Wood shakes also have uneven surfaces, while shingles … Wood shake and shingle roofs are more resilient than many people may realize. They are flat on both sides, which means they sit flush on the roofing surface and neatly accommodate overlapping shingles for an effective seal. A person with carpentry skills could do the job, though a professional installer would handle all the facets of the project far more efficiently, while also being properly-equipped and insured. Today, shingles are now machine-made and shakes made by hand with power equipment. Both wood shakes and wood shingles are manufactured from western red cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood trees. By Red House Architects. Installation method for cedar shingles and shakes, is the same. A thicker roofing material also resists punctures better than thin ones. Like any roofing product, wood shingles and shakes require routine maintenance to look and perform well. For instance, Western Red Cedar is among the most abundant trees and splits easily, making it one of the most affordable options to use for wooden roofing. Wood shake refers to wood roofing material that is created by splitting thin rectangles from a wooden log. With adequate installation and proper maintenance a quality wood shakes roof have longer lifespan compare to budget friendly asphalt shingles which still tends to be much more popular roofing material. A bundle of Number 1 Grade, Blue Label shingles, for instance, will consist entirely of crème de la crème edge grain heartwood. Once you arrive at your decision to go shingle or shake, you should take the following into account before you get the ball rolling on your wood roofing project. Being sawn, shingles exhibit some cross grain due to cutting, whereas shakes, being split, follow the grain more closely. Cedar shakes are a type of wood roofing that has been split on both or one side – taken from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau guidelines. Image source: Inspirational Village. For these reasons, we recommend a wood shingle roof. Wood Shingles vs. Wood Shakes Many people use the terms “shingles” and “shakes” interchangeably, but the reality is that wood shakes and shingles are not the same. Image source: Custom Shingles. Vinyl shakes usually come in panels vs. individual shingles for wood so vinyl is also easier to install. Combine this with their greater affordability, and shingles strike a superior balance of style and economy. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. Shakes Whether you seek to ensure your upcoming wood roof renovation matches the distinct personality of your home, want to brush up on your carpentry knowledge, or you simply must know whether shingles or shakes are better, this article has you covered. Click here to watch our sample request video so you know what to expect when your samples arrive. Wood Shakes. Exposed felt will pick up water after rain and prevent shakes from drying, while too little will not protect your roof from infiltration, so correct installation requires expertise and precision. Wood shingles are thinner than shakes, about 3/8th of an inch to ½ an inch thick, this is due to their finer technique of milling. Class A, the highest rating available, requires a fire-retardant underlayment in combination with Class B rated product. An Eastern White Cedar shake roof. Handsplit and resawn shakes have irregular surfaces. This makes wood shakes noticeably thicker than wood shingles. In terms of appearance, wood shake provides a thick textured appearance and gives a roof beautiful depth and dimension. Since shakes are thicker than the average asphalt shingle (or even metal) roof, they have superior impact resistance, and they’re well-equipped to face extreme weather conditions. When paired with natural scenery or a cabin-style home, the beauty of wooden shakes is tough to beat. Today shingles are mostly made by being cut which distinguishes them from shakes which are made by being split out of a bolt. 50 plus years ago wood shingles were sawn from a block of wood, while wood shakes were split off using a sharp blade or mallet. Hand split and resawn, the other method of manufacturing shakes, involves sawing only the backside and leaving the outward-facing wood split along the grain. Pros of wood shingles and shakes: Wood is the material that provides natural beauty. Cedar shakes on a cabin-style home. Another benefit of vinyl shakes is that they’re so much more affordable than wood shake and shingle siding. View fullsize. Due to being hand-cut the appearance is rustic. Combine this with their greater affordability, and shingles strike a superior balance of style and economy. Each shake is rugged and looks unique from the next piece. Even if your locality permits wood roofing and you are eager and willing to perform necessary care for your shakes or shingles, your insurance company might raise your premiums, limit coverage, or exclude coverage of wooden roofs because of fire risk and maintenance needs. Wood shakes have a charmingly rugged look, with each piece looking a bit different. If you’re not fond of how the salmon-brownish hues of Western Red Cedar or Redwood contrast with your home, perhaps the pale yellow of Eastern White Cedar, which weathers to a gray with age, will better suit your tastes. Comparing traditional tile roofing vs wood shake roofing is one of the best ways to decide between the two. Wood shakes, made of cedar, are thought to be one of the highest quality roofing materials available today. While wooden shingles also deliver a welcome sensation of individuality, their flat profile sends a less aggressively different message than shakes that arguably suits a broader range of tastes. A home with Western Red Cedar shake roofing. Image source: Sandura Tropical Shingles. 