WOOD:
Wood roofing products are available in two basic forms: 1), wood shakes and
2), wood shingles. Shingles are produced by sawing wood into long tapered shapes; Shakes are produced by splitting wood into long tapered shapes. Sawing produces a more uniformly shaped and relatively smooth surface. Splitting produces a rough, highly textured appearance.
Wood shingles and shakes tend to be expensive to purchase and install. In addition wood is ignited relatively easily, so wood roofing products must be treated with fire retardant chemicals. Even then, wood roofs usually do not qualify for a Class A fire rating, the most fire resistant. This is the reason that building codes in some communities will not permit wood roofs. Check with your local building department before buying and installing wood shingles or shakes.
The aesthetic beauty of a wood roof is perhaps its greatest advantage. Wood roofs typically provide an interesting and attractive texture and the wood weathers to a beautiful silver-gray color.