A commonly mentioned benefit of wood shake roofing is that it looks natural. But wood shake roofing is no longer the only type of roofing that has this look. Now, roofing companies are making synthetic tiles that look like wood. Up close, you can tell that they are not real wood shakes, but from the ground, they look nearly identical. This might have you wondering why someone would choose synthetic "wood" shakes over real wood shake roofing. As it turns out, synthetic tiles have a few key benefits over real wood ones.
They won't rot.
The wood used to create a shake-style roof is typically cedar. Cedar is less prone to rot than other wood, which is one reason why it has long been used for roofing. But cedar is not impervious to rot. It will eventually rot if it is exposed to enough moisture. Synthetic tiles, on the other hand, will never rot. This makes them a better choice for homes in moist climates, and for those that stay damp because they are shaded by trees.
They are fire-resistant.
Synthetic shingles are not entirely fire-proof. If they get hot enough, they will burn. And they can also melt if they are exposed to heat. However, they are far more fire-resistant and far less flammable than wood roofing. This makes them a better choice for homes in areas where wildfires are a concern. Even in the average home, you don't have to worry as much about your home catching fire from a spark or electrical issue if you have a synthetic roof instead of a wood one.
They don't allow moss to grow.
It's fairly common for moss to grow on wood roofs. Even though moss does not have true roots, it does have root-like structures, and it likes to anchor itself in porous, organic materials like wood. Synthetic roofing tiles, on the other hand, are essentially non-porous. Moss won't grow on it. As such, your roof will continue to look newer and nicer for many more years even if it is in perfect moss-growing conditions — shady and moist.
If you've been thinking of having a wood roof put on your home, make sure you consider the alternative: synthetic "wood" tiles. This type of roofing is becoming more popular because it offers a rustic look without the challenges that come with real wood. Talk to a roofer near you to learn more.
After struggling with the appearance and structural integrity of my home, I realized that I had to do something to make a difference. I realized that part of the issue had to be the roof, since the home had been in my family for years and nobody had ever addressed the roof before. I met with a roofing team to talk about the problem, and they were instrumental in helping me to get things sorted out. After a few renovations, things had really improved, and I felt like things were on the up and up. I wanted to start a blog that focused on finding roofing for your home, so check out this blog.