3. Image source: Direct Cedar Supplies. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides, making them appear uniform and smooth. Almost any wood can be used for roofing, but the preferred woods are more durable and dimensionally stable. Wood shingles are much more uniform in appearance, they have a smooth, flat appearance. To maintain the natural color of your wooden shingles and shakes, you will want it cleaned every few years. Many roofers also offer to apply surface treatments, which can help repel water, resist deterioration from ultraviolet light, and control organic growth. Shingles have a smooth uniform look that spans the entire roof surface, while wood shakes have a more rugged appearance, with each piece looking a little different than the rest. Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather. At $6.07 to $10.31 per square foot to install, cedar wooden shakes cost more than shingles. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles. Important Notes: Pressure Impregnated Treated Shakes and Shingles Underdriving or overdriving any fastener will affect the integrity of the roofing system. Learn more today! These are usually split on one side and sawn on the other. This leaves gaps between and under shakes where wind-driven precipitation and debris can infiltrate. Tapersawn shakes are really a hybrid of wood shingles and wood shakes. For the same reason, shingles are more uniform than shakes. Consult with your insurance agent, broker, or company to understand how and whether your coverage and rates may change after installing a wooden roof. Fasteners utilized must be specific for use with wood shakes and shingles … Shake and Shingle CEDAR IMPRESSIONS® POLYMER SHAKES & SHINGLES Cedar Impressions shake and shingle siding is available in several styles and features the most authentic wood … If wood is thin and UV radiation-damaged, erosion may wear completely through the shake or shingle, creating a hole that will typically have tapered or serrated edges. There is no straight answer which roof is better. Shakes. For years the roofing industry has been trying to create a composite shake that has the appearance of natural wood and is low maintenance, fire rated, impact resistant, and long lasting. To combat this, installers need to space layers of felt between each row of shakes to block water and debris – making installation more complicated. Cracks can show after severe impacts and after repeated expansion and contraction of the wood shingles or shakes in close quarters. Keep in mind that wood can only receive one treatment or the other. Wooden shakes are manufactured in two different ways, both of which produce a rougher look than shingles. Although they are a staple of older, traditional homes, wooden shingles can also enhance the appearance of more contemporary architecture. There are important exceptions to this, (for example, tapersawn shakes are shakes with both sides sawn) depending on the specific manufacturing method and the dimensions of … To indicate the grain and overall quality of cedar products, the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides stringent grades for bundles of shakes and shingles. This type of shake preserves the inherently ridged surface of the grain, cultivating even deeper shadow lines and an authentic, rugged appearance. A steep-sloped multi-story home with penetrations like chimneys and skylights will warrant a more expensive bill than a basic one-story home. In turn, you should cut trees and overhanging branches to allow the sun to evenly dry your roof, which prevents warping. Wooden shingles are thinner and therefore less insulative and durable than wooden shakes. As there are stronger and longer-lasting roofing materials out there, we will go out on a limb and say the difference in durability between wooden shingles and shakes carries little importance in the grand scheme. The most expensive option for shingling a roof is wood shakes — between $7.50 to $12.50 per square … Cape Cod-style home with cedar shingle roofing. For an average 1,700 square foot roof, a full cedar shingle roof will run you anywhere from $9,911 to $16,592. Despite the unmistakable, timeless, rustic allure of this tried and true roofing element, most casual observers cannot point out the differences between shingles and shakes – the two primary types of wood roofing. Apart from keeping your roof dry, you will also want to make sure your shakes or shingles show no signs of cracking – avenues for water to penetrate your roof. Home | The #1 Synthetic Composite Roofing Material For Homeowners Contractors and Architects, CeDUR, 3590 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO, 80011, United States. Wallaba shakes on a cottage-style home. distort the Certi-label shake or shingle. Our buyer's guide will help determine what type of slate roof is right for you. