The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
When it comes to home construction, wood is really one of the most attractive materials. For pretty much any application or build, wood can look and function great. But there are some drawbacks to wood. Most significantly, wood is a high-maintenance material. And when it comes to something like your roof, maintenance is the last thing you want to worry about. So if you like the style of wooden roof shingles but you don't want to deal with this high-maintenance material, what are your options? Composite wood shingles are by far the best solution. This post will show you exactly why.
What Is Composite Wood?
Composite wood is made out of wood. Of course, it is not 100% wood, and it is certainly not raw lumber. The actual percentage of real wood within a composite shingle will vary from product to product. The fact of the matter is that it isn't that important. The wood that is used in making composite shingles is the shaved byproduct of lumber. This wood is mixed with glue and other epoxies to form the mold. The outer layer of the shingles, which you can see when it is installed, is actually a print. So, even though there is wood byproduct in the shingle, the wood print that you see is made by computers.
Luckily, these prints are more realistic than ever. That is, many people who see a composite wood roof will not even be able to tell that the material is not real wood. The prints are highly detailed, and they even have textures that replicate that of real lumber. So, why do manufacturers do all this work to use wood byproduct only to make shingles that have faux prints?
Composite Wood Is Heavy-Duty
Composite wood works well in roofing because it is so durable and water-resistant. The technologies have advanced greatly over recent years, and wood shingles are cheaper than ever. They also have longer lifespans. Unlike real wood, composites will not warp, and the prints are largely fade-resistant. This means that you can install the product and not really worry about it anymore. You don't have to worry about wood-boring insects or termites. You will have fewer issues with water leaks. Best of all, composite materials have much better efficiency and insulation ratings.
It is easy to understand exactly why homeowners and builders love composite wood shingles.
To learn more, contact a roofing company.