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WOOD SHAKES

WOOD SHAKES

Wood shakes are made of different types of wood, namely cedar, cypress, or redwood. They make an elegant and captivating roofing system that enhances the overall look of your home, giving it a natural and classic appeal.

  • Sound insulation

  • Natural protective oils

  • Warm rustic look

  • Age gracefully

DESCRIPTION

Wood Shakes & Wood Shingles

Wood shakes, not to be confused with wood shingles, are a natural roofing material hand-split from tree logs. Wood shakes are installed on roofs in rows similar to shingles, with the upper rows overlapping the subsequent ones. They are generally consistent in size and width but can be tapered with one end thicker while the other is thin and narrow. The other end of the wood shakes is purposefully thinner to create a firm grip during installation and to allow for easy adjustments on the roof. 

Wood shakes are made of different types of wood, namely cedar, cypress, or redwood. They make an elegant and captivating roofing system that enhances the overall look of your home, giving it a natural and classic appeal. 

Wood shake roofs have been a top choice of homeowners for centuries, and modern homeowners also consider them for their rustic look and insulation qualities. Wood shakes made of cedar, cypress, and redwood naturally resist rotting, decay, curling, and splitting. These qualities of wood shakes make them a preferable option for residential and commercial buildings. 


Wood shakes and wood shingles may look similar, but they are different in many aspects, even if they are made of the same wood. The overall difference ultimately narrows down to the manufacturing process. Wood shakes are hand-split, while wood shingles are sawn through machines which creates a more uniform appearance. 

1. Appearance: Wood shakes are smooth on one side and rougher on the other. Wood shingles, on the other hand, are sawn on both sides and have a more uniform and modern look.

2. Cost: Wood shakes tend to be more expensive than shingles, but their longevity and aesthetic appeal can make them a worthwhile investment.

3. Lifespan: Wood shake roofs typically last longer than shingles, with a lifespan of up to 50 years for cedar shakes. Depending on the material, shingles can last between 20 and 30 yearsWood shakes are made of different types of wood, namely cedar, cypress, or redwood. They make an elegant and captivating roofing system that enhances the overall look of your home, giving it a natural and classic appeal. 

Wood shake roofs have been a top choice of homeowners for centuries, and modern homeowners also consider them for their rustic look and insulation qualities. Wood shakes made of cedar, cypress, and redwood naturally resist rotting, decay, curling, and splitting. These qualities of wood shakes make them a preferable option for residential and commercial buildings. 

TYPES & STYLES

There are two main types of wooden roofing material: wooden shingles and wooden shakes.

Wood shingles are typically thinner than wood shakes and are sawed by a machine on both sides.

Wood shakes are hand split on only one side. Shakes are better in certain weather conditions, such as high wind. Shakes can be made from spruce, redwood, pine, or other coniferous trees.

Cedar shakes are some of the most common types of wooden roofing material. Cedar shake roof cost is comparable to wood shingles.

 

Wood shakes come in a variety of options. The following are the most popular among homeowners and in the roofing industry. 

 

Cedar 

Cedar shakes are a popular type of wood shake roof. They are beloved for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and long lifespan.

Like other wood shakes, cedar shakes are also split from logs, giving them a rough and textured appearance. This unique texture adds a rustic charm to any home. A cedar wood shake roof is naturally resistant to insects and rot, which contributes to its longevity. Over time, cedar shakes weather to a beautiful silver-gray, enhancing its natural beauty.

 

Redwood 

Redwood shakes offer a unique and elegant look to any home. They are known for their rich color and exceptional durability.

Redwood shakes have a unique color that ranges from light pink to dark reddish-brown. Over time, they weather to a beautiful silver-gray, similar to cedar. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a long-lasting roofing option. The fine, straight grain of redwood adds to its aesthetic appeal, providing a smooth and polished look. However, this wood type isn’t as fire-resistant as cedar and cypress. Also, it is relatively more costly than other wood shake types. 


Cypress

Cypress shakes are another excellent option for wood shake roofs. They are known for being water and moisture-resistant, as well as their beautiful appearance.

Cypress wood shakes have a natural, warm color that ranges from light yellow to dark brown. They are lightweight and have a straight grain pattern that is appealing to many homeowners. Cypress is naturally resistant to decay and insects, similar to cedar and redwood, making it a durable choice for roofs. Over time, cypress shakes also change color, maintaining their charm for years.



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