Get the Cozy Cottage Look with Weathered Wood Roof Shingles

Weathered wood shingles have become an increasingly popular roofing choice over the last few years. With their rustic, textured look, these dimensional asphalt shingles are designed to resemble the natural charm and coziness of authentic wood that has been aged and weathered over time. For homeowners looking to achieve a cozy cottage aesthetic on a budget, weathered wood shingles provide an affordable and low-maintenance option. When paired with elements like neutral siding, stone accents, and colorful plantings, weathered wood roof shingles can transform the exterior of your home into a charming cottage retreat.

We'll also explore color selection, cost comparisons, installation insights, and frequently asked questions to give you all the details you need if you're considering installing these shingles on your own cottage-style abode. Let's dive in!

What Are Weathered Wood Shingles?

Weathered wood shingles are dimensional asphalt roofing shingles engineered to emulate the texture and patina of naturally-aged wood shingles. Through advanced manufacturing techniques, the color and varied dimensions of authentic wood are recreated in an asphalt shingle format. This allows homeowners to achieve the rustic, timeworn look of wood shingles without the cost and maintenance hassles of using real wood.

These shingles are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The asphalt construction makes them more water and rot resistant than natural wood. And the layered dimensions with alternating heights and shapes help create an authentic, aged wood texture. While mimicking real wood, weathered wood shingles offer greater affordability and less upkeep.

Benefits of Weathered Wood Shingles

There are many advantages to choosing weathered wood shingles over natural wood shingles for your cottage or traditional-style home. A few of the top benefits include:

• Cost - Weathered wood shingles are far more budget-friendly than real cedar or other natural wood shingles.
• Durability - They last 30-50 years on average thanks to their waterproof asphalt construction.
• Low Maintenance - Unlike wood, they won't warp, crack or rot, saving time and costs on upkeep.
• Appearance - They mimic the look of authentic, aged wood for great curb appeal.
• Variety - They come in an array of different color options to match your home.

Finding an affordable roofing material that still provides the traditional, rustic look you want can be challenging. That's where weathered wood shingles come in. They provide that timeless, countryside charm at a fraction of the expense of real wood shingles.

Achieving a Cozy Cottage Look

The worn, variegated appearance of weathered wood shingles makes them a perfect complement to cottage, farmhouse, and other provincial-style homes. Neutral wall colors like white, light gray, or beige allow the rich texture of the wood-look roof to take center stage. For an extra dose of charm, accents like stone chimneys, shuttered windows, and colorful flowering bushes can enhance the storybook cottage vibe.

Choosing shade colors like brown, black, or subdued grays for the shingles also enhances the cozy feel. Contrasting dark metal roof trim helps highlight the shingles while adding a touch of sophistication. Mixing and matching complementary textures like painted wood siding or a stone water table helps lend that timeworn cottage appeal.

Color Selection

The colors available in weathered wood shingles run the gamut from grays and browns to woodsy greens and neutral blacks. Soft white homes pair well with hues like:

• Classic gray
• Weathered wood
• Driftwood
• Heather blend

Choosing a color that complements your home's existing exterior palette is key. You'll also want to ensure the shade doesn't clash with the undertones of the siding, brick, stone, and trim.

Trim Accents

For a cottage-worthy look, dark metal roof trim and fascia provide an excellent accent. Black, dark gray, bronze, and iron-inspired trim helps create depth and dimension. The rich color contrast makes the weathered wood shingles stand out while accentuating architectural details.

Cost Comparison to Natural Wood Shingles

One of the biggest advantages of weathered wood over natural wood shingles is cost. Cedar shingles can run $400 to $1000 per square (100 square feet of roof area). That adds up fast for the average home requiring 15-20 squares of coverage. By contrast, weathered wood shingles average $100 to $400 per square . The natural wood look at a fraction of the price!

Not only are weathered wood shingles more budget-friendly upfront, they'll also save you money over time. Natural wood requires frequent maintenance and re-sealing to prevent cracking, curling, and rotting - adding hundreds of dollars annually. Weathered wood shingles are far more durable, so you avoid these ongoing maintenance costs.

Installation Tips and What to Expect

Prep Work

Some minor prep work may be needed prior to installation day. This includes clearing debris from the roof, removing old shingles and underlayment, and assessing any rotten deck boards that need replacement.

Installation Process

The process involves laying roofing felt across the entire deck as an extra moisture barrier. Starting at the bottom edge, the weathered wood shingles are then applied row by row and fastened with roofing nails. An exposure height of roughly 5-7 inches is maintained between rows to create the layered, dimensional look. Flashing and metal edging are added once shingling is complete.

Timeline

Installation is typically completed in one day by an experienced roofing crew. Allow at least a few days of dry weather beforehand so the decking is dry. Work may be delayed or extended due to heavy rain, high winds, or extreme heat.

FAQs About Weathered Wood Shingles

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about maintaining and living with weathered wood shingles:

How long do they last?

The average lifespan is 30-50 years. Proper installation and periodic roof maintenance can maximize longevity.

What maintenance do they require?

Low maintenance. Occasional moss/algae removal if heavy buildup occurs. Re-sealing any loose edge shingles as needed.

How do you clean weathered wood shingles?

Use a pressure washer on a low setting to gently remove surface debris. Cleaners with sodium percarbonate can help treat discoloration from moss and algae.

Can damaged shingles be repaired?

Yes, individual damaged or missing shingles can be replaced as needed by a roofer without replacing the entire roof. Proper ventilation helps minimize interior moisture damage if leaks occur.

If a charming, storybook-style cottage is the home of your dreams, weathered wood shingles can help make that a reality. Their rustic, timeworn look adds cozy curb appeal that distinguishes your home. Plus, the durability and cost-effectiveness of weathered wood makes it easy to achieve the cottage look you want without breaking the bank. With a neutral color scheme and contrasting trim accents, your home will look warm, welcoming, and well-loved. Whether you choose a gray driftwood blend or opt for black shingles against white siding, weathered wood roofing has the power to transform your house into a cozy cottage retreat.