Several factors should guide your decision when selecting the right wood shake roofing for your home in Paradise. First, consider the climate. Many roofing materials can't hack it in the Sierra foothills, where Paradise and neighboring towns experience warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. You need wood that can withstand those weather extremes and still look good and perform well over the long haul. One of the top choices is cedar, which has a beautiful rustic character that works in harmony with the natural setting of Paradise. But cedar also has natural oils that make it moisture-, decay-, and insect-resistant, so it is a wood shake roofing option that can truly last. Still, would any roofing material be more suitable for homeowners in Paradise? Should some types of wood shake roofing be avoided altogether? Those are questions to ask the pros.
In addition to the climate, your budget will significantly influence your selection of wood shake roofing. Cedar shakes tend to fall on the higher end of the price spectrum because of their quality and durability; however, they provide an excellent return on investment when you consider longevity and the aesthetic value they contribute to your home. More affordable options such as pine shakes may have shorter lifespans and require more frequent maintenance and replacement. So, while it is nice to have an initial budget in mind, it is equally important to consider the living-with-this-roof budget—especially if you are planning to stay in your home for the long term. Moreover, many homeowners are now opting for eco-friendly wood shake options that support "well-managed forests." By the way, "well-managed" forests are not cutting-edge, controversial, or fringe; they are the new normal, practice, and reality in forestry.
The wood shake roof on your Paradise home must be properly installed and maintained if it is to provide the life and performance characteristics you expect of something with a nearly $50,000 price tag. After years of service to the community, we can say with confidence that truly experienced roofers are worth their weight in gold. Even here in California, where the wood shake roof is all but a memory, some almost mythic demonstrated skill and experience is required to put on a wood shake roof that will not become a mold and mildew incubator. I was on a shake roof in Paradise the other day, inspecting it for potential problems; this was not one of those roofs, for which I’m very happy for the homeowners. But I noticed: Upkeep on a wood shake roof is nothing short of demanding.
