If you love the look of a wood shake roof but hate the thought of all the maintenance a wood roof needs, then you should consider getting a shake shingle metal roof instead. You'll have the look you like, but none of the upkeep required for real wood. Here's how the two types of roofing compare.
Appearance
You may imagine metal roofing to be in long sheets like you see on barns, but it actually comes in different forms. The metal can be stamped into any shape, and it can have textures added to the surface along with baked on color that makes the metal take on the appearance of different materials. For instance, the wood shake metal shingles are shaped just like real wood, and they …show more content…
For one, metal resists fire, so there is less risk of your home catching fire if an ember lands on the roof. Insects don't care for metal so there is no problem with insect damage. Also, metal doesn't expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature in the same way wood does, so there is no risk of cracking or warping. Metal stands up to rain and dampness without rotting.
Maintenance Needs
Because it is far less susceptible to damage, a metal roof needs fewer repairs over its lifetime. Plus, a metal roof never needs to be painted. The color is baked onto it when it is manufactured. A metal roof requires very little upkeep, especially when compared to wood. Wood must be stained or treated every few years to preserve the life of the wood since it is subject to deterioration from weathering if you don't.
Cost
Another difference to consider is cost. Wood shakes are among the most expensive roofing materials to buy and have installed. It requires craftsmanship to apply wood shakes to a home. Plus there is the long-term cost to consider in the maintenance of a wood shake roof and the need to eventually replace it when the wood has deteriorated. Metal is a less expensive option because it costs less upfront and it lasts for many