Another widely popular roofing style are wood roof shingles. Wood roofing shingles have been used for thousands of years and actually provide greater insulation than their asphalt counterparts. They also have a unique look that is hard to replicate with any other shingle. There are two different types of wood shingles, the traditional wood shingles and wood shake shingles. These two different types of shingles are often confused with each other. Wood shingles are typically sawn to provide a smooth tapered edge and wood shake shingles are often split to create a rougher more textured appearance. They are also usually thicker to avoid damaging the wood in the splitting process. The most common type of wood used in shake shingles are cedar which has been used since colonial times here in the United States. Wood shakes also hold their color a little longer than wood shingles. Wood shakes and shingles have a very desirable look but are on the pricier side of material options. They are most expensive to produce and install.
WHAT ARE SHAKES AND SHINGLES MADE OUT OF?
Wood shakes and wood shingles are manufactured from western red cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees. Shakes are split from logs and reshaped by manufacturers for commercial use. They are thicker at the butt end than shingles; generally one or both surfaces are split to obtain a textured effect. A split and resawn shake has a split face and sawn back. A taper sawn shake has a natural taper and is sawn on both sides. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and have an even taper and uniform thickness. When applied to shingles, the industry terms “Perfection” and “Royal” mean 18 inch and 24 inch lengths, respectively.
Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are available pressure treated with fire retardants and chemical preservatives for increased fire resistance and to prevent premature rot and decay in some climates.
Pine shakes are made from southern yellow pine and are taper sawn. They also are available pressure treated with preservatives to protect against decay and insects. Interlayment felts are required for pine shakes.
CARE & MAINTAINANCE
Wood shakes and wood shingles are manufactured from western red cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees. Shakes are split from logs and reshaped by manufacturers for commercial use. They are thicker at the butt end than shingles; generally one or both surfaces are split to obtain a textured effect. A split and resawn shake has a split face and sawn back. A taper sawn shake has a natural taper and is sawn on both sides. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and have an even taper and uniform thickness. When applied to shingles, the industry terms “Perfection” and “Royal” mean 18 inch and 24 inch lengths, respectively.
Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are available pressure treated with fire retardants and chemical preservatives for increased fire resistance and to prevent premature rot and decay in some climates.
Pine shakes are made from southern yellow pine and are taper sawn. They also are available pressure treated with preservatives to protect against decay and insects. Interlayment felts are required for pine shakes.
BENEFITS OF WOOD SHAKE / SHINGLE ROOF
THEIR EXCEPTIONAL BEAUTY
REGULAR MAINTAINANCE REQUIRED
RESISTANT TO SEVERE STORMS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
WOOD ROOF GALLERY
WOOD SHINGLE ROOF FAQS
What is the difference between a shake and a shingle?
A shingle is sawn on both sides and is thinner at the butt than a shake. A shake is usually thicker and is typically split on one or both sides. Shingles are more precisely milled than shakes and provide a more refined appearance. Shakes provide a more irregular, rustic appearance. Functionally, the most important difference between shakes and shingles is that shingles are milled more precisely than shakes allowing them to lay flat.
How are cedar shakes and shingles manufactured?
Shingles are sawn on both sides from a block of cedar. The cedar block is moved through the path of an upright saw creating angled cuts with each stroke. After being cut from cedar log the shingles are then trimmed to create the right kind of square corners. Shakes, on the other hand, are still manufactured by hand and are split straight from a single block of wood. The shakes are then sawn end to end at an angle creating a shake that is sawn on one side and split at the other giving it a much rougher look with lots more character.
What is the lifespan of a cedar roof?
There are so many factors that will determine the lifespan of any roof let alone wood. Some of the factors include age, quality of installation, care, maintenance and of course environment. The lifespan goal of a cedar roof is approximately 30-40 years. Climate, exposure and proximity to certain elements like salt water may also affect the lifespan of a cedar roof. Generally the lifespan of a shake roof is slightly longer because they are hand cut split from a log and thicker than a shingle.
How much will it cost for a cedar roof?
The cost of a new cedar roof is a little pricier than some other options and will depend on factors such as size and shape of the roof and availability of the product you choose. Give us a call so we can discuss all of your options and help you to determine your cost. Our estimates are totally free!
How wind resistant are cedar roofs?
Cedar roofs are naturally wind and weather resistant. Cedar shakes and shingles have long been tested, and approved, as being highly resistant to wind and weather damage. Cedar roofs are also very resistant to hail and ice damage.
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