Wallaba shingles are a hardwood roofing material that has been used for over a century. They may be new to you, as they only recently started taking the market by storm. They have become especially popular in Jamaica, as their durability, low maintenance and ability to handle tropical storms has become evident.
The Wallaba tree is a hardwood tree that grows throughout South America and especially Guyana. On average, these trees reach 40-60 feet in height and are about one and a half to two feet in diameter. They are used mostly for utility poles and shingles. The shingles are manufactured primarily in Guyana and are certified premium grade.
Wallaba shingles looks very similar to cedar shingles and the installation is almost identical. However, Wallaba may be a step up from Cedar in that it is not only dense and durable, but it is also known to be insect and moisture resistant. This means these shingles are never chemically treated and can last a lifetime without needing maintenance. Routine inspections are all that is required.
Wallaba contains a naturally oily resin which allows them to withstand weather of all types. Not only do they repel water, they can withstand category five, hurricane-force winds and have been proven to have a fire rating higher than any other wood building product.
These incredible shingles also have an estimated lifetime of 40-50 years. When you compare that to an asphalt roof, which usually lasts 15-20 years, you can see how durable these shingles really are.
Wallaba is an environmentally friendly option for roofing. Responsible lumber contractors may commit to only harvesting a certain number of trees per acre as well as only harvesting mature trees. This helps ensure a higher quality product as well as preserving the forest for future generations.
Wallaba shingles are an excellent product backed by over a century of quality performance. Between their superior protection against moisture and wind and their natural resistance to bugs, they may be one of the most durable products on the market today.