Before the industrial revolution took place and we were introduced to a variety of choices for roofing materials, pine and cedar were the most common roofing materials used. Wood roofs are still very popular in many parts of Canada as they have various advantages over metal roofing or asphalt shingles. If you’re planning to give your house a rustic look with a wooden roof, read this article to better understand your choice.
What Is a Wood Roof?
Wood shakes and shingles are types of wooden roofs that are used by Canadian homeowners to protect their homes. Wooden shakes are thicker, have a rugged appearance and are heavy in weight. Wood shingles are more popularly used as they are thinner, less expensive and are available in different grades. Cedar, redwood and pine are popular wood roof choices in Northern America however, most Canadian homeowners trust western red cedar and eastern white cedar wood to build the roof above their heads.
Advantages of Installing a Wood Roof
High Aesthetic Value
Wooden roofs have great aesthetic value that increases your curb appeal. Houses with a beautiful wood shakes or shingle roofs also have higher resale value. Cedarwood is also famous for its design flexibility. You can paint or stain the wood in a specific colour or shade to give it a more personalized look.
Long-Lasting
Based on the choice of wood you choose for your home, it can last anywhere from 25-30 years. As cedar is more rot and insect resistant, it lasts longer compared to other types of woods. That’s why it’s more popular in Canada. With yearly maintenance checks, you can have a strong, rot-free, rustic roof over your head to last generations.
Natural Insulator
Compared to other roof types available on the market, wood roofs have proven to be the best natural insulators. In Canada, we see extreme weather changes from winter to summer. Considering these seasonal conditions, wood roofs prove the best choice to keep the house cool during the summer months and maintain the indoor temperature during winter. It also reduces indoor air pollution and reduces carbon emissions in the environment.
Disadvantages of Installing a Wood Roof
High Maintenance
Wood roofs are one of the most expensive roofing options considering their maintenance costs after installation. It is recommended to run yearly maintenance checks on wood roofs to make sure there are no signs of rot, mold, mildew, rodent infestation or plant growth. In case of any damage, it can be expensive to replace or repair the wood shingles or shakes. So when choosing wood as your roofing material, consider its long-term cost in addition to installation costs. The same roofer who installs your roof can run yearly maintenance checks for you.
Flammable
Wood is a natural flammable material. With the right fire-resistant coating, you can build a fire-resistant roofing system. Wood shake roofs are more fire-prone compared to wood shingles. Every city in Canada has their own set of guidelines and regulations as to which type, thickness or quality of wood should be used for roofing purposes to regulate the risk of fire. Your local roofing expert will be able to help you choose the best type of roofing option to get the best fire-resistant roofing material.
Though wood roofs require regular maintenance, they last for a long time and are considered environmentally friendly. Thousands of old structures with wood roofs have survived decades of snow, rain and heavy wind successfully with regular maintenance. That is proof enough that wood roofs are a good investment choice for the roof above your head. Get a custom quote from a local wood roofing company to get started on your project.
