Hiring the best timber roofing contractor or company involves doing thorough research, understanding your needs, and asking the right questions. Timber roofing, or wooden roofing, generally refers to roofing systems made from wood shingles or shakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hire the best timber roofing specialist:
1. Determine Your Needs:
– Decide if you want wood shingles (uniform and machine-cut) or shakes (hand-split, thicker, and more rustic).
– Understand the type of wood you prefer (e.g., cedar, redwood, pine).
2. Research:
– Start with online searches, checking reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, or other local directories.
– Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have timber roofs.
– Check with local builder associations or timber roofing associations.
3. Shortlist Contractors:
– Choose at least three to four contractors with good reviews and recommendations.
– Ensure they have a physical address and aren’t just operating from a P.O. Box.
4. Check Qualifications:
– Ensure they’re licensed to work in your state/country.
– Verify that they have liability insurance and worker’s compensation to protect against potential damages or injuries.
– Check if they have any certifications from national roofing associations or from timber roofing manufacturers.
5. Get Quotes:
– Have the contractors inspect the site and provide a detailed written estimate. This should break down labor, materials, and other potential costs.
– Ask about any potential additional costs that might arise during the roofing process.
6. Ask the Right Questions:
– How long have you been installing timber roofing?
– Can you provide references or showcase previous timber roofing projects?
– What type of warranty do you offer on installation and materials?
– How will you handle adverse weather conditions during installation?
– Do you have experience with the specific type of wood shingle or shake I want?
– How will you manage ventilation and insulation under the wooden roof?
– How long will the project take?
– What steps will you take to ensure the safety of my property during the roofing process?
7. Review Contract:
– Ensure everything discussed is in the contract, including costs, timeline, materials, and work scope.
– Confirm cleanup and waste disposal responsibilities.
– Understand payment terms – avoid paying the full amount upfront.
8. Check Past Work & References:
– Visit or view pictures of previous projects.
– Speak to past clients about their experience, the quality of work, timeliness, and post-installation support.
9. Trust Your Instincts:
– Evaluate your comfort level with the contractor. Good communication is key.
– Consider the professionalism, transparency, and responsiveness of the contractor.
10. Finalize and Begin:
– Once satisfied, finalize the contract and set a date for the project to begin.
Remember, while cost is a factor, don’t just go for the cheapest option. The quality of materials and craftsmanship is paramount with timber roofing, as it can significantly affect the longevity and appearance of your roof.

Timber roofing refers to roofing systems made from wood, typically in the form of shingles or shakes. This type of roofing is often chosen for its natural aesthetics and can add a rustic or refined appearance to a building. Here’s a detailed overview:
What is Timber Roofing?
1. Wood Shingles:
– These are machine-cut, have a smooth surface and uniform appearance. They’re tapered and tend to have a more refined look.
– Commonly made from western red cedar, southern yellow pine, and other woods.
2. Wood Shakes:
– Hand-split, giving them a more rustic and textured appearance. They’re thicker than shingles and can vary in size and thickness.
– Also often made from cedar, but can be crafted from other types of wood as well.
Benefits of Timber Roofing:
1. Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a natural, timeless look that can complement various architectural styles, especially traditional, cottage, or rustic designs.
2. Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, which can help in maintaining indoor temperatures, potentially saving on energy costs.
3. Durability: If properly maintained, wood roofs can last a long time, with cedar being particularly resistant to rot and insect damage.
4. Environmentally Friendly: Wood is a renewable resource, and old timber roofs can be recycled or decomposed, making it more eco-friendly compared to some other roofing materials.
What Can a Timber Roofing Contractor Do?
1. Consultation & Material Selection: Advise on the best type of wood and roofing style (shingles or shakes) for your specific needs and local climate.
2. Installation: Properly install the timber roofing, ensuring that the underlying structure is suitable and that the roof has adequate ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation.
3. Maintenance:
– Cleaning: Remove moss, algae, and debris, which can cause wood to rot.
– Treatment: Apply treatments to prevent insect infestation, UV damage, and fungal growth.
4. Repair: Address any damages or issues, replacing broken or rotting shingles or shakes.
5. Replacement: If a timber roof reaches the end of its lifespan or is extensively damaged, a contractor can oversee its replacement.
6. Protection: Apply fire retardants or pressure treatments to increase the fire resistance of wood roofs, especially important in areas prone to wildfires.
When considering timber roofing, it’s essential to understand the maintenance it requires. Regular checks and periodic treatments can help prolong the lifespan of the roof and keep it looking its best. Proper installation, including ensuring adequate roof ventilation, is crucial to prevent moisture-related problems.

