Everything You Need To Know About Shake Roofing: Explained in an Infographic
Do you want to better understand shake roofing? Learn more about shake roofing and the benefits of using shake roofing below.
Eventually, every residence featuring a conventional shingle roof will require roof replacement. Although there are a variety of material choices available, shake shingles emerge as a standout option, offering exceptional durability and timeless appeal.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the unparalleled advantages of cedar shake roofing.
What is a Shake Roof?
A shake roof embodies a distinctive roofing style characterized by its use of wood shake shingles. Traditionally crafted from select wood varieties, shake shingles vary in thickness and length, imparting a one-of-a-kind, dimensional look to the roof. While wood shake shingles have enjoyed popularity in North America since colonial times, crafted from authentic wood, contemporary shake roofing materials have emerged.
These days, modern shake roofs are often constructed from additional materials like asphalt, fiberglass, vinyl, and composite, offering enhanced durability and longevity while retaining the timeless aesthetic appeal of traditional wood shakes.
Is a Shake Roof Different From Other Roofs?
There is no confusing a shake roof with any other kind of roof. In fact, shake roofs are completely different from other roofs. Here are a few things that make them stand out—and above—the rest:
Each shake shingle displays a unique wood-grained pattern
Shake roof shingles vary in length and thickness
Traditional wood shingles require more maintenance than other materials
Shake roofing styles give a home a more rustic look
Common Shake Roofing Materials
In its most authentic form, traditional shake roofing originates from the use of wood sourced from split logs. Among the various wood species utilized for shake shingles, split cedar logs reign supreme as the most prevalent choice. Renowned for its durability and natural wood look, cedar shake roofs have been utilized for their rustic charm.
Similarly, California redwood stands out as another popular option for crafting real wood shake shingles, prized for its resilience and rich, warm hues. Other wood varieties like cypress, pine, and western red cedar are also frequently used, each contributing its distinct characteristics to the overall aesthetic and performance of traditional shake roofing systems.
Together, these natural materials create shake roofs that exude timeless elegance paying homage to centuries-old craftsmanship and architectural tradition.
As the demand for shake roofing continues to grow, synthetic shake shingle materials have emerged as a widely favored, low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative. Among the various synthetic materials used for shake roofing, vinyl stands out as an economical choice, boasting the lower cost reminiscent of traditional vinyl products. Similarly, asphalt shake shingles have gained traction, utilizing traditional asphalt materials to craft roof tiles that match the feel of conventional asphalt shingles.
However, it's synthetic or composite shake shingles that have garnered significant attention, offering unparalleled realism in replicating the look of real wood shakes while adding increased durability. Synthetic cedar shake, known for their ability to mimic the natural beauty of cedar while providing enhanced longevity and resistance to the elements.
This versatility in style and features makes synthetic shake shingles a rising, sought-after option for homeowners seeking the timeless charm of shake roofing without compromising on performance or durability.
7 Benefits of Shake Roofing
Shake roofing offers a multitude of benefits that make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking both aesthetic appeal and practicality. Additional benefits include:
1. Timeless Look & Feel
Shake roofing exudes a classic, rustic charm that enhances the architectural beauty of any home or building.
2. Natural Insulation
The inherent properties of a thicker roofing material provides natural insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
3. Durability
Shake roofs, especially when modern synthetic materials are used, are known for their resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hail.
4. Variety of Options
Shake roofing offers a wide range of options in terms of materials, styles, and colors, allowing homeowners to customize their roofs to suit their preferences and complement their home's architectural design.
5. Longevity
With proper maintenance, shake roofs can last for decades, providing long-term protection and added investment value for homeowners.
6. Environmental Sustainability
Shake roofing made from sustainable wood sources or eco-friendly synthetic materials promotes environmental sustainability and reduces the carbon footprint of homes and buildings.
7. Increased Property Value
The timeless appeal, durability, and energy efficiency of shake roofing can enhance the resale value of properties, making them more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
Benefits of Installing Cedar Shake from CeDUR
One of the main benefits of installing a cedar shake roof made by a company like CeDUR Shake is that the synthetic shakes offer a variety of benefits that regular hardwood cedar does not.
