Homeowners looking for a traditional style roof, or the perfect roof for a cabin in the woods, a wood shake is ideal for comfort and beauty. Shake roofs are created of natural wood shingles that are cut from split logs. Shake roofs can be made of several different types of wood, depending on the location of the mill producing the shingles. There are also different lengths of shingles for roofs, most commonly available are the fifteen, eighteen and twenty-four inch long shingles. Other locations globally use wood that is local to the area, with different lengths and processes for creating shake shingles. In many European countries, shake is the preferred method of roofing and has been used successfully for hundreds of years.
Varieties of Wood Shake Roofs
Wood shake shingles for roofs in North America are generally cut down from Western Red Cedar. Cedar is a clear wood with beautiful grain colors and natural anti-pest qualities. The significant difference between shake shingles and other types of wood shingles are the cutting processes involved. To be considered a true shake shingle, the shingle must be split from a log, not sawn on all sides. In the logging process, both shake and other types of wooden shingles are created out of salvage logs or the select logging of dead trees, usually left over from larger logging operations. This type of logging for shake shingles means most all of the wood from a logging operation is used and not discarded to rot. Blocks of wood are transported from the logging sites to the mill for further processing with special tools to create shake shingles for roofing. Depending on the location and age of the mill, some of the tools used to create shake are the same tools that have been in use for hundreds of years.
Shake Roof Cutting and Craftmanship
Shake shingles are especially crafted from logs using specific techniques. The edge of the shake must be grain cut, which aids in preventing splitting as the wood naturally dries and cures. This also prevents warping of the shingles for a proper fit when installed on a new roof. The shake shingles are usually tapered from one end to the other to assist with a tight installation and proper water run-off from the roof to the eave, when installed correctly. Durability of the shake will depend entirely on the installation by the contractor. If the contractor is experienced at shake installation, your new roof will provide durability in harsh weather and you should not see any leaking at the joints.
Unique Character of the Shake Roof
One of the most interesting benefits to using wood shake for your roofing project is the guaranteed uniqueness of your particular roof. Because of the nature of wood, and the various regions it is logged from, no two shake roofs will ever look exactly the same. There will be differences ranging from subtle to substantial, depending on the type of material and style of installation. Another benefit to shake roofs is the low environmental impact of the roofing material. Wood is a renewable resource and can also help decrease energy bills by preventing excessive heat buildup under the roof.
It is important to consider the extent of annual maintenance necessary to maintain the weatherproofing of a shake roof. Without proper sealants, which need to be reapplied periodically, the wood will deteriorate in direct sunlight and severe weather. Another cost factor to consider when looking at a shake roof is the durability of the wood shake. By the nature of the material, wood shake will not last as long as more modern alternatives like asphalt shingles or metal roofs.
When factoring in the materials you will using for your new roof, consider all of the costs involved. Not only will you need to factor in the materials costs, but also the installation by a licensed contractor, treatment of the wood shake and yearly maintenance. Annual, or semi-annual, cleaning is required on a shake roof to prevent mildew and wood rot. You will also want to factor in the cost of an annual inspection due to the susceptibility of wood shake to termite infestation. Most contractors will be able to provide you with an estimate of the initial installation and treatment of the wood shake materials, but you may want to research on your own for the annual maintenance costs.
Wood shake roofs are a beautiful and environmentally conscious roofing material choice for modern homes. With the proper installation, care and maintenance, wood shake can provide years of beauty and durability, along with potentially lower energy costs for your home. If your current roof is leaking or you are in need of a new roof due to damage or age, get a quote on a shake roof today. You may be pleasantly surprised at the price, which is usually close to the price for a higher end asphalt shingle roof. Contacting the appropriate contractor, who is experienced at shake roof installation, you can be sure your new roof is installed correctly for years of dependable service.