When it comes to roofing material, wood has been a popular choice for centuries. However, as other materials like asphalt become more popular, homeowners may begin to question whether a wood roof is right for their home. Like any material, wood has strengths and weaknesses that you must consider before making the investment. 

At Lifetime Roofing, we understand why homeowners might feel weary about making the investment in a wood roof. Without many wood roofs in your neighborhood, you might be weary about choosing to invest in one for your home. If you want to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of wood roofs and whether they’re right for your home, keep reading. 

The Pros of a Wood Roof

Aesthetic Appeal

Whether you choose shingles or shakes, wood roofs provide a unique, rustic charm to your home that other materials cannot replicate. The natural variation of wood grain and color adds depth and character to your home’s exterior, making it stand out amongst your neighbors. 

Environmentally Friendly

As a renewable resource, wood roofs are an environmentally friendly roofing option. When you work with a company that provides ethically sourced materials, you can ensure your wood shingles are a sustainable choice that aligns with your green lifetime. Additionally, as they reach the end of their lifespan, a wood roof can be recycled, reducing its environmental impact. 

Excellent Insulation

Wood has natural insulating properties, which can help regulate your home’s temperature. Wood roofs can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. With this improved insulation, you may even notice a reduction in your monthly energy costs. 

Longevity

With proper care and maintenance, wood roofs can last for decades. Cedar, in particular, is known for its durability and resistance to rot, insects, and decay. Regular maintenance can extend the life of a wood roof, making it a worthwhile investment for many homeowners that are trying to avoid costly and frequent roof replacements. 

Increased Property Value

The beauty and durability of a wood roof can enhance your home’s curb appeal and potentially increase its resale value. Many prospective buyers appreciate the traditional, high-end look of wood roofing. If you want to stand out in an oversaturated market, wood roofs might be a great way to go. 

The Cons of a Wood Roof

High Maintenance

While wood roofs can last for a long time, they often require regular maintenance to meet this longer lifespan. This maintenance often includes cleaning, treating for pests, and resealing to keep them safe from moisture and weather damage. Without consistent upkeep, you may find your wood roof is deteriorating more quickly than if you had chosen to work with other materials. 

Fire Risk

Wood is a combustible material, which means that homes with wood roofs may be at a high risk of fire than those with other roofing materials. Although treatments are available to address this and make them more fire-resistant, they may not completely eliminate the risk. If you like in an area that experiences frequent wild fires, wood roofs might not be best. 

Vulnerability to Moisture

Wood is susceptible to moisture-related issues such as rot, mold, and mildew. In areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, a wood roof may require extra care to prevent these problems. Ensuring proper ventilation and applying protective treatments are essential steps to maintaining your wood roof’s integrity.

Costly

Wood roofs can be more expensive than other roofing materials like asphalt shingles. The initial cost of materials and installation can be higher, and the ongoing maintenance expenses should also be considered. While the investment can pay off in terms of longevity and aesthetics, it may not be the most budget-friendly option for all homeowners.

Pest Attraction

Wood roofs can attract pests such as termites, carpenter ants, and other insects that feed on or burrow into wood. Regular inspections and treatments are necessary to prevent infestations that can compromise the structure of the roof.

Is a Wood Roof Right for Your Home? 

Deciding whether a wood roof is right for your home is a decision that should be based on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and willingness to commit to maintenance. If you are looking for a roof that compliments the natural charm and beauty of your home, and you are prepared for the upkeep, a wood roof may be the perfect addition to your home. 

However, if you are concerned about fire safety, moisture issues, or you don’t have time for the maintenance demands, you might want to explore other roofing options. Ultimately, wood roofs can be a wonderful investment for those who appreciate their unique qualities. If you’re on the fence, and believe other roofing materials may be a better fit, it is often best to speak to a reliable roofing professional.

They can help you determine if wood roofing is right for your current lifestyle. They may also be able to offer an alternative perspective, helping you determine what roof is the right choice for you. When you work with a roofing professional, you can trust that they’ll help you find the perfect roofing material for your space. 

Finding the Right Roof for Your Salt Lake City Home

If you believe a wood roof is a good investment for your home, it is essential that you work with a reliable roofing company for your installation. When you’re ready for installation, turn to our team at Lifetime Roofing in the Salt Lake City area. With years of experience helping homeowners achieve a beautiful new roof, we’re confident that we’re the right choice for you as well.

