Choosing the right type of shingle for your home is an important step in replacing your old or damaged roof. While there are many materials available, each has its own distinct benefits and downsides. Today, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of wood shingles.

The Pros

  • Wood shingles provide a natural roof style with a distinct character unlike more common asphalt shingles. Over time, the color will fade from the light cedar brown to a silver gray, giving your home a classic look.
  • These shingles are available in a variety of sizes to work with your roof and design.
  • Wood shingles are incredibly light and will not require additional structural improvements to support the weight of the roof. Materials like clay tiles and slate often require reinforcement of the roof structure due to the increased weight of materials.
  • When properly treated, wood shingles are less likely to sustain damage from storms and may last longer than asphalt shingles.

The Cons

  • Wood shingles are more expensive than metal and asphalt shingles due to the cost of material and difficulty of installation. While many people are able to install asphalt shingles, it takes more experience to properly install wood shingles on a roof.
  • They require more frequent maintenance than other roofing materials due to the porous nature of the wood. Over time, mold and lichen will build up on the shingles and must be cleaned to prevent damage.
  • Wood shingles are less likely to resist pests. Just like wood siding, shingles are vulnerable to termite damage and may need to be replaced if the damage is extensive.

When you’re ready to upgrade your roof’s appearance, talk to the experts at Urban Siding.