Roofing in Hastings MN | Wood shakes vs asphalt shingles
Wood shakes vs asphalt shingles
Do you or do you not need a new roof? Because of weather or age, your roof may be falling apart. Replacing the damaged areas is essential to ensure that you don’t get any bigger problems than what you have now. Some people believe asphalt shingles are better than wood shingles. Others say they’re both so similar it doesn’t matter what kind of shingle you choose. That argument got me interested in looking at which shingle is better and why. If you’re replacing a roof, or building a new home, you may be curious what type of roofing material is the best option for you. Below, we’ll explore the difference between wood shakes and asphalt shingles. If you want to learn more about roofing in Hastings MN, then look into how Capstone Bros. Contracting can help you and your home today.
What are Wood shakes
Wood shakes are shingles made from wood, usually pine or cedar. They are often used as an alternative to asphalt or fiber cement siding because they offer a more traditional look that blends well with other types of exterior finishes. However, wood shakes do require maintenance and may be susceptible to damage from weather and insects. Wood shakes have a long lifespan and can be recycled, but they are more expensive than other roofing materials.
What are Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are made from rubber, fiberglass and asphalt. They can be flat or have a three-dimensional texture and are available in many colors. They are commonly used on modern homes because they blend well with other materials that are popular today such as vinyl siding, brick and stucco. Asphalt shingles are durable, easy to install and inexpensive. However, they don’t last as long as some other types of roofing materials and have a shorter lifespan than metal or tile roofs.
Pros of Wood shakes
The main benefit to wood shakes is their appearance. Simply put, nothing can mimic the look and feel of real wood on your roof. The look of wood shingles is timeless and classic. Even with the maintenance you’ll have to perform to keep them weather and moisture-resistant, the look of wood shakes is still worth it for many homeowners.
Pros of Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles offer a wide range of styles, textures and colors. For this reason, they’re often one of the first options that comes to mind when homeowners are trying to pick a material for their roof. In many cases, they are the most cost-effective option, providing decent durability and longevity for a fraction of the price of other roofing materials. While wood shakes can be fire-resistant, asphalt shingles are safer. Their fire resistance is due to the fact that they are made from asphalt, which doesn’t burn as easily as wood.
Cons of Wood shakes
Wood shake roofs are more susceptible to damage from wind and hail than asphalt shingles. While wood shakes are a great option for many homeowners, they should be used with caution in areas prone to high winds or heavy hailstorms. Wood shakes can also be more expensive than asphalt shingles, so if your budget is tight this could be an issue. Constant replacement and repairs to wood shakes can be a deciding factor to homeowners choosing between wood shakes and asphalt shingles. While wood shakes are good insulators, they can be susceptible to water damage and mold. This may go without saying, but wood shakes are made of, well, wood. And all wood is susceptible to mold and water damage in ways that other roofing materials are not.
Cons of Asphalt shingles
The biggest drawback of asphalt shingles is that they don’t last as long as other roofing materials. While they can still last for upwards of 40 years with proper maintenance and inspections, most roofing materials would last much longer with the same amount of care. The other drawback to asphalt shingles is their appearance- while they offer a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, they’re also the most commonly used roofing material. If you’re looking for something unique to roof your home with, then asphalt probably isn’t the right choice for you. That being said, you might still be able to find a combination of color, style, and texture that helps your home stand out just enough from your neighbors to give you the charm you’re looking for.
Each roofing material has its up- and downside, and a local roofing contractor will weigh this out for you. Asphalt shingles are generally easier to install than cedar shakes, but they haven’t been around as long as cedar shakes; still, most roofers have more experience with asphalt shingles. At Capstone Bros. Contracting, we’d be happy to help you and your home with our Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Storm Damage services. If you have any concerns about roof repairs or replacement, how to get your home ready for winter, or simply increasing your home’s value, contact Capstone Bros. Contracting today.