Construction & Contractors Blog
If you are thinking about alternatives to replace your asphalt shingles, installing wood shakes can be a great choice. The problem is that natural shakes are vulnerable to problems like rot and fire damage. Therefore, you may want to use treated shakes or other alternatives. The following guide will help you choose the best solutions for your needs.
Conventional Pressure-Treated Wood Shakes
The most common type of treated shake material that you can have installed is a conventional pressure-treated material. There are a few options for the pressure-treated shake materials, including:
The pressure-treated shakes will need the same care as natural wood roofing materials. Therefore, you may want to give them time to cure and apply a sealant for extra protection.
Pressure Treatments with Fire-Retardant for Wood Shakes
In addition to the conventional pressure treatments, there are also options for shakes that are treated with a fire retardant. Some other things that you may want to consider for the installation of these materials, including:
The color of fire-retardants that are used to treat wood shakes is usually red or a variety of other colors. These treatments can give your shakes a natural wood look with more fire-resistant materials.
Alternatives for Wood Shakes Where Wood Roofing is a Concern
There are also several alternatives when installing wood shakes. There are synthetic and natural options like tropical hardwood. Some of the alternatives that you may want to consider include:
The tropical wood shakes are costly, but they are naturally resistant to fire and rot. Therefore, they can be a good investment for a long-lasting wood roof.
Dealing with Sealing and Caring for Your New Treated Shake Roof
While treated shakes will last long with little maintenance, a good maintenance routine will help them last even longer. The treated shake maintenance that needs to be done includes:
The sealing of the new roof is important to protect it from wear, moisture, and pests. You can also ask your roofer about coming back to inspect and seal the shakes when needed.
The right choice of wood shake roofing materials will give your home the look you want when replacing asphalt shingles. If you are ready to replace your shingles with shakes, contact local roofers.
Share31 March 2021
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
