If you are planning to redo the roof on your house soon, you’ve undoubtedly started looking into the various materials you can choose from for your project. Wood shingles, however, are something you might not have considered yet. For many years, wood was an extremely popular roofing material, but recently, it has fallen out of vogue in favor of asphalt shingles, concrete tiles, and other modern materials. There is, however, no substitute for the look of real wood. As you read this guide, you will learn more about choosing wood shingles and shakes for your upcoming roof remodel.
What is the history of wood roofing?
Because trees have existed since the dawn of time, wood roofing is among the oldest in existence. It is, however, worth noting that not all types of wood are appropriate for roofing projects. Some brands are simply too soft to withstand the elements on a daily basis; this is especially important for homeowners who live in hurricane-prone regions, like North Carolina’s Outer Banks, to consider.
Western red cedar is one of the most popular choices for wood shingles and shakes. This incredibly durable hardwood will hold up to even the harshest conditions. California redwood and cypress are also excellent options. All of these woods have a beautiful coloring that will make your home stand out. Historically, wood shingles and shakes were crafted by hand after trees with felled with manual axes. Today, modern manufacturing methods and mass production practices are employed, but even contemporary wood shingles have charm.
How much do wood shingles cost?
Wood shingles typically cost between $10,000 and $18,000 to cover an average-sized 2,000 square foot residential roof. Your final price will depend upon the type of wood you choose, the intricacy of your design, and whether your shingles and shakes are handcrafted or machine-made. To put the cost in perspective, asphalt shingles can cost as little as $4,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof, but they do not have the aesthetic appeal of wood. Furthermore, wood shingles are still significantly less pricey than clay or slate tiles.
What kinds of houses look best with wood shingles?
Although wood shingles and shakes are relatively versatile roofing materials, they do tend to work best with houses that have lived-in, historic appearances. Ultra-modern homes, for instance, do not lend themselves to this kind of roof. Craftsman style abodes, Victorian residences, and cottages are all prime candidates, however. Talk to your contractor if you have questions about how to make wood roofing work for your house.
If you are ready to invest in wood shingles, let the Hatch Homes team handle your project. We take great pride in our ability to work with a variety of materials and will install your roof correctly the first time, so you don’t have to worry about problems in the future. We’ve long been serving clients in North Carolina and South Carolina, and we look forward to adding you to our list of satisfied customers!