If you’re going with wood shingles, you should consider wallaba. This is a tropical hardwood found in South America. When first harvested, the wallaba shingles are a reddish-brown color. Most homeowners prefer this wood because it is dense, meaning it can resist the elements for a longer time. Additionally, it releases an oily resin that prevents decay and repels insects. The main contestant for these shingles is cedar. Here are some similarities and differences between wallaba and cedar shingles.
Aging
As wallaba wood ages, it turns from a reddish-brown to a bright silver color, giving your home a unique appearance. On the other hand, cedar shingles turn from a light brown to a dull gray after several years, making your home look old and worn down.
Lifespan
Wallaba shingles can last more than 40 years without needing to be treated or replaced. However, cedar shingles will need to be coated with a special treatment every 10 years to keep them intact for a reasonable length of time.
Fire-Resistance
If you live in a fire-prone area, wallaba wood will be a better option because it is naturally fire-resistant. Using cedar, which is not naturally fire-resistant, can cause your home to catch on fire from nearby embers or sparks floating through the air.
Decay
The oils that wallaba wood releases make it incredibly resistant to decay over time. While cedar also releases decay-resistant oils, this wood is not as dense, meaning that it is more susceptible to decomposition over time.
Hardness
Wallaba wood is significantly harder than cedar, meaning that it can take an impact or bending that could occur from a natural disaster. If you live in a disaster-prone area, cedar would not be the better option since it is less hard and can bend and break more easily.
Wallaba Shingles tend to be a better option if you are looking for wooden shingles. While you can still get many benefits or a specific look with cedar shingles, wallaba offers many more benefits that you can enjoy.