There are countless types of materials for your roof shingles, from asphalt to copper. It’s important that the material you ultimately choose can give your home a polished appearance, while also benefitting the environment.
Wooden wallaba shingles have a rich history tied to the country of Guyana and provide your roof with both durability and beauty.
What Is Wallaba?
Wallaba shingles come from the wallaba trees grown in the country of Guyana, located in South America near Brazil. The country of Guyana is actually known for these wallaba trees. These very trees were even mentioned in the earliest records from English settlers who arrived in Guyana in 1796. In these records, the settlers mentioned the eye-catching trees with their unique silver coloring. Even now, many historical sites in Guyana still have the original wallaba shingles in place.
In the 1800s, Guyanas used wallaba shingle to rebuild the city after constant flooding continuously destroyed homes and buildings. Each time flooding knocked the city to the ground, the Guyanas would rebuild using a myriad of techniques and materials. However, wallaba always played a large part in any rebuilding tactics.
Why Should I Use Wallaba?
There are several reasons you should consider wallaba shingles for your next home renovation project. First, wallaba wood is known for its durability and density. It’s filled with natural resins that can protect your roof from damages for many years. This also means that you wouldn’t have to treat your roof with chemical treatments to protect your home from decay, bugs, or even fire. As proven through the Guyana floods of the 1800s, wallaba wood is highly durable and can last upwards of forty years.
Wallaba shingles also have gorgeous coloring. When first harvested, they are a deep red color that soon fades into a beautiful and stately silver.
This wood has the perfect mix of coloring, durability, and history, making it an ideal choice for your next home or roofing renovation project.