Wood shingles are sawn on both broad sides from the wood, making smoother, more refined surfaces. Cedar wooden shingles cost between $5.83 and $9.76 per square foot to install. Image source: Best West Roofing. Each shake is rugged and looks unique from the next piece. Home | The #1 Synthetic Composite Roofing Material For Homeowners Contractors and Architects, CeDUR, 3590 Himalaya Rd, Aurora, CO, 80011, United States. This type of shake preserves the inherently ridged surface of the grain, cultivating even deeper shadow lines and an authentic, rugged appearance. Shingle Species. Wood shake and shingle roofs are more resilient than many people may realize. In turn, you should check with your jurisdiction’s regulations before choosing wood shakes or shingles. For wood, the species, quality of cut, and treatments will influence pricing regardless of whether you pick shingles or shakes. Keep in mind that wood can only receive one treatment or the other. (For more on shakes and shingles, see “What’s the Difference?” in FHB #185 or at FineHomebuilding.com.) Shakes are heavier, thicker and sometimes longer than wood shingles. 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. In terms of appearance, wood shake provides a thick textured appearance and gives a roof beautiful depth and dimension. 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. 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. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. In turn, you should cut trees and overhanging branches to allow the sun to evenly dry your roof, which prevents warping. Of course, your personal preference trumps our opinion. Another method entails splitting shakes then sawing one broad side. 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. Image source: ReadySanDiego. The most durable type of wood roofing material is heavy hand split cedar shakes, often referred to as heavy 3/4” inch cedar shakes. 3. 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. Los Angeles, on the other hand, bans wood roofing altogether without approval as even Class A rated wood poses a fire risk. Beyond common options like cedar, some manufacturers specialize in rugged, long-lasting, and significantly more expensive hardwoods like Wallaba. View fullsize. Apart from the breadth of the materials, the quality of installation makes or breaks the capabilities of a roof. 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 shakes have a charmingly rugged look, with each piece looking a bit different. 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. 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. 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. Decide which is the best roofing material for your home with our comprehensive guide. Due to being hand-cut the appearance is rustic. Tapershawn shakes, visually, look like a hybrid between shake and shingle. Learn more today! Cracks can show after severe impacts and after repeated expansion and contraction of the wood shingles or shakes in close quarters. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to an underdeck. 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. Wood shakes on the other hand are hand-cut directly from wood blocks. At $6.07 to $10.31 per square foot to install, cedar wooden shakes cost more than shingles. 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. 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. Notice the pronounced shadow lines of these taper sawn wooden 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. Learn more about the pros, cons, and if they're worth buying from our comprehensive guide. In Northwest U.S. regions, locally sourced Redwood can prove a worthwhile option for its superior strength over cedar roofing materials. Wooden shingles are thinner and therefore less insulative and durable than wooden shakes. 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