When it comes to selecting the perfect wood shake roofing for your Whitney residence, understanding the different types and their respective unique features and advantages is a must. The usual suspects in wood shake roofing are cedar, redwood, and cypress—species that offer excellent esthetics and quality. Cedar shakes tend to reign supreme because of the insect- and decay-resistance that makes this wood species very durable and long-lasting in shake form. The oils found in cedar give it a natural defense against the elements that means your roof will easily last well over a decade. Redwoods are a beautiful alternative that has a naturally weathered gray look (given the right conditions) and an equally impressive, long-lasting lifespan. Made from a lighter wood and less dense than cedar, redwood shakes give a beautiful, rustic appearance while nearly rivaling cedar in weather-resistance and durability.
Choosing the right wood shake roofing involves several steps. Most importantly, you have to take your local climate into account. If you live in an area like Whitney that is subject to high humidity or heavy rainfall, then moisture-resistant cedar shakes are a wise choice. After weather considerations, you also have to think about what kind of look you want your roof to have. Wood shakes are rustic and charming, complementing almost any style of home, whether your architecture leans more towards traditional or modern design. Because appearance can certainly be a personal choice—as well as an important one since roofs are such massive, visible structures—let's first look at some of the different kinds of wood shake roofs you might choose from.
The next aspect to consider is the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the wood shake roofing materials. Because of the responsible sourcing, many homeowners in the Whitney area are choosing this material and are pleased that it has such a minimal environmental impact. They are especially happy when they remember that the wood shake is a renewable resource. And, of course, wood shakes from the Whitney area would have a much lower carbon footprint than would the spacetime travel necessary to source them from somewhere else. Beyond that, wood has some really great energy properties and can act as an insulator. That means it's useful for keeping heating and cooling costs down, and that makes it an even better choice for anyone trying to maintain a green architecture or reduce the carbon footprint of their home.