From our wood roofs to traditional asphalt shingles and more, we are confident that we have the right roofing materials for your home. No matter what roofing material you want, our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you are ready to install a wood roof on your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule. 

Winter in Utah is known for its significant snowfall, creating snow-capped mountains and beautiful wintery landscapes. However, it also brings the challenge of dealing with snow and ice accumulation, especially on your roof. As snow and ice build up on your roof, you may begin to wonder whether you can use rock salt to melt it.

At Lifetime Roofing, we understand that homeowners want to promptly and efficiently address any snow or ice on their roofs. Failing to properly address this buildup can result in substantial damage to your roof. However, using improper removal methods can be just as damaging to your roof. 

If you have considered using rock salt on your roof to melt snow or ice and you want to learn more about the impact this may have on your roof’s fragile materials, keep reading. 

What is Rock Salt? 

Rock salt is the most commonly used name for halite, a naturally occurring form of sodium chloride (NaCl). Unlike many table salts, this salt is mined from deep underground. While it is similar to table salt, it has not been purified for human consumption and is instead more commonly used for melting down snow and ice on roads, sidewalks, and driveways. With its coarse, granular texture, it is an incredibly effective way to break down ice and provide more traction on slippery surfaces. 

Can You Use Rock Salt on Your Roof? 

While using rock salt on your roof might seem like an efficient way to remove any winter weather build-up, this may have more detrimental effects on your roofing material than you realize. Some of the problems you may encounter by using it on your roof include: 

• Corrosion of Roofing Materials: Rock salt is an incredibly corrosive substance and can be damaging to the fragile materials on your roof, including shingles, metal, and gutters. As this corrosion is left unaddressed, it can lead to leaks, structural damage, and costly and premature roof repairs. 
• Damage to Your Landscaping: As the snow and ice on your roof melt, the rock salt may run off the roof and harm plants and soil around your home. In some cases, the high salt concentration may kill grass and other vegetation, leading to more complex landscaping issues that may persist throughout the spring and summer months. 
• Problems with Home Masonry: Some home materials, like brick and stone, are incredibly porous. When the snow and ice melt, these materials can absorb the salt runoff. As it absorbs this runoff, your home’s masonry materials become more susceptible to damage. 

How to Address Snow and Ice on Your Roof

While using rock salt on your roof is an inadequate way to address snow and ice build-up, there are several ways for you to address it. Some of the best ways to address snow and ice on your roof include: 

• Roof Rake: A roof rake is a long-handled tool designed to remove snow from your roof without having to climb onto it. Regularly raking snow from your roof prevents heavy snow accumulation and reduces the risk of snow dams, preventing the need for expensive roof repairs. 
• Proper Ventilation: Ensuring your attic is well-insulated and properly ventilated can prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which reduces snow melt and the formation of ice dams. This is a proactive approach that addresses the root cause of ice dams and allows you to address snow build-up on your own. 
• Calcium Chloride: If you need to melt ice on your roof, you might want to consider using calcium chloride pellets instead of rock salt. Calcium chloride is less corrosive and more effective at lower temperatures. However, you should use it sparingly and only apply it in specific problem areas. 
• Heated Cables: Installing heated cables along the edge of your roof and in gutters can help prevent ice dams by melting snow and ice as it accumulates. While this method requires some initial investment and installation, it provides long-term benefits that make it a wonderful investment in your home. 
• Professional Help: If you are dealing with significant snow or ice buildup, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a professional for support. Teams with experience removing snow from roofs will have the experience and equipment necessary to remove this snow safely and effectively. 

Reliable Roof Repairs from Lifetime Roofing

If you have previously used rock salt on your roof, you may be dealing with the deterioration of your roofing materials, making repairs and replacements essential. When it comes time to schedule these repairs, it is important that you work with a reliable roofing company, like our team at Lifetime Roofing. 

For almost two decades, our team has provided reliable roof repairs and replacement services to homeowners across the Northern Utah area. Once we’ve repaired or replaced your roof, our team can also provide reliable maintenance services, helping to prevent more roof damage. If you need help addressing roof damage or if you have any questions about our roofing services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. 

