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Wood Shake Vs Shingle Roofs-- Is There A Difference?
Wood shakes are thicker in comparison to wood shingles and are more weatherproof. However, wood shakes require professional installation and neither option would be the best in an environment that was susceptible to a lot of fires. Wood shake roofs last about 30 years and with effective maintenance it can last 40 years.
Pros/Cons of Wood Shakes and Shingles
Advantages
Wood shakes and shingles are made from redwood and cedar and are naturally able to resist moisture and repel insects.
Wood shakes and shingles can be recycled to produce wood chips, compost, or mulch after its usable life for the roof.
Wood shakes and shingles work well with Victorian and similar styled homes. They can have a very aesthetic appearance.
Disadvantages
Wood shakes and shingles require a lot more maintenance than other types of roofs as they are prone to algae and moss growth, which can lead to decay.
Wood shakes and shingles do have some durability, but if and when a repair is needed they can be quite costly.
Wood shakes and shingles are not naturally fire retardant so they must be treated properly when being installed to ensure they have fire safety.
Wood shakes and shingles are made from redwood and cedar and are naturally able to resist moisture and repel insects.
Wood shakes and shingles can be recycled to produce wood chips, compost, or mulch after its usable life for the roof.
Wood shakes and shingles work well with Victorian and similar styled homes. They can have a very aesthetic appearance.
Disadvantages
Wood shakes and shingles require a lot more maintenance than other types of roofs as they are prone to algae and moss growth, which can lead to decay.
Wood shakes and shingles do have some durability, but if and when a repair is needed they can be quite costly.
Wood shakes and shingles are not naturally fire retardant so they must be treated properly when being installed to ensure they have fire safety.
History of the Wood Shake/Shingle Roof
The use of wood for roofs began a long time ago in the Ancient Middle East. It was used for not only roofs but the entire house, ships, buildings, and temples. It was highly sought after because of both its durability and how abundant it was. Another interesting tidbit was that the scent of wood bark was an aroma that was utilized during religious ceremonies when people fell sick. Cedar wood itself is mentioned more than 70 times in the Old Testament.
In Colonial Times, wood was a very commonly used material. It functioned as the foundation, protection, and structure of buildings with all sorts of styles and inspirations. A few to mention were the French Colonial, Georgian Colonial, Mid Atlantic Colonial, German Colonial, and Dutch Colonial.
Trees were abundant in the early settlement days of the colonies and this was the reason for wood being used in all aspects of construction. The shingles were also lightweight, only required simple tools and were easy to install. While shingles were popular in the US, thatch, tile, and slate were more prevalent in Europe.
In the 19th century, this was when cedar wood shakes became the most popular roofing material for both public building and most homes.
Throughout history, wood, especially cedar wood, has been a valued material. It offers a very attractive color, fragrance, is resistant to insects, humidity, and temperature, and is also pretty durable and offers protection from hail and wind. Cedar in specific also resists decay as it holds natural oils that guard against decay.
Today, by contrast wood is still a very popular material despite suffering from organic material degradation over the course of time and being an extreme fire risk. Homeowners have continued to covet the attractive color and overall appearance that wood has to offer despite its drawbacks.
In Colonial Times, wood was a very commonly used material. It functioned as the foundation, protection, and structure of buildings with all sorts of styles and inspirations. A few to mention were the French Colonial, Georgian Colonial, Mid Atlantic Colonial, German Colonial, and Dutch Colonial.
Trees were abundant in the early settlement days of the colonies and this was the reason for wood being used in all aspects of construction. The shingles were also lightweight, only required simple tools and were easy to install. While shingles were popular in the US, thatch, tile, and slate were more prevalent in Europe.
In the 19th century, this was when cedar wood shakes became the most popular roofing material for both public building and most homes.
Throughout history, wood, especially cedar wood, has been a valued material. It offers a very attractive color, fragrance, is resistant to insects, humidity, and temperature, and is also pretty durable and offers protection from hail and wind. Cedar in specific also resists decay as it holds natural oils that guard against decay.
Today, by contrast wood is still a very popular material despite suffering from organic material degradation over the course of time and being an extreme fire risk. Homeowners have continued to covet the attractive color and overall appearance that wood has to offer despite its drawbacks.
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A Better Alternative
Utilizing advancement in technology, CeDUR is an extremely fire resistant synthetic composite material for roofing that looks very similar to cedar wood shakes. This would definitely be an alternative to consider and discuss with us to see if we have access to it currently or if you are interested in one of our many other products! Call us today!