Weathered Wood Shingles: Top Choices for Your Chicago Home
Old houses look very elegant when their roof is decorated with wooden shingles made of expensive types of wood. If you decide to make such a roof, you must take into account all the features of this roof.
The arrangement of the weathered wood roofing shingles has been used since ancient times. Modern technologies make it possible to improve the quality of such shingles. As a result, the service life of wooden shingles is extended to 100 years or more.
It is important for your house not only to have a good roof but also that it reliably protects. A wooden roof needs maintenance. Further in this article, we will consider all the features, advantages, and disadvantages of weathered wood shingles.
Asphalt shingles are a recent trend in Chicago. A soft roof reliably protects the house from any weather, which makes it the best material. Thanks to its outstanding characteristics and variety of soft shingles quickly gained wide popularity among other roofing materials. A wide range of colors of asphalt shingles makes it an extremely popular material in the reconstruction of buildings.
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Understanding Weathered Wood Shingles: Key Features
Weathered wood shingles are chosen for their qualities such as a wide variety of available shapes, colors, and shades, high strength combined with lightness, ease of installation, and resistance to corrosive processes.
Exposure to strong sun, constant winds, dirt, and debris leads to weathering of the shingles and consequently to loss of consumer qualities. The influence of weathering factors leads to a color change to dark gray or dark brown. Shingles are protected from this type of impact with a special finish – pigmentation. It can also be treated with a preservative.
Shingles absorbs water very quickly. Wood shrinks and deforms in cracks, which are enlarged by water penetration. Destruction occurs when the untreated wooden surface remains wet for a long time as a result of a short exposure to water.
In the case of hot climates and with high humidity surrounded by moss and mold, as well as algae, which are constantly growing, taking moisture from the wood. For such cases, copper chromium arsenate (CCA, Type C) and other treatments are used, especially where such conditions are constant. Such treatments significantly reduce the drying out of real wood shingles.
The Most Popular Types of Weathered Wood Shingles
Here we’ll describe natural-weather wood roof shingles and faux and asphalt shingles. They have a lot of different features.
Natural Wood Shingles (Cedar Shakes)
Wooden shingles can be used for roofing and facade decoration. It has a medium weight of approximately 15-17 kg/m2, so there is no high load on the foundation. Wood shingles can be used in regions with any climate to create houses in an ecological style. It can serve its owners for 50 years, which depends on the type of wood used. You can choose various color options for your shingles.
This material is ideal for country buildings in Chicago Community Areas. Where there is maximum humidity, there are sharp temperature changes and not always predictable weather conditions, this material will justify its cost in full.
Natural shingles are one of the most prestigious roofing materials. It merges all the elements: water, air, earth, and fire. Such shingles have a look of weathered wood.
Let’s open the curtain of production, it is divided into several stages:
- extraction and transportation of clay;
- cleaning the clay, moistening it, and grinding it;
- shaping using a special press or extruder;
- drying of the clay in the molds and firing (temperature 900-1200C).
An interesting fact is that before firing, shingles are colored with natural dyes. So ceramic shingles do not absorb water, but on the contrary, repel it, glaze is applied on top.
The quality of the installation greatly affects the condition of the wooden roof, as well as its humidity. For two centuries, shingles were fastened with a wide strip of nails without the use of resin or bitumen as a second waterproofing barrier. Creating an air gap has a positive effect on the operation of a wooden roof. The air space is created by creating a crate parallel to the rafters. The air space allows moisture to condense and drain away, preventing damage to the shingles.
Faux and Asphalt Shingles for Chicago Homeowners
The main feature of asphalt shingles is that they require a special angle of inclination of the roof – at least 12 degrees.
The design of such a roof can be varied. You can combine different shapes and shades, choose colors that are harmoniously combined with the elements of the building, and generally look beautiful in the surrounding landscape. Most other materials do not provide such an opportunity due to the limited choice of shades.
The material looks great on the roofs of cottages, private houses, industrial and public buildings in Chicago Areas. It does not burn out under ultraviolet light, so you do not have to periodically paint the coating. Soft roofing well retains snow, so you can save on the installation of snow stoppers. Sheets of material have a small size, so any damage is easily repaired by replacing the shingles with a new one.
This table will describe the main features of three popular kinds of shingles.
Key Pros and Cons of Weathered Wood Shingles
When thinking about choosing a roof, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of the materials to choose the best option. Wooden shingles are a popular roofing material that, like any other, has its advantages and disadvantages.