CeDUR’s Durability and Fire Resistance
In terms of durability, cedar shake roofing from CeDUR shake is class A fire rated, the highest fire-rating possible for a roof. It’s also rated class 4 UL 2218 for impact resistance, which is top of its class as well. This means that CeDUR shake synthetic shake roofing is one of the best options for areas more prone to fires, like hot, dry climates. For areas with a lot of precipitation and potential hail, this impact resistance comes in handy quite a bit. Also, because CeDUR shakes are made from synthetic material and not regular hardwood, they are virtually impervious to mold or rot, unlike natural hardwood.
Maintenance of Shake Roofing
While you may know what a shake roof is, you also need to know how to care for it properly. A real shake roof requires additional, regular maintenance for it to have a long life and keep a good appearance. One of the main concerns with real shake roofing is that because it requires maintenance and new applications of special coatings on such a frequent basis, if you miss an application mold can easily infest the roof.
If this happens, there’s a good chance that the mold will reach through to under layers of the roof and compromise the whole entire thing before you have a chance to stop it in its tracks. This can lead to the need for an entire roof replacement which is going to cost a whole lot.
Real Shake Roofing Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for preserving the beauty and longevity of real wood shake roofing.
Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect the roof for signs of damage, such as cracked or split shakes, loose nails, or moss and algae growth.
Clean Debris: Gentle power washing is required to remove any moss, algae, mildew, or other fungi from the roofing shakes.
Apply Protective Coatings: A wood shake roof requires staining and special treatments to protect it from severe harm. These need to be applied regularly, every 1-3 years, in order to keep natural hardwood shingles safe from rotting, warping, buckling, UV exposure, fading, and more.
Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from rubbing against the roof and causing damage to the shakes.
Address Repairs Promptly: Address any repairs or maintenance issues promptly to prevent minor problems from escalating into costly repairs or replacements.
Synthetic Shake Roofing Maintenance
Synthetic shake roofing offers the advantage of minimal maintenance requirements compared to real wood shake roofing materials. With synthetic materials resistant to rot, moisture, and pests, homeowners can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of shake roofing without the need for regular sealants or repairs associated with natural wood shakes.
You’ll want to inspect them for damage every now and then, but in general, synthetic shake roofing like CeDUR’s is a virtually hands off type of roofing. That’s why it has a lifespan of up to 50 years with little maintenance. It also comes with a much longer warranty than regular hardwood cedar shakes, due to its higher impact resistance and fire rating.
Shake Roof Shingle Longevity
A real wood shake roof can last up to 30 years when properly installed and maintained. Some synthetic shake roofs can last much longer without ever needing repairs, replacement or extensive maintenance.
Shake Roof Durability
The durability of a shake roof depends on the material used.
Real Wood Shake Roofs
Real wood shakes can withstand strong winds fairly well. Because they are real wood, they are more flammable and require special chemical treatment to protect them from fires. Using real wood may also leave your roof susceptible to moisture damage.
Additionally, regular hardwood shakes can be prone to insect damage as well. If left untreated, termites and other pests can cause major damage to a natural cedar shake roof.
Synthetic Shake Roofs
Composite cedar shakes present a superior level of flame resistance, boasting a Class A fire rating for enhanced safety and peace of mind. Additionally, synthetic shakes excel in moisture resistance, mitigating concerns about mold growth or moisture retention. Their remarkable durability ensures resistance against rot, warping, chipping, or cracking, particularly evident with composite shake materials.
Synthetic cedar shakes demonstrate exceptional resilience against high winds, thanks to their added strength derived from their premium-grade composition, setting them apart from conventional roofing materials susceptible to wind damage.
Know All Your Options Before Choosing Your Shake Roofing Materials
A shake roof is a roofing option that has stood the test of time in terms of popularity, and for a good reason. It provides the home with a unique look that cannot be achieved by other roofing materials. If you want a roof that stands out, a shake shingle roof is the way to go. With the various different materials available on the market, you aren’t limited solely to wood anymore, making it possible to find low-maintenance shake roofing options.
Available in such varieties as Golden Cedar, Shiloh, Live Oak, and Walden, CeDUR Shake roofing has something to suit everyone looking for a beautiful cedar shake roof with none of the hassle.