Asphalt/composite shingles are the most popular roofing material used in North America. On the other hand, homeowners have used wood shingles for centuries. Though asphalt is more common in residential housing, many people are being drawn to the classic look of wooden roofs. As a result, more and more people are beginning to choose cedar shingles. In this article, we discuss the differences between wood and asphalt shingles.
The Makeup of Asphalt and Wood Shingles
Producers make asphalt shingles from several materials. Most asphalt shingles include asphalt, mineral fiber, and cement-like fillers. Organic asphalt shingles start with waste paper saturated in asphalt. This makes them waterproof. Developers then apply another layer of asphalt as an adhesive. They then complete the tiles with a layer of ceramic granules. Fiberglass shingles contain less asphalt than organic and traditional. Developers fuse wet, random-laid fiberglass with urea-formaldehyde resin. They then coat the shingles in asphalt and top them with ceramic granules.
Wood roofs come in two general styles: shake and shingle. Shingles are cut evenly on both sides, creating a uniform thickness. Shakes, on the other hand, are split on one side. This makes them thicker on one end than the other. Wood roofing materials come from western red cedar, redwood, pine and cypress. Cedar is the most popular.
Fire Ratings
Asphalt shingles resist fire better than wood shingles. Of those, fiberglass shingles have the highest fire rating. With new technologies, wood shingles now resist fire better than ever before. Most companies now cover wood roofing with fire retardant coatings dramatically improving their fire ratings.
Price between Asphalt and Wood Shingles
Asphalt shingles cost less than wood. Wood shakes and shingles can cost between two to three times that of asphalt shingles to install.
Durability
Depending on the problem, wood roofing and asphalt shingles perform differently. Fiberglass shingles prevent rotting more than organic asphalt shingles do. Any asphalt shingle holds up better to rotting than wood roofing materials. In heavy rains, cedar becomes susceptible to both mold and mildew. Sap from overhanging trees will also encourage mildew growth.
Cedar, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to insects. It also handles moss better than asphalt. Though moss isn’t necessarily damaging to a roof, it doesn’t look nice and may lead to replacing a roof prematurely.
Aesthetics
Aesthetically, natural wood beats asphalt roofing hands down. This is especially true for older or historic homes. To add variety, wood shingles can be stained, oiled and painted; however, asphalt shingles now come in a variety of options to please the aesthetic sensory of a homeowner. You can now purchase asphalt shingles in different colors, shapes and patterns.
Longevity
Treated wood roofing lasts nearly twice as long as an asphalt roof. A well-cared-for wood roof can last for 30-plus years. Asphalt roofing generally lasts 15 to 20 years under similar conditions.
Though asphalt shingles are not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as wood shingles, they require much less maintenance. Alternatively, wood roofing lasts longer. This may attract people who plan to stay in their homes for a longer amount of time. Which type of roofing is right for your home depends on what matters the most to you. Contact Specialty Home Products to learn more about the wood and asphalt roofing options available in your area.