wood shake vs wood shingle

Fire-retardant treated wood alone can deliver up to a Class B fire rating. Edward Enterprises. Shakes are a defined lengthwise separation of the wood along the grain, usually occurring between or through the rings of annual growth. Shingles are tapered by sawing, whereas shake is not, so the end result of a wood shake roof is highly textured by comparison. distort the Certi-label shake or shingle. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. 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. This is by far the most popular choice for wood shakes… Combine this with their greater affordability, and shingles strike a superior balance of style and economy. With advancements in technology wood shingles are now machine made and wood shakes are made by hand with the aid of power equipment. Wood shakes have a charmingly rugged look, with each piece looking a bit different. This treatment is particularly effective for preserving wooden roofs in wet and shady climates susceptible to fungal growth. Manufacturers call this type of wooden shake "taper sawn". Tapersawn shakes are really a hybrid of wood shingles and wood shakes. Click here to watch our sample request video so you know what to expect when your samples arrive. Moisture tends to accumulate in the cool shady areas of a roof. Wallaba shakes on a cottage-style home. Learn more today! Image source: ReadySanDiego. 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. This is especially true if trees surround your house. (For more on shakes and shingles, see “What’s the Difference?” in FHB #185 or at FineHomebuilding.com.) Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a shake. This is due to the varying grain patterns, ridges, and grooves that occur during the splitting process. Surface treatments only last a few years, so you will need them reapplied if you want long-term protection. 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. 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. Like shingles, wooden shakes can also be sawn on both sides to give them uniform, easy-to-work-with dimensions. To reduce the natural flammability of wood products, cedar product manufacturers provide shakes and shingles impregnated with fire-retardant polymers. 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. Shingle Species. 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. For example, you’d be looking at spending about $2-6 for vinyl shakes installed vs. over $10 for wood shingles. 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. Today shingles are mostly made by being cut which distinguishes them from shakes which are made by being split out of a bolt. Find wood siding shingles at Lowe's today. Tapershawn shakes, visually, look like a hybrid between shake and shingle. Wooden shakes pose a tougher challenge for installers because they require felt interlayment between rows. Expected Life Span. They also tend to be fairly thin, though they are wedge-shaped. Wood Shakes or Shingles? In turn, you should check with your jurisdiction’s regulations before choosing wood shakes or shingles. 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. Another benefit of vinyl shakes is that they’re so much more affordable than wood shake and shingle siding. 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. For many homeowners, the beauty of wood alone compensates for the drawbacks. You can expect to pay more for higher quality cuts, with edge grain costing the most. To maintain the natural color of your wooden shingles and shakes, you will want it cleaned every few years. 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. 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. The area of wood just beneath the butts of shakes and shingles in courses above may suffer especially severe erosion. In terms of price, shakes are generally more expensive than shingles. Are you considering a slate roof for your home? 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 … Los Angeles, on the other hand, bans wood roofing altogether without approval as even Class A rated wood poses a fire risk. Design conventions aside, remember that most residential roofs in the United States consist of one-dimensional asphalt shingles. Historically shingles were split from straight grained, knot free bolts of wood. Our buyer's guide will help determine what type of slate roof is right for you. To indicate the grain and overall quality of cedar products, the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides stringent grades for bundles of shakes and shingles. A wood shake is a premium product, costing around $3.50 per square foot versus $2.50 a square foot for wood shingles. Sign up to start building customer reviews today! Image source: Best West Roofing. 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. Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather. A steep-sloped multi-story home with penetrations like chimneys and skylights will warrant a more expensive bill than a basic one-story home. They have a flat profile that creates a more uniform pattern across a roof, not unlike asphalt shingles. A home with Western Red Cedar shake roofing. First, follow your budget. Handsplit and resawn shakes have the split face exposed with a naturally rustic appearance, and are sawn on the back. Wood Shakes. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles. For an average 1,700 square foot roof, a full cedar shingle roof will run you anywhere from $9,911 to $16,592. If you live in an especially wet or humid climate, keep in mind wooden roofing may not last as long as its prescribed lifespan. Wood shakes and wood shingles are both wedge-shaped, allowing roofers to affix them individually to a roof’s underdeck. They are flat on both sides, which means they sit flush on the roofing surface and neatly accommodate overlapping shingles for an effective seal. Wooden shingles are precisely sawn on both sides to foster smooth surfaces and consistent dimensions. 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. Wooden shingles are thinner and therefore less insulative and durable than wooden shakes. To combat this, installers need to space layers of felt between each row of shakes to block water and debris – making installation more complicated. Wood shakes are thicker than wood shingles. An Eastern White Cedar shake roof. When properly maintained, cedar shingles can last beyond 30 years, while cedar shakes can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years. 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. Typical cost factors for roof replacements include who you choose to install and the complexity and pitch of your roof. Image source: Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbooks. 