The Wood Side: The Advantages of Wood Siding

Wood siding adds depth and style to any home. It lends a simple yet elegant touch, and can be manufactured from cedar, pine, fir, or spruce. When it comes to durability and rot resistance, quality cedar shake siding is the common choice, especially because of its rich character, grain, and texture. Homeowners who have decided to use cedar wood siding can opt for cedar shingle (sawn) or shake (split), and either way, will not be disappointed by the material’s natural beauty.

Despite its pros, shingles command a premium price, which is a bit higher than other standard materials. On top of this, the installation process can also be a bit tedious, which may contribute to added expense. Regardless, product and installation costs may still vary, basing the said factors on quality. Reliable contractors are sure to offer a reasonable price for top-grade siding to provide homes superior quality protection.

With that said, homeowners must make sure that they find suppliers that follow high quality standards. Such companies have a proven track record of providing only the finest products in the industry and will make sure their customers understand all aspects of their purchase. As an additional tip, it helps to ask the siding supplier about particular features of the product in order to make an informed decision.

As Good Wood Should: Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance

Just like any other roofing system, a cedar shake roof requires periodic maintenance. However, cedar shakes require special attention.

Some recommend high-pressure washing or “powerwashing” the cedar roof, albeit it can damage the latter if not applied properly. As much as possible, a professional should assess the roofing system on a case-to-case basis if it qualifies for powerwashing. The assessment entails factors such as the age of the roof, gallons sprayed per minute, and pressure per square inch.

Moreover, if the cedar roof retains moisture, fungi infestation or mold growth can occur. Those, in turn, can compromise the integrity of the shakes and lead to water and structural damage. That scenario can be resolved by cleaning out the moisture and removing the infestations, which allows the roof to breathe again.

Another way to maintain the cedar roofing is to use a water repellent treatment product to clean and preserve the cedar wood. Professionals recommend using an EPA-registered wood preservative and checking its material safety data sheet for precautions. With proper maintenance, a cedar roof can last from 40 to 60 years – or even more.

While some homeowners can do these maintenance methods their own, it helps to call certified roofers to do the job. This ensures superior and long lasting results to preserve the durability and aesthetics of the cedar shakes.

A Guide to Properly Replacing and Installing Durable Cedar Shingles

An article on the-review.com published last August 30, 2013 offers tips to homeowners looking to swap their siding. The article strongly recommends inspecting the structure and looking for signs of damage before going through with the procedure. The article also offers tips on finding the right contractor for the job. Siding serves as a covering for the exterior of a home, so naturally it would take damage from the elements. It's important for householders to maintain upkeep of their siding if they wish to preserve the durability of their homes. Of course, homeowners have the option of replacing their old siding with new cedar shingles. / The article starts by enumerating a list of damages that homeowners need to look out for in their siding. Visible signs of sagging, cracking, blistering, dents, fading, missing pieces, pest infestation, rotting, and water stains are good indicators that a siding needs changing.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/a-guide-to-properly-replacing-and-installing-durable-cedar-shingles

Adding a Touch of Nature with Help from Classic Cedar Shingle Siding

You don't have to be a college student or professor to appreciate classic cedar shingle siding though. The cladding is a great way to imbue a traditional look upon any home while providing a tasteful means to protect the outer walls. Shingle siding is also great as an insulator, and can improve a home's ability to retain heat during cold seasons. According to the creator of the brown shingle book, living in a house adorned with unpainted wooden shingles a hundred years ago was a way to convey “reverence for the forest.” Those who used wooden shingles in the past did so to be closer to nature, and such homes were usually lush in plants and foliage. Berkeley had the most ideal landscape and climate for such homes, hence a good number of brown shingle houses could be found there.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/adding-a-touch-of-nature-with-help-from-classic-cedar-shingle-siding

Cedar Shake Siding Materials: Providing More Curb Appeal to Homes

Whenever you see homes with wooden shake sidings, you may get a feeling of deja vu that may be hard to ignore. After all, homes with wooden sidings have been built in various parts of the world for centuries now. However, according to an article by Brice Particelli on HomeAdvisor.com, people normally think of the warm smell of cedar closets whenever they think of cedar. Yet cedar is more than just what your closet is made of. Look around you and you might see see cedar shake siding materials like those offered by WoodRoof.com providing adding curb appeal to the homes they're installed on. In fact, many homes also have cedar shakes or shingles for their roofs that not only provide protection but also increase their value.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/cedar-shake-siding-materials-providing-more-curb-appeal-to-homes