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a shake. Thank you for your sample request, your samples will arrive to you via FedEx shipping. Wood shakes are thicker than wood shingles. The performance, as in the insulation, protection, and longevity of a wood roof, boils down to a variety of factors such as the species of tree, the quality of the wood, and regional climate. Wood shakes have a rugged appearance, with each piece looking a bit different than the rest. CeDUR provides a home with the treasured wood look of 3/4” heavy hand split cedar shake but in a synthetic composite material that does not degrade over time. They will generally set you back less than wooden shakes. Cedar wooden shingles cost between $5.83 and $9.76 per square foot to install. Handsplit and resawn shakes have the split face exposed with a naturally rustic appearance, and are sawn on the back. Another method entails splitting shakes then sawing one broad side. Right off the bat, wooden shingles and wooden shakes look different and therefore suit different homes better. In regions that see wind-driven snow and seismic activity, the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau recommends solid sheathing underneath shingles and shakes, which may warrant greater costs. Learn how CeDUR engineers the best synthetic composite cedar shakes and emulates the appearance of 3/4” heavy hand split cedar shakes perfectly! In most cases, a roof constructed with wood shakes will last for 15 to 20 years, but this is dependent on the grade of the material’s purchased. For example, you’d be looking at spending about $2-6 for vinyl shakes installed vs. over $10 for wood shingles. Interested in IKO shingles for your roof? Learn more about the pros, cons, and if they're worth buying from our comprehensive guide. Manufacturers call this type of wooden shake "taper sawn". Shingle Species. Wooden shingles are precisely sawn on both sides to foster smooth surfaces and consistent dimensions. The shakes are thicker than shingles and due to this shakes are more expensive than shingles. This is by far the most popular choice for wood shakes… Grain refers to the part of the log from which the manufacturer cut the shake or shingle. Wood is an extreme fire risk and wood shake shingles are banned for use in many communities throughout the United States. This treatment is particularly effective for preserving wooden roofs in wet and shady climates susceptible to fungal growth. Wood Shingles. Los Angeles, on the other hand, bans wood roofing altogether without approval as even Class A rated wood poses a fire risk. Find wood siding shingles at Lowe's today. Between a wood shake roof vs shingles, shake roofing thickness varies from 1/2″ and 5/8″. Image source: Best West Roofing. Do not use electro galvanized (EG) fasteners. Heavy hand split cedar shakes are the most durable type of wood roofing because they offer the thickest amount of protection to protect against hail, UV sunlight, heavy rain, and wind. Although most shakes are still made by hand, some are made by advanced equipment to speed up production. TAPERSAWN SHAKES: In the instance of tapersawn shakes, the wood is sawn on both sides, giving it the appearance of a thick shingle vs. a true shake. In general, a shingle is sawn on both sides and is thinner at the butt than a shake. Image source: A.B. For those earnestly committed to tradition, page six of this paper from the National Park Service takes an exhaustive dive into how to pick a shingle or shake that stays true to architectural heritage. The 3/4” inch refers to the butt end of the shake being 3/4” inches thick. Image source: Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks. Not only will these unsightly growths tarnish the appearance of your roof, but they rot the wood. Image source: ReadySanDiego. While wooden shingles also deliver a welcome sensation of individuality, their flat profile sends a less aggressively different message than shakes that arguably suits a broader range of tastes. The area of wood just beneath the butts of shakes and shingles in courses above may suffer especially severe erosion. Design conventions aside, remember that most residential roofs in the United States consist of one-dimensional asphalt shingles. Mold growing on wooden shakes. If you need to keep costs to a bare minimum on your wood roofing project, choose shingles. First, follow your budget. The process results in a shingle that is tapered on all sides. Synthetic shakes have been made of asphalt, metal, cement, rubber, and plastics that are marketed as maintenance free, fire rated, and impact resistant. CCA pressure-treated shakes and shingles are available that resist decay in humid climates. (For more on shakes and shingles, see “What’s the Difference?” in FHB #185 or at FineHomebuilding.com.) Historically shingles were split from straight grained, knot free bolts of wood. You won’t be able to tell by looking at them whether wood roofs have been treated with a fire-retardant or preservative. Arguably no roofing material brings out more emotions than wood. At the end of the day, you will end up with a stylish, energy-efficient, and sustainable roofing system whether you go wooden shingle or wooden shake. Thickness plays a significant role in ensuring that a roof withstands day-to-day and harsh external conditions. Shop wood siding shingles and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. For wood, the species, quality of cut, and treatments will influence pricing regardless of whether you pick shingles or shakes. Typical cost factors for roof replacements include who you choose to install and the complexity and pitch of your roof. Shingles cover