have an even, straight grain.
Our Final Thoughts
Wooden roofs are a great idea! Not only are they an aesthetically appealing addition to a home, but they also increase the home’s market value. As a renewable and biodegradable resource with many great natural qualities, wood is durable and sturdy, a natural insulator, and long-lasting. We hope the information above helps you find the best wood for roofing.