Tips to Help You Choose a Roofing Contractor

Searching for contractors to help you repair or replace your roof can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many ways to sift through a number of roofing companies until you finally find the most reliable one. Here are some practical tips to help you with your research:

1. Look into the company details and history or track record.

Check the address, tax ID, business registration/license, and liability insurance of a contractor, among other credentials. Confirm the credibility of the contractor by consulting relevant local boards and organizations such as the Better Business Bureau. Find out whether there have been any complaints or legal actions taken against the company.

Once you have found a candidate, make sure the contractor provides you with client references, warranties on materials and workmanship, a reasonable and detailed written estimate, and comprehensive information regarding their processes and services.

2. Go for eco-friendly roofing and siding contractors.

Eco-friendly companies are those that suggest the use of cedar shingles and shakes, as these are durable, renewable, and bio-degradable. Before selecting a material, learn about the manufacturers that the contractors are affiliated with and determine whether or not their processes contribute to global warming. The roofing products or materials they offer should be lightweight and equipped with proper thermal insulation to increase home value and curb appeal.

Cedar Shake Roof Materials: Providing Many Benefits for Homeowners

Wooden shake or shingle roofs may be more expensive and difficult to install than other roofing materials. However, they have remained the top choice of homeowners who want durable roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. At the same time, wood roofs provide the aesthetic appeal not found in other types of roofing materials. In fact, in spite of their relatively higher costs, many architects and building contractors prefer wood roofs because of their beauty and natural appearance. They are usually made of western red cedar shake roof materials like those offered by WoodRoof.com and blend perfectly well with their environment. An article by S.S. Niemiec and T.D. Brown, both from the Oregon State University (OSU), posted at the Pacific Northwest Handbooks.org provides valuable information on the care and maintenance of these wood shingle and shake roofs.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/cedar-shake-roof-materials-providing-many-benefits-for-homeowners

Why Should You Install Cedar Shingles for Your Roofing and Siding

Asphalt roofing shingles may be inexpensive, but they may also not be the most energy-efficient materials available. Millions of asphalt shingles end up in landfills each year, while those made from cedar can be recycled or reused. Indeed, installing cedar shingles for your siding and roofing can be the best thing you can do for your home as well as for the environment. Cedar roofing and siding shingles are resilient to extreme weather conditions, due in large part to their higher thermal resistivity (R-value) as compared to other materials like asphalt, concrete, and steel. Natural oils found in cedar wood also prevent rot, while the placement of cedar roofing encourages better airflow to keep roof mold growth at bay. Cedar shingle roofing and siding can last from 30 to 50 years depending on your area’s weather patterns and the way the products have been installed and maintained.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/why-should-you-install-cedar-shingles-for-your-roofing-and-siding

Western Red Cedar Shake Siding: A Green Siding Material worth Choosing

The idea of using wood siding, instead of PVC or other materials, is understandable because wood is a natural insulating material. In addition, many building contractors prefer to work with wood because it is simpler, more flexible, and easier to repair than other siding materials. Ordinary wooden planks may be adequate for any household’s siding needs, but people should consider using high-quality cedar shakes siding from trusted sources like WoodRoof.com. Simply put, shakes are much thicker than wood shingles that are used as siding; more thickness means greater resistance to rain, snow, sunlight, and other natural elements. Individually, cedar shakes are visually different from each other; together, they create a rustic, natural-looking aesthetic feel. Retailers that sell cedar shake siding also offer such products in a variety of wood finishes that provide added protection against fire, insects, and mildew, which are purportedly the greatest threats to any wood-based material.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/western-red-cedar-shake-siding-a-green-siding-material-worth-choosing

