Why Every Home Needs the Texture of Weathered Wood Shingles
Weathered wood shingles have become an increasingly popular roofing choice over the last decade. Unlike traditional asphalt shingles with a flat, one-dimensional appearance, weathered wood shingles utilize advanced manufacturing techniques to emulate the rich, variegated texture of authentic aged wood shakes and shingles.
These architectural shingles lend visual interest, durability, and curb appeal to any home. From reproducing the natural grain patterns to custom color blends, they capture a timeworn, rustic aesthetic that immediately catches the eye. Keep reading to discover why every home can benefit from the artful texture of weathered wood shingles.
Key Benefits of Weathered Wood Shingles
Visual Interest and Curb Appeal
One of the most noticeable advantages of weathered wood shingles is the added visual flair they give roofs and homes. Through dimensional designs with multiple layers and shadow lines, these shingles realistically mimic the depths, contours, and textures of authentic wood.
This allows them to break up bland or uniform facades with natural-looking variation. On older homes, they beautifully complement architectural styles like craftsman bungalows. Their rustic aesthetic also pairs nicely with farmhouse, cottage, and traditional exteriors.
For new construction, weathered wood shingles provide necessary contrast on contemporary homes with expansive white or neutral walls. Rather than fading into the background, dimensional weathered wood shingles make roofs stand out as design centerpieces.
Durability and Protection
Manufacturing innovations also endow weathered wood shingles with essential durability and protection capabilities. Although designed primarily for aesthetics, most brands meet impact resistance standards and provide enhanced wind coverage rated up to 130 mph.
These shingles additionally contain fire-resistant materials to prevent flame spread. Certain high-end product lines even have algae-fighting properties to maintain their beauty over decades.
Unlike real wood shakes susceptible to rotting, cracking, and insect infiltration, weathered wood shingles withstand years of intense weathering. Their resilient construction keeps them looking pristine with only basic occasional maintenance.
Affordability and Value
Weathered wood shingles deliver rustic roof beauty at a more affordable price point than authentic wood shakes and shingles. Since they utilize recycled materials, they sidestep many harvesting and production costs.
Their asphalt construction also ensures longevity similar to conventional dimensional shingles. With warranties ranging from 30 to 50 years, homeowners gain incredible value from enhanced aesthetics without sacrificing roof performance.
As a bonus, weathered wood shingles even boost resale value for those looking to one day sell their home. Their visible curb appeal and welcoming texture make properties more enticing and memorable for potential buyers.
Features That Produce Great Texture
Dimensional Design
Weathered wood shingles achieve their signature texture mainly through advanced dimensional designs. Using multiple layered materials, the shingles physically extend outward to cast small shadows and emulate the dimensions of real wood shakes.
Depth and contouring ability give the shingles authentic-looking character with visible grains. Sunlight striking across their surfaces produces alternating highlights and shadows for added visual drama. It brings roofs to life with natural intricacy.
Color and Finish Variety
Another essential contributor to excellent texture is the vast color options available. Ranging from grays and browns to reds and blacks, weathered wood shingles come in nature-inspired hues that imitate real wood's weathered patina.
Blended color striations help replicate the variegation in true wood. And organic color palettes look attractive against most exteriors while allowing homes to feel grounded and welcoming.
Special coatings likeCertainTeed's ClimateFlex coating also ensure the shingles resist algae growth and withstand weathering effects over time. This prevents discoloration and deterioration to maintain aesthetic beauty.
Application for Any Climate
Crucially, manufacturers specially engineer weathered wood shingles to perform in any climate while preserving texture integrity. The shingles remain flexible even in extreme cold, preventing damage from winter freezing and thaws.
Meanwhile, climate-specific design innovations like Owens Corning's SureNail Technology for high wind regions keep shingles locked down securely against the most intense storms and gusts.
Since the shingles hold up well over years of sun, snow, wind, and rain exposure, homeowners nationwide can achieve weathered wood's desirable texture and reap associated curb appeal benefits.
Brands Known for Quality and Texture
Several industry-leading asphalt shingle brands excel in replicating weathered wood textures with dimensional products. Some top manufacturers to consider are:
- GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles - Feature layered dimensions plus custom color blends
- Owens Corning Duration Series - StormGuard protection preserves texture and appearance
- CertainTeed Landmark PRO Shingles - ClimateFlex technology resists fading and discoloration
Investing in premium shingle lines ensures optimal durability and the most realistic weathered wood visuals over decades. Always check warranties, impact ratings, wind coverage, and aesthetics when comparing major brands.
Enhancing Your Curb Appeal
Choosing Colors and Finishes
One of the best aspects of weathered wood shingles is the creative liberty they provide through color options. Homeowners can select neutral, natural tones in keeping with existing color schemes. Or make the shingles a bold accent that pops against lighter exteriors.
For even more customization, certain brands offer coordinating exterior stains that can be applied to shingles post-installation. This allows consumers to tweak colors and textures for a fully personalized design touch.
Accentuate Architectural Features
Strategically installing weathered wood shingles around architectural focal points draws further attention to special home features. For example, play up beautiful dormer windows by giving dormer roofs and eaves contrasting weathered wood shingles.
Use vibrant shingle hues around column accents to make them stand taller and prouder. And underplay garages and sides with more neutral toned shingles so fronts and entries shine.
Get creative with color and texture placement to highlight strengths and downplay flaws for showstopping curb appeal.
Weather worn wood will never go out of style when it comes to roofing. With weathered wood shingles, you can achieve coveted rustic aesthetics fused with modern resilience and technology. If you're seeking to boost visual flair and give your home an authentic aged appearance, dimensional weathered wood shingles are a failsafe and eye-catching option worth exploring.
Consult reputable local roofing contractors to learn more about weathered wood shingle brands servicing your area, costs, and the full scope of customization possibilities. Investing in weathered wood texture soon can pay dividends for decades by setting your home apart with charm and character.