Wood Roof Ideas
- Wood shingles are an ideal option if you prefer a traditional, cottage-like look for your home. They are usually made from red cedar, which is a durable wood that is naturally resistant to insect infestation and rot. It also sheds water extremely well and resists heat transmission better than other types of shingles. Wood shingles are thin and have a smooth surface on both sides. They are available in four grades, with grade 1 made of clear heartwood being the best and grade 4 which contains large knots being the worst. If you live in an area with harsher weather, wood shingles can require more maintenance than other roofing materials. You should treat them with a preservative product about every five years and remove debris that might trap moisture or draw insects to the roof. Shingles are not fire resistant, so they are banned in some jurisdictions. Check with your local building codes to see if they are permissible.
- If you like the look of wood shingles but prefer a more durable roofing material, consider wood shakes. They are very similar to shingles and are usually made from red cedar as well. However, shakes are thicker than shingles and are spilt by hand so they have a rough, textured surface. Because they are thicker, they are more durable than shingles and tend to last longer. There are two main types of shakes to consider for your home. Tapered spilt shakes are spilt on both sides so they both have a textured surface. Handsplit and resawn shakes are spilt from a block and sawn in half to produce two shakes. As a result, one side is rough and textured while the other is smooth. Shakes are available in three grades, with grade 1 being the best option because it is made from clear heartwood.
- If you like the idea of a wood roof but prefer a more environmentally friendly option, shingles and shakes made from reclaimed wood may be an ideal option. Several lumber companies take wood from old mills, water tanks, bridges and other sources to create recycled shingles and shakes. Another eco-friendly wood roofing option is using shingles and shakes made from sustainably grown trees. You can find companies that produce sustainable wood siding products, but some can also be used for roofing if installed properly.
- To dress up the look of your roof, consider adding a wooden cupola. A cupola is usually a small dome-shaped structure that is mounted to the roof ridge. You can also find cupolas that have an octagonal or rectangular shape if you prefer. While they were previously used to ventilate an attic, modern cupolas are usually installed for purely decorative purposes and often feature a weather vane or other metal accessory at their apex. A wooden cupola is usually painted, but pairs well with shingles or shakes that have a natural finish. It adds instant charm to your home and gives it an old-fashioned feel.