Homes Look Better and Last Longer with Quality Cedar Shingle Siding

Few exteriors have the same warmth, beauty and natural appeal of cedar siding. Most homeowners prefer this type of siding because it is very attractive and blends in perfectly with most backgrounds. Cedar has been used in buildings for ages and it is therefore regarded as the traditional siding material of choice. Cedar has a unique grain pattern that gives it a beautiful look and also makes it much more resilient. While cedar shingles siding offers exceptional weather resistance, it may not last as long as other inorganic siding materials. Cedar siding, thus, requires quality coating to keep insect infestation, rot, and moisture at bay. Homeowners can select between a semi-transparent finish that allows the natural beauty of cedar to show through or a solid-color stain with an opaque finish.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/homes-look-better-and-last-longer-with-quality-cedar-shingle-siding

Wooden You Try It: The Many Virtues of a Classic Cedar Shake Roof

In areas where the risk of wildfire damage is rather low, cedar wood shingles can prove to be an irresistible option. Cedar wood resists rot quite well thanks to its natural oils, which act as preservatives. Interestingly, cedar resists termite infestation up to a certain extent. In any case, property owners would do well to hire professional roofers to install high-quality cedar shake roof, householders should remember to enlist skilled roofers to install the shingles. Folks worried about having a wooden roof that’s susceptible to fire, curling, and rot shouldn’t worry too much. The shingles can be treated to resist fire and rot, and daily maintenance can preserve the shakes for up to 50 years. Proper fastening can also secure wooden shakes, and protect them from high winds. In many ways, wooden shingles perform just as good as other types of roofing; homeowners only need to ensure that these roofing materials are treated properly beforehand.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/wooden-you-try-it-the-many-virtues-of-a-classic-cedar-shake-roof

Why Experts Recommend Cedar Siding

Siding is an additional structural component that serves as a reinforcement for the existing wall of a building, particularly a house. Like roofing does to the decking, siding protects the inner wall from the effects of the elements. Choosing the right siding material is crucial to keep your home well-protected and insulated. To achieve this purpose, cedar is one of the best materials you can use.

Low Density

Interestingly, the cellular structure of cedar is open, making the wood less dense and light. Like common insulating materials that have very low density, cedar is an effective insulator. Homes that have cedar siding, whether shingle or shake, are expected to be warmer in winter compared to homes that have other types of siding material, or worse, don't have any siding at all.

Beauty

Virtually all homeowners dream of having a home with a rustic exterior that makes it look more elegant and serene. Cedar siding can achieve this effect. By properly coating it, you can also achieve the fresh look that is always desirable in a home.

Durability

Most organic materials, like wood, decay over time, especially when constantly battered by the elements and other causes of damage such as insects. Despite being wooden, cedar shingles have the ability to resist infestation. Nonetheless, you still need to do proper maintenance to keep your cedar siding in tiptop condition.

Cedar Shingles and Shakes—Some Factors that Can Influence Your Choice

The sheer number of siding options that are currently available in the market makes choosing really difficult. However, if you've already made up your mind to have cedar siding installed, you'll find it easier to pick the type if you are aware of the different grades, styles, and finishes of quality cedar shingles. Some suppliers like WoodRoof.com provide a list of all the features of cedar that you need to know to make an informed decision. Cedar shake or shingles usually come in three grades based on their thickness and breadth. The process of installation may differ due to quality gaps but the basic ideas are simple enough for the average person to understand. Coating for protection also has various requirements depending on the material. All these can be properly explained if you go to the right cedar shingle or shake retailer.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/cedar-shingles-and-shakes-some-factors-that-can-influence-your-choice

Choose Energy-Efficient & Appealing Cedar Shake Shingles for Your Home

The color of your roof can affect attic temperatures by as much as 20 to 40 degrees. Light colored shingles reflect sunlight (which helps homes in warmer climates stay cool), whereas dark colored shingles absorb heat (which helps homes in colder climates stay warm). Experts also suggest coordinating the color of your roofing shingles with the colors of the home's other structural elements. Aside from helping your home retain more heat, dark colored shingles also help snow and ice melt on your roof. Furthermore, when choosing quality cedar shake shingles, it's important to determine if your choice will enhance or compromise your home's curb appeal. While neutral colors are safe and ensure good resale value, more daring homeowners should consider high contrast colors that highlight specific features of their home's facade.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/choose-energy-efficient-appealing-cedar-shake-shingles-for-your-home

