Roofing materials come in so many varieties that picking out the right one for your St. Paul home can be a little challenging. Some homeowners seeking a unique look choose wood. Wood shingles (sometimes called shakes) look great but can also be a little high maintenance, and they don’t always work in every environment.
Wood shingles are often made from cedar, redwood, southern pine and other trees. They are found primarily in California, and the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Wood taken from the Pacific Northwest is generally the strongest wood, because it has to endure the harshest weather along the coast. While ‘cedar shakes’ are hand-hewn for that rustic look, ‘wood shingles’ are cut by machine for a more uniform appearance.
It is important to check with your local building codes to be sure wood shingles are permissible in your area. These are forbidden in some places because of their lack of fire resistance. Unless specifically treated with some sort of fire retardant, wooden shingles are rated a class C because of their obvious flammability. Some of the treatments can include an “RDF” additive. This was very popular back in the 80-90’s, but it was discovered that these fire retardant additives only worked in cool, dry climates. When used in the Eastern States, they were a complete disaster, and actually rotted the wood in half the time. So be sure that the wood you chose has a long history of success before you put in above your home.
Another important consideration is the lot that your home is built on. If you are next to a lake or near a lot of trees, this will increase the chances of mold and mildew growth. While frequent power washing and the application of sealers will help to prevent this, be sure you are clear about all that maintenance involved with your particular choice.
Wood shingles in St. Paul typically start around $60 per bundle, so they are cost effective; just make sure you have an experienced wood shingle installer lined up to put them on. Not all roofing contractors are experienced with installation of wood shakes or shingles. Even though wood provides a rough and natural look, there is more going on than meets the eye. Call us at Iron River Construction. We’ve got plenty of experience with wood roofing, and we will help you make the right decision for your home. We have been serving Minneapolis and St. Paul for over 15 years and look forward to serving you. 952-442-1762
