Whether you’re building a new home or making exterior updates, there are many decisions you’ll have to make. Perhaps topping the list in importance is what materials you select for your roofing and siding.
Not only do your selections impact your home’s curb appeal, but some choices have the potential to save you money and help increase your family’s safety.
Here are some things to consider, as well as some of the reasons why many building industry professionals and homeowners today are avoiding real wood products and steering toward composite shake alternatives instead:
• Long-term aesthetics.
Real cedar shake roofing and siding is beautiful, particularly as it ages. Unfortunately, just as it begins to weather to a rich-looking color, it often becomes unserviceable due to deterioration.
To get the authentic weathered look of real cedar from day one, opt for composite materials. Those from DaVinci Roofscapes — DaVinciRoofscapes.com — resist impact, fire, mold, algae, insects, salt air and high winds. Available in various colors and color blends, they will look as attractive as weathered cedar, but won’t curl, cup or split in the way wood does, so you get years of worry-free beauty.
• Fire.
A Class A fire rating is the highest level of fire resistance a roofing system can achieve. While this is an important consideration for any homeowner, it should be a top priority for anyone living in wildfire-prone territories. Keep in mind that real cedar can burn easily, whereas fire-resistant composite shake siding and roofing offer peace of mind in this regard, acting as your family’s first line of defense against stray sparks.