Natural Cedar Shakes
Wooden shingles are not the most popular material, but their performance characteristics are not inferior to metal or slate. In Chicago Areas with historic homes, natural cedar shingles provide an authentic, rustic appearance that complements the region’s architectural heritage.
Pros:
- long operational period;
- naturalness and environmental friendliness;
- thermal insulation properties;
- available and inexpensive raw materials;
- elements for roofing can be created with their own hands;
- quick installation.
Of course, like any other roofing material, natural shingles have their drawbacks. The best-weathered wood finishes come in various color options that highlight the granule texture beautifully. Homeowners often choose the rustic look of real wood shingles.
Cons:
- high price relative to the usual roofing materials;
- installation can only be entrusted to professionals (because the individual elements are laid one to one, it adds painstaking and complexity);
- relatively heavy weight.
Thus, wooden roofing is an ecological, natural material. It will allow the roof to “breathe”. And also, creates the weathered wood roof shingle color and atmosphere of a kind of antiquity.
Asphalt and Synthetic Shingles
Across the Chicago Metropolitan Area, synthetic weathered wood shingles are preferred. Such popularity of soft roofing is due to a large number of advantages of the material. Asphalt shingles look like cedar shakes.
Pros:
- mechanical strength and reliability;
- resistance to environmental influences;
- protection from moisture;
- versatility – the possibility of installation on roofs of different shapes and designs;
- large selection of shapes and colors;
- low thermal and electrical conductivity;
- corrosion resistance;
- availability of material and ease of installation.
When looking for roofing options close to me, homeowners often favor asphalt shingles for their versatility and ability to withstand diverse weather conditions. Also, such shake asphalt shingles have several disadvantages.
Cons:
- low resistance to sudden temperature changes and aggressive sunlight;
- installation must be carried out in several stages (like most other materials);
- low fire safety, and softening of the structure in extreme heat (in budget options);
- high-quality soft roofing is expensive but justifies the investment.
You can compare the disadvantages and the advantages of the best asphalt shingles that look like cedar shakes. There are many more advantages of a soft roof. For example, if you have a roof with a complex design, and even more so with domed elements, then shake-style asphalt shingles are an ideal option for many homes in Chicago suburbs.
Weathered Wood Shingles: Top Manufacturers and Brands in Chicago
Before buying a roofing material, it is necessary to get information about its strengths and weaknesses to make an informed choice. Craftsmen who have first-hand knowledge of weather wood in roofing construction recommend it because of its excellent qualities. Most major shingles manufacturers in Chicago suburbs offer a weathered wood option.
1. CertainTeed
CertainTeed shingles differ from other manufacturers of roofing materials in Chicago by offering a wide range of models and colors. This manufacturer offers roofing for both luxury and standard-class houses. Weathered wood shingle CertainTeed collections compete well with ceramic tile and natural slate roofs on the market. For a more modern twist, the contractor can offer you shingles that still maintain the durability of wood shake.
CertainTeed tiles are more than 300 variants of premium soft roofing from North America. CertainTeed multilayer flexible tiles stand out for their great look, distinctive texture, and unique design.
2. GAF
GAF Timberline shingles weathered wood is a unique tile among all types from world manufacturers. Timberline resembles a wooden roof – the style of which came from the Middle Ages. Due to its layers and thickness, the tile has a natural beauty that can be noticed and appreciated. Black flecks on the tiles will add visual depth and shadow to your house like no other shingles. Weathered wood shingles GAF are especially suitable for houses in IL with complex roof shapes.
3. Landmark
Landmark asphalt shingles that look like wood are laminated shingles consisting of two layers, delivery is established from America to our region. Products are manufactured according to American quality standards from durable and environmentally friendly materials. Shingles made of bitumen are long-lasting, give a lifetime warranty, resistant to impact, which simplifies the transportation of shingles.
Landmark shingle weathered wood – reliable durable shingles are resistant to fire, withstand all weather conditions, does not twitch the influence of temperature. Shingles Landmark certified, passed all stages of quality control. Does not harm the environment. Withstands wind gusts up to 180 km per hour.
4. IKO
IKO flexible shingles are a high-quality Canadian-Belgian bituminous material that has the CE quality mark. This mark guarantees a long and reliable operation of the product. IKO manufactures its products at modern factories in Canada, Belgium, and Slovenia. The company is a leader in the production of soft tiles on the world market. Purchasing a product of this brand allows you to get a lifetime warranty.
