Wood Shake: Why It’s Better With Metal

Wood shake has a classic look that’s been adored by homeowners for many years. Certain types of homes are more suited to the look of wood shake, making it more popular in some areas of the country. However, there are some downsides to using wood shakes as a roofing material, and metal roofing is often the better option. There are many reasons why you may want to consider metal roofing for your current or future home. In general, metal roofing is more durable as well as easier to maintain, so it works better for your home in the long run. Wood roofs have advantages in their durability as well, but suffer when it comes to harsh weather conditions and fires.

Advantages of Wood Shake for Your Roof

Wood shake, or wood shingles, are a material commonly used in the construction of roofs in residential areas, especially more country-style homes. There are many advantages to wood shake that have made it very popular over the years, such as the natural look and the insulation that it provides. The aesthetic it provides is one that typically fits with a person’s idea of “homey,” which is why it has remained a staple of a staggering percentage of homes for a very long time. Wood shake is also easily cut to provide resistance to wind and pests and boasts impressive durability.

However, wood shake has a larger risk of catching fire than other materials, causing irreversible damage to the house. Wood shingles are also likely to crack and cause leaks and holes in the roof. They can also become discolored and lose their famous and beloved rustic look over time and eventually look worn out and unsightly. It’s easy for wood roofs to accumulate mold and other kinds of dirt over time and can be much harder to clean than metal roofing options. Due to the higher risk of damages and shorter lifespan of wood shingles, wood shake also requires regular maintenance that can be difficult or even dangerous to perform oneself, and it can be expensive to hire a professional to fix, every single time there is an issue.

Advantages of Metal Roofing Over Wood Shake

With metal roofing, you can avoid many of the issues of wood shake roofs. Depending on the material of your metal roofing, it can last between 40 and 70 years, while traditional roofing typically lasts between 12 and 20 years. Metal roofing is also resistant to wind and impact from debris. It also does not need the same regular upkeep as wood shake roofing and will not ignite or spark, should it come in contact with fire or lightning. Metal roofing helps keep the heat from the sunlight trapped inside and can reduce heating costs in winter, saving you tons of money in the cooler seasons. Lastly, most metal roofing is made using recycled materials and is completely recyclable when you are done with it, so it is much more environmentally friendly than wood shingles.

The disadvantages of metal roofing are few and far between. Installing metal roofing can be slightly more expensive than wooden shingles but can easily make up for this cost in energy savings and lower maintenance costs. If it rains, metal roofing can echo the sounds of the rain into your home and be noisier, and some low-quality, cheaper metal roofing can rust when water sits on the material or if it rains frequently where you live. These disadvantages are easy to overcome with quality metal roofing.

When considering whether metal roofing is right for you, you need to consider the weather in your chosen area as well as if you find metal roofing visually appealing. There are many options for the appearance of your metal roof, including various styles and paint colors that are designed for metal roofs and can last just as long. The paint made for metal roofs also boosts its longevity and keeps your home looking crisp and new for a very long time. If you live or plan to live in an area that rains often, metal roofing may not be right for you. However, there are options for metal roofing that you can purchase made of a more durable and water-resistant material that can work much better than the more low-quality options.

Find Quality Workmanship and Experience

If you decide that you would like to add metal roofing to your current home, or for a new home, find a local service provider that is known for their quality work and experience with metal roofing. Before you make an appointment, consider researching the kind of metal roofing material that works best for the climate and area that your home is in. Whether you need something more durable against harsh winds, snow, rain, or lightning, you can find a metal roofing material that can meet your needs.

You will also need to know and choose between the two main styles of metal roofing: standing seam and screw-down panels. Standing seams is a style of metal roofing in which the sections are locked together at the seams and are fastened together at the bottom with clips. This helps the metal roof stay together and stay secure when it expands from heat. The paint typically used for standing seam metal roofing systems protects the metal panels and also maintains its color even as the roof ages. A standing seam metal roof also has an extremely long lifespan, needs very little maintenance, and therefore can be much more inexpensive in the long run, in comparison to other roofing options.

Metal roofs installed using a screw-down panel system are screwed down to the roof, which leaves no room for expansion or contraction from heat or cold. The disadvantage of screw-down panels is that periodically, they will need to be replaced. The expansion and contraction of the metal roofing will slowly cause holes in the metal panels near the screws and will need to be serviced. So, a screw-down panel system of metal roofing is more prone to roof leaks and needs to be maintained to avoid those issues and others.

Metal roofing provides many advantages over wood shake roofing, and is often the better choice. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’ll want to consider metal roofing for your home.