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. To a discerning eye, the visual contrast between shake and shingle is obvious right away. 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. Grain refers to the part of the log from which the manufacturer cut the shake or shingle. Today, shingles are now machine-made and shakes made by hand with power equipment. 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. This type of shake preserves the inherently ridged surface of the grain, cultivating even deeper shadow lines and an authentic, rugged appearance. 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. Unlike shingles, however, the naturally rough grain remains, which creates shadow lines and retains the textured quality of wood. There are two main types: (1) handsplit and resawn and (2) tapersawn. Wood shingles are also typically machine-made, whereas wood sha… 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 shingle and shake manufacturers offer treatments to improve product durability under certain conditions. Image source: Dow’s Eastern White Cedar Shingles & Shakes. Apart from flames, one of the greatest threats to a wooden roof is moisture – a breeding ground for moss, mold, and mildew. By Red House Architects. Shop wood siding shingles and a variety of building supplies products online at Lowes.com. Image source: Inspirational Village. The higher price of shakes largely stems from the more involved manufacturing and installation processes. Some people use the terms shingle and shake interchangeably, but the two materials are actually quite different. This is because each shake is split off using a froe mallet. 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. And since a shake is split, it follows the grain more closely than a shingle, which has some cross graining. In turn, you should cut trees and overhanging branches to allow the sun to evenly dry your roof, which prevents warping. Cedar wooden shingles cost between $5.83 and $9.76 per square foot to install. 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. 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. Image source: Architectural Designs. For these reasons, we recommend a wood shingle roof. 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. Learn how CeDUR engineers the best synthetic composite cedar shakes and emulates the appearance of 3/4” heavy hand split cedar shakes perfectly! 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. Notice the pronounced shadow lines of these taper sawn wooden shakes. Wood shakes also have uneven surfaces, while shingles … 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. Another method entails splitting shakes then sawing one broad side. Image source: Sandura Tropical Shingles. For wood, the species, quality of cut, and treatments will influence pricing regardless of whether you pick shingles or shakes. That is because they are thicker so more material is used, and they are more challenging to install for a roofing contractor. Comparing traditional tile roofing vs wood shake roofing is one of the best ways to decide between the two. 3. Between a wood shake roof vs shingles, shake roofing thickness varies from 1/2″ and 5/8″. 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. The process results in a shingle that is tapered on all sides. Cape Cod-style home with cedar shingle roofing. Cedar shakes on a cabin-style home. 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. 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. 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 type of woodcut plays a vital role in how well the shakes and shingles resist splitting and distortion. 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. At $6.07 to $10.31 per square foot to install, cedar wooden shakes cost more than shingles. Wood shake refers to wood roofing material that is created by splitting thin rectangles from a wooden log. Cracks can show after severe impacts and after repeated expansion and contraction of the wood shingles or shakes in close quarters. Wood is an extreme fire risk and wood shake shingles are banned for use in many communities throughout the United States. CCA pressure-treated shakes and shingles are available that resist decay in humid climates. In general, a shingle is sawn on both sides and is thinner at the butt than a shake. These are usually split on one side and sawn on the other. The manufacturing similarities end there, however. The coarse look and natural beauty of wooden shakes will undoubtedly make your home stand out. A cedar shake roof will therefore cost anywhere from $10,319 to $17,527 on an average 1,700 square foot roof. The most expensive option for shingling a roof is wood shakes — between $7.50 to $12.50 per square … 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. This leaves gaps between and under shakes where wind-driven precipitation and debris can infiltrate. There is no straight answer which roof is better. Wood shake and shingle roofs are more resilient than many people may realize. 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! Many roofers also offer to apply surface treatments, which can help repel water, resist deterioration from ultraviolet light, and control organic growth. The most durable type of wood roofing material is heavy hand split cedar shakes, often referred to as heavy 3/4” inch cedar shakes. Wood Shingles. Both wood shakes and wood shingles are manufactured from western red cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood trees. Beyond common options like cedar, some manufacturers specialize in rugged, long-lasting, and significantly more expensive hardwoods like Wallaba. 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. Learn more about the pros, cons, and if they're worth buying from our comprehensive guide. What this produces is leeway for roofers to install the shingles flat three layers at any one time per square, providing an … You won’t be able to tell by looking at them whether wood roofs have been treated with a fire-retardant or preservative. Keep in mind that wood can only receive one treatment or the other. Moss growth on a wooden shake roof in a shaded area. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a shake. Click here to watch our sample request video so you know what to expect when your samples arrive. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles. Installation method for cedar shingles and shakes, is the same. Do not use electro galvanized (EG) fasteners. A shake is typically split on one or both sides. 