Quality Cedar Shingle Siding Protects Your Home Against the Elements

Climate change results in stronger storms and temperature extremes that today's homes are not designed to withstand. This is where reliable cedar shingle siding offered by companies like WoodRoof.com comes into play. While many homes are already equipped with siding, the kind of material used can make all the difference. Cedar is known to be very tough and can withstand wind speeds of up to 245 mph, which is equivalent to the force of some of the strongest hurricanes on record; with weather systems like Sandy occurring more often than usual, having proper protection is becoming more necessary. When used as siding, cedar can make a highly efficient shield for a home when a superstorm strikes. Additionally, it resists insect infestation and weathering and has an anti-bacterial property, making it an extremely useful option in more ways than one.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/quality-cedar-shingle-siding-protects-your-home-against-the-elements

Harvesting Western Red Cedar to Create Lightweight Cedar Shake Siding

The availability of quality cedar wood siding will also depend on the number of trees that can be harvested every year. WRCEA says that less than one percent of the total stock of Western red cedar is harvested every year. Clearcut harvesting has already been phased out in the Western red cedar forests along Canada's west coast in favor of variable retention, which keeps some flora and fauna intact for forest preservation. While Western red cedar is known for its natural protective oils, Cooper says that the lumber is still treated because untreated lumber will eventually turn gray. After a bit of cutting and coating, big red cedar logs eventually yield plenty of shingle siding and shakes for homes and other structures. Reputable suppliers like WoodRoof.com then sell these products to homeowners, contractors, resellers, and builders.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/harvesting-western-red-cedar-to-create-lightweight-cedar-shake-siding

Wood is, and Always will be, the Best! Benefits of Cedar Shake Siding

The Redbeacon.com website further posts four reasons why you should consider wood. Since it seems to fit the bill in almost every category, cedar, redwood, and pine are thus suitable candidates for a reliable siding system. Special wood preservatives can boost the beauty and durability of wood sidings even further by enhancing their warm and natural look and offering protection against moisture and mold. Some construction retailers like WoodRoof.com capitalize on these features by using high quality materials like Western Red Cedar extensively on their cedar wood siding projects. When installed and applied properly, these can protect against insects and regular wear and tear. Moreover, unlike other materials, wood is also Eco-friendly and recyclable, which means that a home can contribute to conserving the environment.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/wood-is-and-always-will-be-the-best-benefits-of-cedar-shake-siding

Investing the Right Amount of TLC in Your Durable Cedar Shake Roof

Shell Busey, in a recent article that was featured on Canada.com, advises caution on the kind of TLC you give your biodegradable cedar shake roof. Roof cleaning products and methods remain largely unregulated, and the use of improper cleaning products and methods could damage your cedar shake roofing. In fact, even the act of pressure washing could inflict irreversible damage. However, this doesn't rule out the option of power washing, as it's a necessity for every roof. Just have it done by a professional about twice a year. An excerpt from Busey's article states that: “Cedar roofing should be cleaned regularly, spring and fall, with medium pressure or enough to remove debris that accumulated during the previous months, and inspected in preparation for the next season.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/investing-the-right-amount-of-tlc-in-your-durable-cedar-shake-roof

Getting One with Nature: Things to Keep in Mind when Installing a Cedar Shake Roof System

Shakes and shingles are usually made from redwood, pine, or cedar. Among them, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is reputed to be one of the best roofing materials around, offering decent durability, flexibility, and resistance against the cold. Despite the name, this type of cedar is also found in British Columbia, Washington, and California. The rarity of the material means that only a few reputable companies and online retailers like WoodRoof.com can offer them and install them for interested customers. Thankfully, other types of wood roofs are also recommended and ordinary homeowners can carry out basic maintenance on their shingles and shakes. By applying the proper treatments and preservatives, a cedar shake roof can be keep free of insects, moisture, and discoloration, thereby extending its lifespan.

http://www.woodroof.com/blog/getting-one-with-nature-things-to-keep-in-mind-when-installing-a-cedar-shake-roof-system