the entire roof surface with a uniform, smooth appearance. To reduce the natural flammability of wood products, cedar product manufacturers provide shakes and shingles impregnated with fire-retardant polymers. Wood shingles are sawn on both broad sides from the wood, making smoother, more refined surfaces. And since a shake is split, it follows the grain more closely than a shingle, which has some cross graining. You can expect to pay more for higher quality cuts, with edge grain costing the most. Map of San Diego County showing very high fire hazard severity zones in red, where Class A rated roofing is required. Being sawn, shingles exhibit some cross grain due to cutting, whereas shakes, being split, follow the grain more closely. As there are more opportunities for installation to go wrong with a wooden shake roof, the competence of the installer plays a larger role in performance over shingles. If shakes still lie on the table after assessing how much you want to spend, consult your home’s architectural design and the surrounding environment to make sure you pick the correct style. Moss growth on a wooden shake roof in a shaded area. Tapersawn wood shakes are sawn on both sides for a semi-textured look with a stronger shadowline than a wood shingle. Fire-retardant treated wood alone can deliver up to a Class B fire rating. Unlike shingles, however, the naturally rough grain remains, which creates shadow lines and retains the textured quality of wood. Different tree species translate to different colors, textures, qualities, and costs. To a discerning eye, the visual contrast between shake and shingle is obvious right away. This is due to the varying grain patterns, ridges, and grooves that occur during the splitting process. The type of woodcut plays a vital role in how well the shakes and shingles resist splitting and distortion. Asphalt shingles and wood shakes have their own advantages and disadvantages. Moisture tends to accumulate in the cool shady areas of a roof. Wooden shakes require felt interlayment between each row of shakes. They have a flat profile that creates a more uniform pattern across a roof, not unlike asphalt shingles. Cedar shingle installation. If you live in an especially wet or humid climate, keep in mind wooden roofing may not last as long as its prescribed lifespan. A fire-safe roofing material like CeDUR roofing shakes are in high demand in mountain communities and homeowners looking for the beautiful rustic wood look. Whether you pick shingles or shakes, a wooden roof elicits an unparalleled charm that can take the curb appeal of your home to new heights. What this produces is leeway for roofers to install the shingles flat three layers at any one time per square, providing an … Decide which is the best roofing material for your home with our comprehensive guide. Costs are virtually the same, varying only on wood quality and additional building materials. A surface shake occurs on only one surface, while a through shake extends from one side to the opposite or adjoining side of the piece. CCA treatment, one such popular treatment for cedar products, infuses the wood with a preservative that deters fungal decay and termites – common threats to wooden building materials. Apart from the breadth of the materials, the quality of installation makes or breaks the capabilities of a roof. There are two main types: (1) handsplit and resawn and (2) tapersawn. In turn, you should check with your jurisdiction’s regulations before choosing wood shakes or shingles. A shake is typically split on one or both sides. The visual difference between wood shakes and shingles is obvious to a discerning eye. Shingles are tapered by sawing, whereas shake is not, so the end result of a wood shake roof is highly textured by comparison. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles. In Northwest U.S. regions, locally sourced Redwood can prove a worthwhile option for its superior strength over cedar roofing materials. Sign up to start building customer reviews today! In terms of price, shakes are generally more expensive than shingles. Architects and home designers typically say wooden shingles and wooden shakes both complement traditionally styled homes like Cap Cod, Tudor, and cottages while the rustic aura shakes work particularly well for homes immersed in nature. Shake or shingle roofs also make use of wood, a renewable material, while alternative roofing materials, such as asphalt singles or steel, require large inputs of non-renewable energy for their production. With advancements in technology wood shingles are now machine made and wood shakes are made by hand with the aid of power equipment. Expected Life Span. Apart from flames, one of the greatest threats to a wooden roof is moisture – a breeding ground for moss, mold, and mildew. Of course, high-quality wood and correct spacing during installation from a professional roofing contractor will help prevent the need to replace individual shingles and shakes. Surface treatments only last a few years, so you will need them reapplied if you want long-term protection. There are two types of wood roofing materials – wood shake and wood shingles. Long ago, a wood roof shingle was sawn from a block of wood, while a wood shake roof was split off with a sharp blade or mallet. Wood shakes and wood shingles are both wedge-shaped, allowing roofers to affix them individually to a roof’s underdeck. Wooden shingles are easier to install