The main advantages of IKO weathered wood shingles are their quality, uniqueness, and versatility. In addition, our company offers an extremely large selection of design shapes and colors, which allows customers to choose the best option for their home.
5. Tamko
Tamko (USA) asphalt shingles are produced from natural bitumen, extracted on the territory of the United States quarry method. 100% waterproofing, easy installation, noise absorption, reliability, easy maintenance, excellent appearance, triple protection of the roof, polymer modification, and color stability. Characteristic and branded differences between TAMKO weathered wood shingles and other types of shingles are its basis – oxidized bitumen, advanced progressive technologies in production, and steadfast adherence to quality at every stage of production.
6. Owens Corning
Owens Corning is an American company, a leading manufacturer and developer of new technologies in the field of fiberglass. All products from Owens Corning, including their roof tiles, are characterized by particularly high quality and durability. This is achieved through the use of a fiberglass base, which provides high resistance to all weather conditions and fire resistance. These innovative shingles look like real wood. Using a wide selection of colors and shapes you can provide the best weathered wood appearance. In addition, to provide additional strength and wind resistance, Owens Corning shingles have a reinforced fiberglass strip in the area where the nails are pierced into the shingles. This significantly reduces the risk of shingles coming off the wooden substrate.
Design and Style Considerations of Wood Shingles
Choosing the perfect shingle for your Chicago home involves more than just aesthetics; it’s about finding a balance between strength, style, and budget.
Popular Home Styles
To get a versatile combo, you need to consider some factors.
The style of your home plays an important role in the choice of roof tiles. A country cottage can look great with natural cedar shingles. However, weathered wood shingles on a house can benefit from smooth asphalt or synthetic tiles. You can combine styles and create something universal.
Wooden shingles are a traditional material used in various architectural styles, giving houses with weathered wood shingles originality and coziness.
- Scandinavian style. Simplicity and functionality are the main features of this direction. Wooden shingles are usually used on roofs, creating a natural look.
- Alpine style. Often found in houses in the mountainous region, where wooden shingles help to create a strong and stable roof while maintaining a traditional look.
- Canadian style: Used in cottages and country houses.
- Eco-style: focused on the use of natural materials. Wooden tiles here help to create a harmonious combination with the surrounding nature.
Siding Compatibility
No one wants the roof to blend in with the rest of the house. When choosing a roof, pay attention to the colors in which each of the available types of material is presented. Standard options, such as bituminous tiles and slate tiles, are usually earthy and neutral black or gray, but metal tiles can be painted in a variety of shades. As a general rule, a dark and neutral roof goes well with white or beige siding, as well as red brick, you may want to consider repainting the facade to match the new roof.
Shingles Maintenance and Durability
The shingle is a coating that protects the building from external atmospheric influences. The roofing also performs a decorative function, because a beautiful modern roof, complementing the main style of the house, can make the Illinois house more attractive. The choice and installation of a roof for a wooden house has its specificity due to the shrinkage processes characteristic of houses made of rounded timber. It is advisable to cover a wooden house with durable roofing material, which will be installed by professionals taking into account the shrinkage of the wooden structure in the first year after construction.
Natural Cedar Shingles
Perhaps the most popular and popular roofing for any house is weathered wood 3-tab shingles. Environmental cleanliness, durability of up to 100 years of service, fire resistance, unpretentiousness in maintenance, and excellent technical properties, together with external beauty, determine the leadership of ceramic tiles among other types of roofing. However, it is worth noting that ceramic tiles can be laid on a roof with an inclination of more than 22 degrees. Otherwise, of course, the tiles will weigh down the rafter structure and additional waterproofing will be needed for installation. You can compare driftwood vs weathered wood shingles. If the roof slope is more than 60 degrees, it will be necessary to additionally strengthen the fastening of the ceramic tile to the crate so that it does not slide under its weight. Ceramic tiles are based on clay that has been fired at high temperatures. Modern manufacturers near me produce this roofing in three forms: flat, grooved, and grooved. With the right granule finish, the look of wood can be enhanced to give an aesthetic that matches any home style.
Faux and Asphalt Shingles
Typical manufacturers near me guarantee the service life of asphalt shingles is about 50 years. At the same time, the usual limit of temperatures at which the coating can be operated is – 60 – +120 degrees Celsius. Thus, we can talk about the universality of most models of asphalt shingles.