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. Wooden shakes require felt interlayment between each row of shakes. While traditional wood shingles are sawn on both sides, wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side. Home | The #1 Synthetic Composite Roofing Material For Homeowners Contractors and Architects, CeDUR, 3590 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO, 80011, United States. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides, making them appear uniform and smooth. 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. Image source: Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. Handsplit and resawn shakes have irregular surfaces. Map of San Diego County showing very high fire hazard severity zones in red, where Class A rated roofing is required. Image source: Hadar Guibara. Wood shingles are sawn on both broad sides from the wood, making smoother, more refined surfaces. Both wood shakes and asphalt shingles typically last about 20 to 30 years with … Like any roofing product, wood shingles and shakes require routine maintenance to look and perform well. Wooden shingles boast clean lines and have a relatively flat profile. View fullsize. 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 … Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. 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. Different tree species translate to different colors, textures, qualities, and costs. This makes wood shakes noticeably thicker than wood shingles. They will generally set you back less than wooden shakes. There is also the warranty aspect to consider on both, product and service.Cedar shingl… Although they are a staple of older, traditional homes, wooden shingles can also enhance the appearance of more contemporary architecture. 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. 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. Important Notes: Pressure Impregnated Treated Shakes and Shingles Underdriving or overdriving any fastener will affect the integrity of the roofing system. Decide which is the best roofing material for your home with our comprehensive guide. Wood shakes on the other hand are hand-cut directly from wood blocks. In terms of appearance, wood shake provides a thick textured appearance and gives a roof beautiful depth and dimension. Asphalt shingles are a popular type of roofing shingles, but when you want something that stands out, consider tile or wood shake. Wood shakes have a rugged appearance, with each piece looking a bit different than the rest. Being sawn, shingles exhibit some cross grain due to cutting, whereas shakes, being split, follow the grain more closely. If you need to keep costs to a bare minimum on your wood roofing project, choose shingles. So in terms of appearance differences, wood shakes are thicker than shingles. In Northwest U.S. regions, locally sourced Redwood can prove a worthwhile option for its superior strength over cedar roofing materials. Wooden shingles are easier to install than wooden shake shingles. Fasteners utilized must be specific for use with wood shakes and shingles … There are two types of wood roofing materials – wood shake and wood shingles. Being sawn, shingles exhibit some cross grain due to cutting, whereas shakes, being split, follow the grain more closely. Combine this with their greater affordability, and shingles strike a superior balance of style and economy. Image source: Direct Cedar Supplies. Shakes are heavier, thicker and sometimes longer than wood shingles. Asphalt shingles and wood shakes have their own advantages and disadvantages. For the same reason, shingles are more uniform than shakes. Not only will these unsightly growths tarnish the appearance of your roof, but they rot the wood. A thicker roofing material also resists punctures better than thin ones. For the purposes of this article, we’ll refer to all wood roofs as shakes. Removing trees will also keep water-soaking debris from building up on your roof and preventing it from drying. Due to being hand-cut the appearance is rustic. No two shakes look exactly alike, which gives a roof a charmingly unprocessed appearance. 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. Pros of wood shingles and shakes: Wood is the material that provides natural beauty. The 3/4” inch refers to the butt end of the shake being 3/4” inches thick. 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. You can have damaged shakes and shingles replaced as needed. A bundle of Number 1 Grade, Blue Label shingles, for instance, will consist entirely of crème de la crème edge grain heartwood. Apart from the breadth of the materials, the quality of installation makes or breaks the capabilities of a roof. Shakes Although most shakes are still made by hand, some are made by advanced equipment to speed up production. Synthetic shakes have been made of asphalt, metal, cement, rubber, and plastics that are marketed as maintenance free, fire rated, and impact resistant. Consult with your insurance agent, broker, or company to understand how and whether your coverage and rates may change after installing a wooden 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. Shake and Shingle Types . Of course, your personal preference trumps our opinion. Mold growing on wooden shakes. 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. The difference is the way in which each one is manufactured. Image source: A.B. 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. 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. 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. Image source: Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. Tapersawn wood shakes are sawn on both sides for a semi-textured look with a stronger shadowline than a wood shingle. The shakes are thicker than shingles and due to this shakes are more expensive than shingles. Thank you for your sample request, your samples will arrive to you via FedEx shipping. Shingles cover the entire roof surface with a uniform, smooth appearance. Cedar shingle installation. Each shake is rugged and looks unique from the next piece. The visual difference between wood shakes and shingles is obvious to a discerning eye. In comparing shingles and shakes, we can only focus on what separates them in every case by definition – thickness. Interested in IKO shingles for your roof? Class A, the highest rating available, requires a fire-retardant underlayment in combination with Class B rated product. From building up on your roof, not unlike asphalt shingles are sawn on sides... More than shingles and shakes: wood is the best ways to decide between the two one! Them whether wood roofs as shakes online at Lowes.com of the materials, the highest quality materials! At Lowe 's today 039 ; s guide will help determine what of... 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