How do you make wood shingles?
The difference between wood shake and wood shingled roof isn’t easy to discern, but there are dramatic differences, with the first being how they are manufactured or processed for roofing. Shingled wood roofing pieces are smooth with a uniformed look. Each shingle is like the one before and the one after it as the traditional manufacturing is to saw off each shingle from single wooden block.
That manufacturing process is no longer by hand, but today, they are created by machines doing that sawing. This enhances the uniformed appearance with consistently smooth sides and tapered. However, you can also choose to make your own wood roofing shingles.
Yes, you can buy them already made, but wood roofing shingles that are handmade gives you a sense of accomplishment. It could take some time to make enough for your home’s wood roof construction, depending on large the structure. You’ll need the following tools:
- Chain saw
- Wedges
- Sledgehammer
- Axe
The Process:
Locate the type of tree you want to make your wood roofing material from, making sure you have enough for an entire roof, and cut a 24″ to 36″ piece off. Standing the piece on end, create a straight line by tapping across the diameter with hammer and one of the wedges. Split a slim triangular section and remove the heartwood, leaving you a piece of wood that measures at right angles to the rings until you get the width you desire for your wood roofing shingles.
Slice that hunk into a wood shingle and with luck, it will split into a ¼” to 5/8” thick shingle. A good size tree should provide enough wood roofing shingles for 100 square feet when installed correctly.
Now, you’re ready to split the shingle using the following tools:
- Metal wedge 8″ to 12″ long with an “eye” on one end
- Wooden mallet
- Froe – you may have to shop a secondhand store
Insert the froe into the bolt, and using the mallet, pound the blade back several times. The thickness of the wood roofing shingle will be determined during this process. When froe is driven in even with the bolt end, pull or push the tool, twisting the blade to widen the split as you push the froe three to six inches. Twisting it again, the wood roofing shingle should separate from the bolt.
How long do wood roofs last?
In addition to the overall appearance of wood roofing shingles, they have a longevity that attracts homeowners. The lifespan will surpass that of traditional asphalt shingle roofing, giving the homeowner a better value to match uniqueness that wood roofing shingles offer.
In a neutral climate, a reasonably lifespan expectation for custom wood roofing shingles is thirty to eight years, depending on the type of wood chosen. When compared to the lifespan of 20 years for asphalt shingle roofing, the attraction of homeowners looking for long-term roofing material is apparent.
Are wood shingles good?
Wood roofing shingles that have been chemically treated typically outlast untreated wood roofing shingles. Wood shake roofing material has a longer lifespan than wood roofing shingles, but with up to thirty years of life, both are an excellent choice when looking for durability for a wood roof design.
The wood roof pros and cons that can help you decide if wood roofing shingles are for you:
- Uniqueness in Beauty: Asphalt shingles are the normal standard in the United States. A wood roofing shingle on your home will give you home a uniqueness that is beautiful and eye-catching, lasting for decades.
- Bare Minimum Cost: A downside to wood roofing shingles is the cost. Yes, you’ll have decades of unique beauty, but you’ll pay for it in the beginning. In 2016, wood roofing shingle on an average home was around $200 for 100 square feet. Why so expensive? They are individually made, even by machine today it takes some hands-on attention, and they are heavy for the contractor to lug up the ladder.
- Durability: Where you get maybe 30 years from asphalt shingle, cedar or redwood wood roofing shingles will degrade quick in humid and wet areas if there isn’t proper ventilation. The pitch of a wood roofing shingle design will affect the long-term lifespan as well.
- Customizable: Wood roofing shingles offer a customizability that you can’t ignore. The different types of wood and the various colors, which change as wood roofing shingles age, complete the uniqueness. The better grade of wood for your wood roofing shingles, the fewer defects and the longer the lifespan.
- Bugs and Maintenance: A wood roofing shingle will attract bugs, especially wood boring insects like bed bugs, carpenter ants and termites. You can have wood roofing shingles treated by painting it, staining it, or have a coating of varnish applied. This will eliminate the bug infestation, but you’ll need to reapply every-so-often as part of the maintenance.
When you compare cedar roof versus asphalt shingle roofing, the first thing noted is the materials used for them. Where the cedar wood roofing shingles are made from wood, an all-natural material, asphalt shingles are made from fiberglass and organic materials. In comparison, the lifespan of both can be up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance, depending on the climate. Durability is a draw between the two as well, where asphalt shingles hold up in moist and wet environment better, wood roofing shingles hold up better to insects and wind.
How do you replace wood shingles?
When only a few wood roofing shingles are damaged, it’s easy to replace them in 4 easy steps:
- Remove the broken or damaged shingle by sliding a ripper under the center.
- Once the wood roofing shingle is removed, measure the gap width, and subtract a between 3⁄8″ and ½” for expansion room.
- Slide the new wood roofing shingle into position under the shingle above, stop when the butt end is between ½” and ¾” longer than the other shingles.
- Last, with a block of wood placed against the butt end of the new wood roofing shingle to spread the hammering impact, tap on it until the shingle is in position.
What is the difference between wood shingles and wood shakes? Wood roofing shakes are smooth with a uniformed look. Wood roofing shingles are just the opposite with a rough and non-uniformed look because they are handmade versus the machine-made shakes. Both offer a unique look to a home and offer the same durability and lifespan. Call 214-373-1500 today for wood roofing in Dallas, TX.