Wood Shake Roofing Alternatives: Wallaba Shingles, Hand Split Cedar Shakes, and Tapersawn Shakes

Are wood shake roofs worth the investment? While there are a variety of natural wood shake roofing alternatives, this guide will focus on hand split cedar shakes, Wallaba shingles, and tapersawn shingles so that you can decide if these traditional materials fit your needs. Let us cut through the clutter to reveal the practical side of choosing one of these wood shake roofing alternatives, from their natural aesthetic and longevity, to the upkeep and maintenance that they demand.

Keep in mind that proper roof installation is essential for maximizing the longevity and performance of wood shake roofs. Depending on your home and your location, a wood shake roof installation will require more attention to detail than a standard asphalt shingle roof installation. Thus, it is highly recommended to choose a roofing contractor that has wood shake roof installation experience to ensure that the correct materials and methods are used during installation, and to ensure adherence to local safety and building codes.

While cedar wood is a beloved choice for roofing shingles and siding projects, it’s not alone in the realm of wood shake materials. Diverse woods such as white oak, black locust, and redwood offer their own unique properties and appeal, however, for the purpose of this article we will be focusing on wallaba shingles, hand split cedar shakes, and tapersawn shingles.

Key Article Takeaways

Wood shake roofs, particularly cedar and Wallaba shingles, offer unique aesthetic appeals and superior insulation properties, with each material providing a different look and level of durability.
Wallaba shingles are valued for their durability, resistance to elements like fire, water, and insects, and minimal maintenance needs, making them a practical yet premium roofing choice.
Hand split cedar shakes are crafted by hand and display a unique texture and depth that machine-cut shingles cannot replicate. This traditional method of roofing is cherished for its natural look and the way it harmonizes with a home’s surroundings.
Tapersawn shingles offer yet another alternative in the wood shake roofing landscape. They straddle the line between shingles and shakes, providing the uniformity of the former with the thickness and shadow line of the latter.

The Differences Between Wood Shakes and Wood Shingles

The romance of a wood roof is undeniable – each piece of wood tells a story of the tree it came from, and together they form a natural tapestry that protects and enhances a home. When discussing wood roofing materials, it is important to understand the differences between a wood shake and a wood shingle, these terms are often used interchangeably and incorrectly so let’s clarify the differences.

A wood shingle is sawn on both sides and typically made by a machine. A wood shake is noticeably thicker than a shingle and is sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, a wood shake is typically hand-made with handheld power equipment.

Manufacturing Process

The unique manufacturing process of a wood shake provides superior thickness, durability, and aesthetic appeal, but as you can guess, a wood shake is typically more expensive than a wood shingle. Wood shakes are handcrafted by splitting logs, resulting in a textured, rugged surface that adds character to the roofscape.

The differences in production give wood shakes a more realistic and textured finish, however, if you are looking for the more affordable option that provides a beautiful and uniform wood appearance, don’t overlook a wood shingle. Wood shingles are machine-cut to a tapered finish, can suite a variety of architectural designs, offer high wind resistance, and offer practicality alongside beautiful visual appeal.

Appearance

The wood shingle appearance offers a more uniform natural appearance. Wood shingles are relatively thin and they are popular for use on siding applications because they offer natural insulation properties and a lightweight product composition that is easy for contractors to handle and install. The wood shake appearance offers a much more traditional and rustic look, and the thickness of wood shakes not only provides stunning shadow lines on a roof, but offers more durability and weather resistance than wood shingles.

Introducing Wallaba Shingles: A Premium Wood Roofing Material

Wallaba shingles emerge as a regal contender in the world of roofing, crafted from the robust Wallaba wood known for its durability. Sustainably harvested from forests, premium grade wallaba shingles not only reflect an eco-conscious choice but also a premium one. Let us examine the features and advantages of Wallaba shingles, exploring why they might be the perfect fit for your home.

Color and Characteristics of Wallaba Shingles

Initially sporting a light red to reddish-brown hue, Wallaba shingles mature gracefully, turning into a silvery-gray that reflects sunlight and cools homes in tropical climates. Wallaba wood is extremely dense and durable and includes high levels of oily resin and gum exudates which helps it naturally resist decay and insects.

Wallaba is a wood species native to the forests of Guyana in South America. Wallaba wood shingles are highly dense and typically feature a straight grain pattern and a coarse texture, exhibiting a robustness that is both felt and seen. Wallaba wood is also used frequently for industrial flooring applications, showcasing its durability, versatility and robustness.