Many homeowners across Utah love the state’s snowy winters. Whether they enjoy snowboarding, skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing, Utah winters provide residents with plenty of opportunities to spend the season outdoors. However, while you’re spending the winter enjoying this weather, snow and ice pose a significant risk to your roof. 

At Lifetime Roofing, we understand that many Utahns appreciate the snowfall the state experiences every year. However, if you haven’t adequately prepared your home for winter, you may experience unexpected damage to your roof, that can be costly and frustrating to repair. If you want to learn how snow and ice can damage your roof, and how to avoid it this winter, keep reading. 

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof?

Your roof is designed to be incredibly strong, acting as the first line of defense against regular weather conditions. However, as strong as your roof may be, exposure to snowfall can leave a lasting impact on the surface. If you live in a location that receives frequent snowfall, this regular snowfall can add significant weight to the surface.

On average, snow can weigh 5.2 pounds per foot or just over 26 pounds per square foot. While this might not seem like much, this means that a 1,700-square-foot roof may experience up to 8,000 extra pounds of weight from one foot of snowfall. In places where the temperature isn’t warm enough to melt this snow, you may notice several feet of snow collecting on your roof over the season.

Although your roof can support a significant amount of additional weight, excessive weight from snow may result in sagging, cracking, or collapse. This excessive weight and subsequent damage can lead to leaks, pest presence in your home, and structural damage to your home, making it essential that you clear snow whenever possible to keep your space safe. 

How Ice Can Damage Your Roof?

Ice can significantly damage your roof, especially in colder climates where heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures are common. When ice accumulates on your roof, it can form ice dams, which occur when melting snow refreezes at the roof’s edge. These ice dams block proper drainage, causing water to back up under the shingles, potentially leading to leaks and water damage inside your home. 

Additionally, the weight of the ice itself can strain the roofing materials, leading to cracks or even structural damage over time. As temperatures fluctuate, the repeated freezing and thawing cycles can make the problem much worse, causing the roofing materials to expand and contract, weakening them, and making them more susceptible to damage. 

This process can loosen shingles, creating gaps where water can infiltrate, and lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Ice can also damage gutters and downspouts, as the added weight can cause them to sag or detach from the house, increasing the risk of water damage. Proactive maintenance and removal of ice build-up are crucial to protect your roof from these potential hazards.

How to Avoid Damage from Snow and Ice

If you want to avoid damage to your roof as a result of the buildup of snow and ice, there are a few things you can do to keep it safe. Some of the easiest ways to prevent snow and ice damage include: 

Schedule Roof Inspections

One of the easiest ways to avoid damage from snow and ice is to schedule regular roof inspections with a trusted roofing company. It is best to schedule these inspections at the start of fall. By scheduling ahead of time, you can avoid their busiest season, as winter approaches. Scheduling in advance will also allow them adequate time to perform any necessary repairs before the colder, wet winter weather arrives. 

Clear Gutters Before Winter

If you want to avoid water backing up in your gutters, leading to improper drainage during snowstorms and damage from snow and ice, it is essential that you clear these before the season arrives. Make sure any decomposing organic materials and other debris in your gutters are removed to ensure melting snow and ice can flow through the gutters properly, preventing the development of ice dams. 

Invest in Snow Removal Tools

While many of the ways to protect your roof from damage as a result of snow and ice occur before winter begins, there are some things you can do during the season to keep your roof safe. It is important that you invest in snow removal tools, like a snow rake. This tool can help you pull excessive snow off of your roof, alleviating any weight that the roof may otherwise experience. 

Prepare for Winter Weather with Lifetime Roofing

When you want to prepare your roof for winter weather, it is essential that you work with a reliable roofing company in your area. If you’re looking for a reliable roofing company in the Layton, Salt Lake City, or Park City area, our team at Lifetime Roofing is here to support you. With years of experience helping homeowners prepare their roofs for winter, our team is the perfect choice for your home as well.

In addition to helping homeowners prepare for winter weather, our team can also help you address and remedy damage from snow and ice. If you would like to schedule an appointment to inspect your roof ahead of winter weather or if you would like to schedule repairs as a result of snow and ice, don’t hesitate to contact our team today.