Roofing FAQ: What Are the Benefits of Wood Shingles for Roofing?

If you are looking for your next home improvement project, a  replacement roof is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. A replacement roof will not only improve the look of your home, but will also increase your home’s energy efficiency and value. However, there are a few key things to consider when replacing your roof, such as which material is best, as well as how to know you have found a reputable roofing contractor. In this article, we will specifically look at everything you need to know about wood shingles for your new roof, as well as our best tips to find the best roofing contractor for the job. 

Wood Shingles Quick Facts

Wood shingles and shakes come in a variety of woods including cedar, redwood, and pine. Wood shingles are machine cut whilst wood shakes are hand-cut, which offers a more rustic look and feel. Wood is a natural product and therefore in some ways greener. However, maintenance can be an issue for some homeowners. Wood roofs have poor fire ratings and are susceptible to rot, splitting and mold. However, there are plenty of ways to mitigate these risks if a wood roof is what you want. 

Benefits of Wood Shingles 

Wood shingle roofs come with a range of benefits, but perhaps most importantly is the benefit of enhanced energy efficiency and insulation – almost double that of common asphalt shingles. The great benefit of this is a reduction in your energy bills year round. Not to mention wood shingles are eco-friendly and provide a natural, classic look that many homeowners enjoy. And, with color variations ranging from red to brown to golden, wood shingles undoubtedly provide your home with a beautiful and natural look. 

Below we have listed several other great benefits of wood shingles: 

Weather Resistant

Wood shingles are naturally weather resistant, as well as resistant to UV rays, insects and moss. There are also additional treatments you can make to ensure wood shingles are even more resistant to fire, bugs and other fungus.

Durable, Flexible, & Strong 

Wood shingles, specifically cedar wood shingles are incredibly durable, flexible and sturdy. They keep their shape, without warping too much under different weather conditions. They are also very sturdy, and can improve the overall strength of your roof when properly installed. Not to mention wood shingles can be stained, oiled and painted, offering you a range of finishing options to suit your individual style. 

Energy Efficient

As a low-density material, wood shingles provide excellent insulation, which not only helps to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, but also helps lower your energy bills. 

Eco-Friendly

Wood shingles are good for the environment. Made from natural materials, you will not find a more eco-friendly roofing material.

How Much Does a Roof Replacement Cost in Virginia and Maryland? 

The cost of a replacement roof in Virginia and Maryland will vary on a few factors, such as:

• The size of your roof
• Your roof’s pitch
• How the roof is installed
• The material used
• The number of layers required
• Code requirements for your roof
• Whether you have a skylight, chimney or pipes that need to be worked around during installation

How to Find the Right Roofing Contractor to Install Wood Shingles

Finding the right roofing contractor to install your new roof is crucial if you want to save yourself unnecessary stress and possibly thousands of extra dollars in the long-run. When searching for a trustworthy roofing contractor, sadly it is likely you will come across a few fly-by-night contractors. These types of contractors may be uninsured or work with cheap, untrained and poorly supervised laborers. So, while it might seem like you are getting a good deal, it is likely they will leave your roof in worse condition than what they found it in. That is why it is vital you take the time to find a professional, local and established roofing contractor for the job. It is also a good idea to get multiple estimates from a variety of companies, as this will ensure you get a fair price. While it is not impossible to get a good deal for your replacement roof, be very cautious of low bids. Here are a few tips to finding a reputable and trustworthy roofing contractor:

• Permanent place of business, telephone number, tax ID number and business license
• Proof of insurance
• Licensed and bonded
• Has a proven track record, references from past clients and a list of past projects
• Detailed proposal with descriptions of the work and specifications, approximate starting and completion dates, and payment procedures
• Someone who can explain project supervision and quality control procedures
• A professional who shows a commitment to good quality work and has appropriate industry associations 
• Check with Better Business Bureau or the Department of Professional Regulation for any complaints against the contractor
• Offers warranties for labor and materials

We hope this article has been useful in your replacement roof journey. If you have any additional questions, please get in touch with the WoW team today. We are happy to help!