Thanks to the presence of high gum exudates, natural oils, and a gummy resin, Wallaba shingles boast an enhanced natural resistance to fend off a range of elements including water, fire, and the ability to resist insect attacks. This makes Wallaba shingles a formidable choice for roofing without the need for chemical treatments or preservatives.

Benefits of Wallaba Shingles

The resilience of Wallaba shingles is unmatched, often outliving other natural roofing materials, and potentially outlasting other parts of a home. This extended lifespan translates to infrequent roof replacements, contributing to long-term savings and a sustainable living situation.

Furthermore, Wallaba shingles demand minimal upkeep – routine inspections and occasional cleaning suffice to maintain their superior quality over time. As an eco-friendly solution, Wallaba shingles naturally biodegrade, minimizing environmental impact at the end of their lifecycle.

For those in hotter regions, the inherent heat resistance and reflective qualities of aged Wallaba shakes make them highly recommended.

Introducing Hand Split Natural Cedar Shakes: A Timeless Alternative

Hand-split cedar shakes carry a legacy of craftsmanship that transcends time. Each shake, crafted by hand, displays a unique texture and depth that machine-cut shingles cannot replicate. This traditional method of roofing is cherished for its natural look and the way it harmonizes with a home’s surroundings and natural environment. Hand-split cedar shakes offer an authentic, rustic charm that appeals to those seeking a connection to nature and history through a natural product.

Hand split cedar shakes are thicker than shingles and more rustic in appearance. Shakes are split on the exposed face rather than sawn on both sides yielding a natural grain and textured wood look. Most sizes and grades of hand split cedar shakes are available in both fire treated or pressure treated variances.

Color and Characteristics of Hand Split Natural Cedar Shakes

What makes hand split natural cedar shakes so unique is that they are not uniform in their appearance, they vary ever so slightly in terms of grain pattern, thickness and even color. Most types of hand split cedar shakes are a pinkish red color. As hand split shakes age, they lose their red hues and become gray or silver over time. Keep in mind that hand split natural cedar shakes are truly unique and vary shake to shake, so it is not uncommon to see slight color variations between shakes upon initial roof installation.

Introducing Tapersawn Shakes: The Happy Medium Between Wood Shakes and Shingles

Tapersawn shakes offer yet another alternative in the wood roofing landscape. They straddle the line between shingles and shakes, providing the uniformity of the former with the thickness and shadow line of the latter. This hybrid shake is an exemplary choice for those seeking a compromise between the refined appearance of shingles and the rustic charm of hand-split shakes.

Description and Uses of Tapersawn Shakes

Similar to a wood shake shingle, both faces of a tapersawn shake are sawn, and so are the edges. Tapersawn shakes are thicker than wood shingles and provide a more pronounced shadow line on a roof. Tapersawn shakes are a great balance between a shake and a shingle, and just like all wood it can be fire treat or preservative treated if necessary.

Tapersawn shakes are a versatile product because they can be used both on roofing applications and siding applications. They are also ideal for use on historic restoration projects, mountain homes, and cabin homes.

Comparing Wallaba Wood versus Natural Cedar Shingles

When it comes to selecting the right wood shingle, one must weigh the distinct qualities of Wallaba against those of cedar. Each offers a unique aesthetic and performance profile that caters to different preferences and needs. A comparison of Wallaba and cedar shingles covering aspects like appearance, longevity, maintenance, and cost can assist you in making an informed decision.

Appearance and Curb Appeal

Wallaba shingles, made from reddish brown wood, command attention with their initial reddish-brown color, which over time transforms into a radiant silver, offering homes a dynamic and evolving aesthetic. Cedar shingles, on the other hand, begin as a light brown and age into a subdued gray, imparting an aged look to dwellings.

Regardless of the material chosen, both types of shingles have the potential to enhance the curb appeal and, consequently, the value of a home.

Climate Considerations

Wallaba shingles are exceptional performers, capable of withstanding the fierce winds of category five hurricanes, proving their mettle in the face of extreme weather. Conversely, cedar shakes may suffer in climates that are overly moist or excessively dry, conditions that can accelerate their deterioration. With attentive maintenance, such as clearing wet debris and addressing emerging issues, the lifespan of cedar shake roofs can be enhanced, particularly in less favorable climates.

