Enterprise has a varied climate that can swing from scorching, sunny days to drenching rains and even the rare snowfall. When you're considering wood shake roofing for your home or business in this climate, you need to be certain that you're selecting a type that can handle the extremes and still look good. Cedar shakes are a commonly used and good choice. They naturally resist rot and insects, which is nice if you want your roof to last and not look like it's six months overdue for an inspection. ... The flipped side, as if to demonstrate the shake's true thickness, provides attractive shadow lines and a nice visual texture.
The durability and maintenance requirements of different wood shake varieties are also worthy of consideration. Most homeowners would agree that hand-split cedar shakes have a distinctively rustic, textured beauty. Yet machine-cut shakes also possess a certain uniformity and sleekness, what I call rustic modern, seen in many contemporary homes that use either type of shake. But both types have fairly hefty maintenance demands, with machine-cut shakes demanding somewhat less maintenance mainly because their finish is smoother and more consistent. Be ready to inspect either type after a big storm, owing to the increased likelihood of either type blowing off or splitting. If you get the roof inspected, any issues found should definitely be dealt with to keep the roof in good working order, since its lifespan (with proper treatment and installation) can resemble a 30-year asphalt shingle roof.
When choosing wooden shake roofing, it is essential to consider not just aesthetic and practical aspects but also the choice's environmental factors and sustainability. Many manufacturers now offer wooden shake options that are sustainably sourced, which can be a superb selection for homeowners who wish to have an environmentally conscious roof. Such options ensure that "wood roofing shakes" is not a term associated with outdated environmental practices. Moreover, on the whole, wooden shakes are a natural/replenishable resource and contribute positively to "green building" certifications.