than wooden shake shingles. Some people use the terms shingle and shake interchangeably, but the two materials are actually quite different. Image source: Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. Wood Shakes or Shingles? Image source: Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. However, as with any big-ticket renovation, we think you should consider the limitations of wood as a layer of protection for your homes and weigh your options. Of course, your personal preference trumps our opinion. Now that we know wooden shingles are smoother, easier to install, and more affordable than their rougher and tougher shake counterparts, let’s figure out which option better suits your roof. For many homeowners, the beauty of wood alone compensates for the drawbacks. Image source: Architectural Designs. IKO shingles: pros, cons, and are they worth buying, Slate roof: buyer’s guide to choosing the right type, Dow’s Eastern White Cedar Shingles & Shakes, California’s very high fire hazard severity zones, Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks, one of the greatest threats to a wooden roof is moisture. Shakes are heavier, thicker and sometimes longer than wood shingles. So in terms of appearance differences, wood shakes are thicker than shingles. Click here to watch our sample request video so you know what to expect when your samples arrive. Image source: Dow’s Eastern White Cedar Shingles & Shakes. In regions prone to wildfires like California’s very high fire hazard severity zones, you may need Class A fire rated wooden shingles and shakes to comply with building codes. Wooden shakes pose a tougher challenge for installers because they require felt interlayment between rows. Wooden shingles boast clean lines and have a relatively flat profile. Tapershawn shakes, visually, look like a hybrid between shake and shingle. Wood shingle and shake manufacturers offer treatments to improve product durability under certain conditions. Like shingles, wooden shakes can also be sawn on both sides to give them uniform, easy-to-work-with dimensions. Wooden shakes, on the other hand, have thicker butt ends and do not cleanly sit next to and on top of each other because of their uneven surfaces. The manufacturing similarities end there, however. Wood shakes on the other hand are hand-cut directly from wood blocks. While traditional wood shingles are sawn on both sides, wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side. For the purposes of this article, we’ll refer to all wood roofs as shakes. There is also the warranty aspect to consider on both, product and service.Cedar shingl… Wood shingles are also typically machine-made, whereas wood sha… Notice the pronounced shadow lines of these taper sawn wooden shakes. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a shake. Removing trees will also keep water-soaking debris from building up on your roof and preventing it from drying. The higher price of shakes largely stems from the more involved manufacturing and installation processes. When properly maintained, cedar shingles can last beyond 30 years, while cedar shakes can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years. In comparing shingles and shakes, we can only focus on what separates them in every case by definition – thickness. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. This is especially true if trees surround your house. They also tend to be fairly thin, though they are wedge-shaped. The coarse look and natural beauty of wooden shakes will undoubtedly make your home stand out. Edward Enterprises. The most durable type of wood roofing material is heavy hand split cedar shakes, often referred to as heavy 3/4” inch cedar shakes. Moisture cycles also cause wood to repeatedly shrink and expand, which stresses shingles and shakes to the point of warping and splitting, further reducing the span of their useful life. If this attitude resonates with you, make sure to team up with a trusted installer so you can enjoy the enchanting allure of your wood roof for as long as possible. No two shakes look exactly alike, which gives a roof a charmingly unprocessed appearance. Wood shingles costs between $400 and $700 per square installed, while a shake roof runs between $600 and $900—that’s three or six times the cost of an asphalt roof! A wood shake is a premium product, costing around $3.50 per square foot versus $2.50 a square foot for wood shingles. Both wood shakes and asphalt shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years with … Shakes are a defined lengthwise separation of the wood along the grain, usually occurring between or through the rings of annual growth. Beyond common options like cedar, some manufacturers specialize in rugged, long-lasting, and significantly more expensive hardwoods like Wallaba. You can have damaged shakes and shingles replaced as needed. A cedar shake roof will therefore cost anywhere from $10,319 to $17,527 on an average 1,700 square foot roof. Image source: Hadar Guibara. That is because they are thicker so more material is used, and they are more challenging to install for a roofing contractor. This is because each shake is split off using a froe mallet. Shake and Shingle Types . Are you considering a slate roof for your home? Asphalt shingles are a popular type of roofing shingles, but when you want something that stands out, consider tile or wood shake. The difference is the way in which each one is manufactured.