In hot climates, proper maintenance of roofing shingles is essential to prevent problems like mold and fungus due to excessive moisture retention. Allowing wood shake shingles to acclimate to local weather conditions before installation can mitigate potential damage caused by the wood’s natural expansion and contraction.

Longevity, Maintenance, and Resistance to Insect Attacks

Wallaba shingles boast an impressive lifespan, capable of enduring over 40 years without treatment, and overshadowing the 10-20 year lifespan of cedar shingles. To preserve their integrity, cedar shingles necessitate regular maintenance, including treatment every decade. In contrast, the natural density and oily resin of Wallaba shingles mean they resist insects and impact with ease, requiring far less upkeep,.

Cedar shake, being less dense and with less robust decay-resistant oils, is more prone to decomposition and insect damage than its Wallaba counterpart.

Architectural Style

Cape Cod houses, embodying the charm of American cottage aesthetics, often feature cedar shakes on their gabled and pitched roofs, echoing their cozy, historical style. Wood shake materials like wallaba and teak can also achieve a classic and historic look for homes beyond the traditional cedar. The choice between hand-split and tapersawn cedar shakes allows homeowners to tailor the roof’s appearance to their liking – the former provides a rugged, natural look, while the latter offers a smoother, more consistent finish.

Wood shake roofs, versatile by nature, can accentuate a wide array of architectural styles, from modern to historic, demonstrating their adaptability.

Cost and Value

While Wallaba shingles carry a higher initial cost, approximately 30% more than cedar shingles, they are seen as an investment in long-term durability and reduced maintenance,. Cedar shingles may be more affordable upfront but entail higher maintenance needs and a shorter average lifespan, influencing the total cost over time.

Over an extended period, the robustness and longevity of Wallaba shingles, which can reach up to 50 years, can offset their premium price, suggesting a higher return on investment.

Installation Tips for Wood Shake Roofs

The beauty and longevity of a wood shake roof are as much about the quality of the material as they are about the skill of installation. Proper installation ensures that the roof will perform as expected and endure for years to come. Below are tips for selecting a competent installer and using the right methods for a successful wood shake roof installation.

Choosing a Qualified Installer

Selecting an installer with specific expertise in wood shake roofing, particularly for premium materials like Royalwood™ Wallaba, is crucial for ensuring the best outcome. A qualified roofing contractor should be:

Experienced
Licensed
Insured
Ready to provide a comprehensive written estimate

It’s important to be cautious of unsolicited bids, particularly after storms, and to verify the contractor’s credentials thoroughly. Recommendations from trusted sources can point you toward reliable installers. Avoid paying a large sum upfront; instead, consider using a credit card for payment to provide recourse in case of disputes.

Confirm that the roofing company specializes in cedar shake or specialty roofing to avoid potential installation oversights. Also, ensure they use top-grade materials and appropriate fastening methods, such as nails over staples, especially in areas prone to severe wind storms.

Installation Tips for Wood Shake Shingles

Using appropriate nails is pivotal in the installation of wood shake shingles. Here are some tips:

Choose aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel nails with ring shanks for optimum grip. Always refer to the manufacturers recommended fasteners if needed.
Manual hammering of nails is recommended over nail guns to avoid reducing the roof’s lifespan through deep penetration.
An interlay of felt between the shingles can provide additional moisture protection and ensure building code compliance.
If possible, trust a professional roofing contractor with wood shake shingle installation experience to install your wood roof.
Adhere to local building codes or local building code requirements if possible.

Professional roofers should employ safety measures during installation and use a nail gun with a depth setter to prevent damage to the shakes or shingles. Proper spacing and a cool roof system with adequate underlayment and ventilation are vital to the longevity and performance of cedar shake roofs,.

Consider a Synthetic Roofing Alternative

The world of wood shake roofing offers a plethora of options, each with its own unique set of characteristics and benefits. Traditional cedar shingles and shakes exude classic charm, while Wallaba shingles bring exceptional durability and low maintenance to the table. Tapersawn shakes provide a middle ground with their hybrid qualities. When choosing a wood shake roof, consider the climate and architectural style of your home, and prioritize proper installation techniques and qualified professionals. Embrace the timeless appeal of these roofing materials, and let your home’s roof be a testament to beauty, resilience, and sustainable living.

If you are interested in synthetic roofing alternatives to wood, try looking into CeDUR Roofing Products. These polyurethane based synthetic roofing products are industngtuishable from real wood and offer a plethora of benefits for homeowners.