There’s something timeless about a roof with wood shingles. From European-style cottages to historic colonial homes, different types of wood shingles can give your roof depth and dynamic texture. When it comes to choosing the right type of wood shingle for your home, be sure to keep durability and style in mind. This is a big investment, after all, and your choice will live on for decades to come.
Types of Wood Shingles
Wood Types
The type of wood you choose for your roof will have a dramatic impact on your home’s curb appeal. Take a look at the most common types of wood shingles:
- Red Cedar: Cedar has one of the most unique looks (and smells) out of any wood. If you want your roof to have a warm tone, this wood is a good choice. However, its standout color typically looks best on white or multi-color brick houses.
- Eastern White Pine: This light-color wood is perfect for staining because it provides a blank canvas for any color.
- White Oak: White oak also has a light, easy-to-stain color. This wood is rot-resistant, making it a great roofing material choice.
- Cypress: This wood has unique patterns that show up well with stain, and it is also rot-resistant.
- Red Oak: Despite its name, red oak is actually a lighter color. Thanks to its durable nature, it is a common choice for cabinets and hardwood floors.
Size, Shape, and Finish
After you choose the type of wood, it’s time to consider other stylistic factors. Start by thinking about which size and shape you want. Most wood shingles are about 18-24 inches wide. Since wood is an organic material, each shingle will vary in thickness, but this only adds to the unique look. However, most manufacturers saw and sand wood shingles to create a more uniform appearance. If you want to lean into the mix-matched shape, go with wood shakes. Split from logs, these shingles have a rustic texture.
Adding a finish to your roof is the final step. Going with a darker finish can provide a classic look, but going with a lighter finish can make a nice contrast against a darker paint color. The stain type you choose impacts more than just the color of your roof. Choose a finish that has flame-retardants for safety and chemical preservatives to prevent rot.
Wood Shingle Upkeep
Perhaps surprisingly, wood shingles can last for decades without succumbing to algae, mold, or mildew. If you take care of your wood shingle roof properly, it can last anywhere from 30 to 40 years. However, this longevity requires maintenance. You’ll need to hire a contractor to apply a penetrating wood preservative to your roof every five years. You should also ask your contractor to clean your gutters twice a year and deep clean your roof every two years.
Get the Same Look with Laminate Shingles
While wood shingles are certainly beautiful, they require quite a bit of upkeep. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for convenience. Laminate shingles mimic the appearance of wood shingles, but they are made out of synthetic materials that can withstand ice, hail, and harsh sunlight. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of wood shingles before choosing wood over laminate.
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Are you ready to evaluate the best types of wood shingles for your home? If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding wood and laminate shingles, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!