Are Wood Roofs Good?

Since wood roofs are one of the less common types of roofs, it makes sense that many people wonder if wood roofs are even a good roofing option or if it would be better to go with another material, such as metal or asphalt shingles. Are wood roofs good? Why do roofers even do wood roofs if people have to ask what makes wood roofs good or if they’re not at all, and having them installed would be a massive mistake. 

Wood roofs do indeed have their drawbacks – but so does every other kind of roofing material. Wood roofs can indeed be an excellent choice for your roof, depending on your needs. Here’s what you need to know about wood roofs. 

The Pros And Cons Of Wood Roofs

Same as everything else, wood roofs have their pros and cons. The cons of wood roofs are what make them less common and cause people to ask, are wood roofs good? But it would be a mistake to overlook their pros, especially since wood roofs have a unique look that sets your home apart from the rest and give it a beautiful, traditional look. 

It’s always good to know the advantages and disadvantages of anything you’re going to invest in, to ensure that you’re making the best choice for you and your needs. Let’s get into the pros and cons of wood roofs so that you can make an informed decision about whether wood roofs are the right roofing material for you. 

The Advantages Of Wood Roofs

Wood roofs used to be the most popular type of roof, so if you have an older building, wood roofs are excellent for maintaining that more historical appearance. As such, you’ll mostly see wood roofs installed in these kinds of buildings and for historical restoration purposes. 

If you want a natural aesthetic for your home, wood roofs will provide this for you, especially as they fade over time in a way that adds even more character and charm to your home. If you have a home that is already made of natural materials, such as stone, wood roofs compliment these beautifully. 

Wood roofs are mostly made out of cedar, as well as other woods, such as: western red cedar, pine, spruce, redwood, Atlantic white cedar, and cypress. While it’s most common for wood roofs to come in light colors, they can be darker, or age to be darker. Cedar is the most common wood since it is naturally weather-resistant, durable, energy-efficient, and give a lovely natural aesthetic.

Aside from their appearance, wood roofs have many other advantages to satisfy your question: are wood roofs good? Some of the other advantages of wood roofs include:

• Sustainability
• Resilience
• Lightweight
• Energy efficiency
• Impact resistant – the thicker the shingles, the more so
• Weather resistant
• Easy to install
• Easy to repair
• Though wood roofs do change color, they do protect your home from UV rays. 
• With proper care and maintenance, wood roofs can last 20-40 years.

The Disadvantages Of Wood Roofs

The cons of wood roofs are what have made them die down in popularity as other roofing materials have entered the market and are what make people ask, are wood roofs good or not worth the investment? While wood roofs are beautiful and have many benefits, there’s a lot of work that goes into maintaining them which can turn people to other roofing options. While wood roofs are generally treated with flame-retardant chemicals, they’re still flammable, which is why some jurisdictions prohibit them.

Here’s what you need to know about the disadvantages of wood roofs.

• Wood roofs require a lot more maintenance than other roofing materials. They need to be treated with flame-retardant chemicals every few years, and they are more susceptible to mold, mildew, and fungus than other types of roofing materials.
• They’re vulnerable to insects such as termites and wood borers that can eat away at your shingles.
• They fade over time, so if you want your roof to maintain its color, wood roofs won’t do this for you.
• Higher cost over time, especially with all the maintenance requirements to keep them in good condition.
• They can lead to higher home-insurance costs, since they’re more susceptible to fires than other types of roofing materials.
• Wood roofs are more likely to leak than other kinds of roofs, as they can deteriorate and crack over time, exposing the interior of your home and its structure to water damage. 

Are Wood Roots Good For Your Needs?

Are wood roofs good for you? It depends! If you’re willing to put in the effort to maintain them, yes, they can be a wonderful choice for you. If you want something easier to maintain that doesn’t have the same drawbacks as wood roofs, you would be better off with asphalt or metal roofs. Whether or not wood roofs are good for you and your needs is entirely up to you. One of the professional roofing contractors at Lifetime Roofing can help you determine what kind of roof is best for you and your home. Contact us today for any questions and to schedule an estimate for your roof!