Shingles are very convenient for installation. But the base must be clean and level. It can be made of any material. Suitable will be trimmed boards, wood boards (OSB), and moisture-resistant plywood. If the angle of slope of the roof is 11-18 degrees, it is mandatory to use a special substrate based on fiberglass impregnated with bitumen and synthetic rubber.
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Tips on Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Home
When considering different roofing options near you, it is important to approach this issue with all seriousness and attention. The modern market offers many different roofing materials, each of which has its characteristics and advantages.
There are several key factors to consider when choosing shingles. First of all, the climatic conditions and the environment are of great importance. For example, if your area is often subject to harsh winds, a heavy material such as ceramic shingles may be the best choice.
It is also important to consider the light and the presence of vegetation. If trees or plants are close to the roof, their leaves and other waste can affect the condition of the coating. In this case, the use of special impregnations is recommended to prevent the accumulation of vegetation.
Choose colors that emphasize the appearance of your home and blend well with the surroundings. Check out the samples, because the right color can go a long way in enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
Considering these factors and recommendations, you will be able to make the right choice of roofing for your roof. Don’t forget to consult with professionals and choose materials that meet your needs and ensure a long and reliable life for your roof.
Wood Shingles Installation, Replacement, Repair, and Maintenance
Weathered wooden tiles are an ecological and stylish roofing material that adds uniqueness to local buildings. Services related to its use include:
- installation;
- replacement;
- repair;
- maintenance.
Specialized companies offer individual design and selection of materials based on the architectural features of the building. Weathered tiles are characterized by durability and resistance to atmospheric influences. This makes it an ideal choice for different climatic conditions. In particular, it is possible to apply protective coatings to extend the service life. Competent craftsmen, located close to me, guarantee high-quality installation and aesthetic appearance of the roof, which emphasizes the architectural value of each object.
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Conclusion and Recommendations
As you can see, the choice of roofing for a wooden house is very diverse, but among all the variety, it is still possible to single out several groups of the most common roofing materials according to such a significant ratio for every buyer of products as price-quality. Copper corrugated roofing, bituminous, and natural ceramic tiles are undoubtedly the leaders in this ratio. With the help of these materials, you can make an almost eternal roof covering. When choosing such a roofing material for your wooden house, you need to consider some factors.
With complete information about the selected shingles and their proper installation, you can be sure of long-lasting and reliable protection of your roof. Don’t forget that professional advice and services are always available. They can help you make the best choice for your roof that meets all your needs and expectations. If you need bituminous or natural shingles, you can contact us and get detailed advice.
FAQ
What are the main differences between natural cedar shingles and weathered wood asphalt shingles?
Natural cedar shingles are made from real wood. It has an authentic look with natural variations. This type of ladle is durable and provides good insulation. Weathered wood asphalt shingles are designed to mimic the look of wood, but are made from asphalt and fiberglass.
How often do weathered wood shingles need maintenance?
Weathered wood shingles typically require maintenance every 5-7 years, depending on local climate and exposure to external factors. This includes cleaning debris, checking for damage, and possibly re-coating. All this is necessary to extend the service life. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring they work properly over time.
Can weathered wood shingles withstand extreme weather conditions?
Weathered wood shingles can work quite well in moderate weather. However, extreme conditions such as high winds, hail, or prolonged humidity can be challenging. If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, it is important to consider the durability of the material and choose the right one.
Are synthetic weathered wood shingles more cost-effective in the long run?
Yes, synthetic weathered wood shingles can be more cost-effective over time. They typically require less maintenance, have a longer lifespan, and are resistant to fading and rotting. Although the initial investment may be higher, reducing the need for repairs and replacements can save you money.
How do I choose the right color for weathered wood shingles to match my home's exterior?
When choosing a weathered shingle color, consider the overall style and color palette of your home. Look at the existing colors of your siding, trim, and roofing. Also, consider the lighting conditions in your area; colors may appear different depending on sunlight.
What is the average lifespan of weathered wood asphalt shingles compared to natural wood shingles?
Weathered wood asphalt shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years. If well cared for, natural wood shingles typically have a lifespan of 25 to 50 years, depending on the type of wood and level of maintenance. However, natural wood requires more care and can be more susceptible to environmental factors.