In discussing the types of wood shingles, we’ve also covered some pros and cons, types of wood shingles, the most common types used in making shingles, and lifespan.
You’ll also come across alternatives to wood shingles, wood shingle grades, and other related information. By the end, you would better grasp the different options and how best to leverage them.
Wood Shingle Types
Contrary to what some readers might believe, roof shingles made from wood have been around since the early 17th century.
These carefully cut wood pieces are mainly derived from redwood, western red cedar, pine, cypress, Atlantic white cedar, and spruces.
The types of wood shingles are being discussed to offer a detailed understanding of your options.
Pros & Cons
Before getting into specifics on types of wood shingles, we begin by identifying general pros & cons associated with them. The good thing is that the pros outweigh the cons.
These include being resilient & durable, lightweight, eco-friendly, UV resistant, easy to install, relatively affordable, having a curb appeal, and having an average lifespan between 2 to 3 decades.
Wood shingle damage is relatively easy to fix, plus they’re pretty versatile in their design. For the cons, this type of roofing requires regular maintenance compared to other roofing materials.
What more? A fire hazard can be disastrous. Rot is a problem you’ll likely deal with, mainly when proper and regular maintenance isn’t performed.
You may also deal with pest problems.
Types of Wood Shingles
As mentioned, there are multiple wood shingles, the most common being teak shingles, cedar shingles, synthetic wood shingles, and Wallaba.
Learning about these options gives you a better idea of which type to choose. Let’s discuss each to see what they’re about, shall we?
i. Teak Shingles
One of the best things about teak shingles is their water-resistant nature. This is essential as roofing materials must withstand the elements, especially moisture or water seepage.
Besides being water resistant, teak shingles are also rot resistant, have an appealing appearance, and are durable even under adverse weather conditions.
Teak shingles have one of the most extended (lifelong) lifespans of approximately 80 years. With proper maintenance, such a lifespan is extended.
This is one of the reasons why it’s a common feature in some of the world’s ageless buildings.
The best part about teak shingles is that they don’t require much maintenance; you only need to wipe off surfaces routinely.
ii. Cedar Shingles
This type of wood shingle has insulating properties and is a low-cost option to other wood shingles. This wood gives off an appealing scent, is durable, and has a uniform texture and fine grain.
There are variations of the cedar shingle that make it quite versatile. They include the eastern white cedar, western red cedar, and Alaskan yellow cedar.
Regarding its lifespan, cedar shingles typically serve between 30 and 50 years. You may be interested in other features, like the color changes over time.
For example, the eastern white cedar gradually fades to gray from its initial pale yellow or brown. The western red cedar fades from deep reddish brown or yellow gold to brown or gray.
iii. Synthetic Wood Shingles
Not everyone has the patience to maintain wood shingles as these typically require or demand. Synthetic wood shingles are provided to meet such needs.
So, what constitutes such wood, and are they as durable? A variety of materials are used in producing synthetic wood shingles. Some of these include polymer, recycled rubber, and plastic.
These aren’t similar to the natural properties of natural wood shingles. Nevertheless, they mimic these woods. Plus, they’re generally low-maintenance and durable.
This eliminates all the hassles that are common with wood shingles. Composite wood shingles also have similar lifespans. Going for this option can result in better outcomes.
iv. Wallaba
Wallaba is another type of wood shingle that’s cost-friendly, an industry favorite, and resistant to decay and termite infestation.
Its high durability makes it withstand even the most adverse conditions like hurricanes.
In addition to these advantages, Wallaba shingles are aesthetically pleasing and ideal for areas with high humidity conditions.
Its anti-corrosive quality means that it can be used widely for a wide range of projects.
Consider exploring further to discover all the benefits that accrue to using Wallaba shingles for your construction project.
You’re better off in the long run as you can reduce the maintenance cost while also enjoying the long lifespan of the roofing material.
Most Common Wood Types Used in Making Shingles
In our discussion, a brief mention has been made of some common wood types used in making shingles.
These typically include the red oak, white oak, red cedar, Eastern white pine, and cypress. Of course, there are more varieties like Wallaba, teak, and the Alaskan yellow cedar.
Wood Shingle Lifespan
Wood shingle lifespan is determined chiefly by the variety or type, maintenance, severity of weather conditions, and how well it’s installed.
Generally, the average lifespan for wood shingles is around 25 years.
With proper care, the lifespan of wood shingles may be extended significantly. So, how is this done effectively? You’ll do well to research that or consult a roofing expert.
Alternatives to Wood Shingles
Are there alternatives to wood shingles? There are. Although our focus has been on wood shingles, briefly mentioning some of these won’t be out of place.
They include asphalt shingles, slate shingles, metal shingles, concrete shingles, clay shingles, architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles, rubber shingles, aluminum shingles, PVC roof tiles, steel shingles, etc.
Wood Shingle Grades
Wood shingles come in grades for various reasons, including the distinction between types, quality, and customer preferences.
Some of the most common wood shingle grades you’ll come across while shopping include flat, edge, and slash grain. What are these about, or what information do they convey?
The flat grain wood shingle grade is typically cut parallel to the tree’s rings. While this will serve your roofing needs, the problem is seen in its steady deterioration over time as it begins to split.
The edge grain wood shingle grade is a high-quality cut obtained by cutting perpendicular to the tree’s rings. Unlike the flat grain, this won’t disintegrate over time.
The types of wood shingles have been highlighted, with relevant information about their different qualities included. Leverage the information provided to choose a more suitable roofing project option.