A timber roofing specialist or contractor can handle a wide range of jobs related to wooden roofs, from initial installation to maintenance and repair. Here’s a comprehensive list of jobs they can assist with:
1. Consultation:
– Assisting in selecting the right type of wood and roofing style.
– Providing guidance on the pros and cons of timber roofing for your specific needs and location.
– Offering insights into the longevity, maintenance requirements, and costs of different wood types.
2. Installation:
– Preparing the roof’s base structure to ensure it’s suitable for timber roofing.
– Laying down appropriate underlayment materials for protection against moisture.
– Properly installing wood shingles or shakes, ensuring they are appropriately overlapped and secured.
– Ensuring that the roof has adequate ventilation, crucial for preventing moisture-related problems in timber roofing.
3. Maintenance:
– Cleaning the roof to remove debris, moss, algae, and other growth that could cause wood deterioration.
– Applying treatments to protect the wood from UV rays, insects, fungi, and moisture.
– Reapplying or refreshing fire retardants or pressure treatments to maintain fire resistance.
4. Inspection:
– Regularly checking the roof for signs of damage, wear, or potential issues.
– Assessing the roof after storms or significant events to check for damages.
5. Repair:
– Replacing damaged, split, or rotting shingles or shakes.
– Repairing areas affected by leaks or moisture intrusion.
– Addressing problems related to poor ventilation or improper installation.
6. Replacement:
– Removing an old or extensively damaged timber roof.
– Installing a new wood roof or helping transition to a different roofing material if desired.
7. Protection:
– Applying fire retardants to improve the roof’s fire resistance, especially in areas prone to wildfires.
– Offering solutions like moisture barriers to protect against rot and water damage.
8. Customization:
– Crafting or sourcing unique wood shingles or shakes for specific architectural desires.
– Offering decorative ridge caps or other design elements for enhanced aesthetics.
9. Guidance on Sustainable Practices:
– Advising on sourcing sustainably harvested wood shingles or shakes.
– Recommending eco-friendly treatments and maintenance practices.
10. Education:
– Guiding homeowners on the best practices for timber roof care and maintenance.
– Offering insights into the expected lifespan and potential challenges of wood roofing in specific climates or environments.
When considering hiring a timber roofing contractor, it’s essential to check their experience, references, and any relevant certifications. Given the unique requirements and potential challenges of wood roofs, a specialist with extensive knowledge in the field is invaluable.

The cost of timber roofing in Australia can vary significantly based on various factors, such as the type of wood, the size and complexity of the roof, location, labor costs, and additional treatments or features. As of my last training cut-off in September 2021, here’s a general idea of the costs:
1. Material Costs:
– Cedar Shingles: Cedar is one of the most popular woods used for roofing in Australia. Prices for cedar shingles can range from AUD $160 to AUD $250 per square meter or more, depending on the quality and source.
– Cedar Shakes: These are typically more expensive than shingles, costing around AUD $200 to AUD $300 per square meter.
2. Installation Costs:
– Labor costs can vary widely based on the contractor, location, and roof complexity. On average, installation might range from AUD $70 to AUD $100 per square meter or more. This means, for a 100-square-meter roof, the labor alone could cost between AUD $7,000 to AUD $10,000.
3. Additional Costs:
– Underlayment: This is a protective layer placed under the wood shingles or shakes. The cost can vary based on the material used, but you might expect to pay an additional AUD $20 to AUD $50 per square meter.
– Fire Retardants: To improve fire resistance, especially in bushfire-prone areas, treatments can be applied. This might add an additional cost of AUD $20 to AUD $50 per square meter.
– Protective Treatments: To guard against rot, UV damage, insects, and fungi, protective treatments can be applied, potentially costing an extra AUD $10 to AUD $40 per square meter.
4. Maintenance Costs:
– Periodic maintenance, such as cleaning and reapplication of treatments, can vary but might be in the range of AUD $500 to AUD $2,000 every few years, depending on the roof’s size and condition.
When tallying up potential costs, it’s crucial to get several quotes from different contractors to get an accurate assessment of the expected expenses. Furthermore, timber roofing is an investment, and while it may be more expensive upfront compared to some other roofing materials, its aesthetic appeal and potential insulation benefits can add value to the property.
It’s essential to note that these prices are general estimates based on 2021 figures. Prices can change over time due to inflation, increased demand, or changes in the timber industry. Always check current rates and quotes for the most accurate information.

When you’re looking to hire a timber roofing contractor, asking the right questions can help ensure you get a knowledgeable professional, quality materials, and a clear understanding of the process and costs involved. Here’s a list of questions you might consider asking:
1. Experience and Credentials:
– How long have you been in the timber roofing business?
– Do you have the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in this area?
– Can you provide references or examples of previous timber roofing projects you’ve completed?
2. Materials:
– What type of wood do you recommend for my location and home style?
– Where do you source your timber from? Is it sustainably harvested?
– How do you handle timber storage and preparation before installation to ensure quality?
3. Installation and Process:
– How long will the installation process take?
– Will you handle the removal and disposal of my old roof (if applicable)?
– How do you ensure proper ventilation with the new timber roof?
– What underlayment and protective layers do you use?
4. Cost and Warranty:
– Can you provide a detailed written estimate of all costs, including labor, materials, and additional treatments?
– What is the expected lifespan of the roof you’ll install?
– Do you offer a warranty on your work? What does it cover, and for how long?
– How does the material warranty work? What does it cover?
5. Maintenance and Aftercare:
– What maintenance does the roof require, and how frequently?
– Do you offer maintenance services or treatments in the future?
– How can I best protect the roof from potential hazards, such as fire, pests, or extreme weather conditions?
6. Challenges and Solutions:
– What potential challenges do you foresee with my specific roofing project?
– How do you handle unexpected complications or costs during the installation?
7. Environmental Concerns:
– How do you ensure the timber roofing process is environmentally friendly?
– Can you use or recommend eco-friendly treatments and finishes?
8. Timeline and Logistics:
– When can you start the project, and how long do you expect it to take?
– Will I need to make any preparations or accommodations for the work crew?
– How do you handle cleanup and waste disposal after the project?
9. Protection and Treatments:
– What treatments do you recommend for UV protection, insect resistance, and fire resistance?
– How often should these treatments be reapplied?
10. Communication:
– Who will be my primary point of contact during the project?
– How do you handle communication during the project, especially if there are delays or issues?
By asking these questions, you can get a comprehensive view of the contractor’s expertise, the quality of materials they use, their work ethic, and the value they offer. Always ensure you feel comfortable with their responses and trust your intuition when making a final decision.