Cedar shingles are beautiful, but they require a lot of expensive maintenance and don’t offer much protection in return. Untreated cedar simply won’t last, and the wood requires harsh chemical sealing every few years just to remain relatively watertight. If you’re looking for a stronger, maintenance-free alternative to cedar, Wallaba Shingles might be perfect for you.
What is Wallaba?
Wallaba is a dense tropical hardwood native to places like Brazil, Suriname and Guyana. It is naturally straight-grained and rather coarse, with a rich reddish brown shade. This wood produces gum and oils, which seal it organically — thanks to this, wallaba is naturally waterproof and resistant to hazards like fire, strong winds, insects, mold and decay. Even as it wears, wallaba stays beautiful and transitions to a lovely silver shade over time.
Why is Wallaba Good for Shingles?
Thanks to its own natural protection, wallaba can protect your home from virtually any kind of inclement weather. In fact, Wallaba Shingles are rated to withstand up to category five hurricane winds without incurring much damage! The natural sealants in wallaba keep out mold and mildew, and the wood boasts an impressive resistance to natural pests like termites. Unlike cedar shingles, there’s absolutely no maintenance required to keep wallaba watertight.
How Long Does Wallaba Last?
The naturally dense, sealed structure of wallaba wood allows it to last upwards of 40 years without any kind of chemical treatments. Even with regular sealing, cedar shingles have a typical lifespan of about 10-20 years. The long lifespan of wallaba also means fewer trees need to be cut down for replacement shingles, which is very beneficial to the environment.
Naturally strong and durable without the need for expensive, harsh maintenance, Wallaba Shingles are a fantastic alternative to cedar. If you’re looking to upgrade your roof, wallaba may be just the change you need.
