PART 1: THE WOOD SHAKE - HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A SHINGLE?

It’s easy to assume wood shakes and shingles are the same because they are almost always discussed in the same breath. But while they are two entirely different things, wood shakes and shingles are also quite similar in that they are manufactured from the same types of wood, particularly cedar.

HOW IS A WOOD SHAKE DIFFERENT FROM A SHINGLE THEN?

The two are differentiated by the way they are made, with wood shakes typically crafted by hand while shingles are churned out by a machine. The differing method results in physical characteristics that make it easy to tell wood shakes and shingles apart.

More specifically, here’s how wood shakes and shingles are different from each other:

Shakes

• Using a froe and a mallet or a hydraulic press, they are split from a log at either one or both sides and formed into a block

• In terms of appearance, wood shakes tend to be thicker, with a more unevenlook despite following the wood’s grain closely

• Cedar shakes need to have roofing felt in between the layers

PART 1: THE WOOD SHAKE - HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A SHINGLE?

Shingles

• They are cut using a circular saw from a wooden block, forming a tapered cut with every pass of the saw, where the butt (end of the cut) is thinner than a wood shake. A different saw is used to trim the edges on each side of a shingle

• Shingles have a generally smoother appearance, with some cross graining

• When installing cedar shingles, the lower ends must be attached to wood strips and placed over a layer of roofing felt to facilitate drying time when the weather is wet

DID YOU KNOW?

The International Residential Code defers to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau for grading rules on wood shakes and shingles. The CSSB is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of cedar shakes and shingles in roofs and sidewalls since 1915. To be given a grade, wood shakes and shingles undergo various performance tests.

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Now you know the difference between a wood shake and shingle. Find out what it can do for you by learning more about its advantages in the next part.

PART 2: THE ADVANTAGES OF WOOD SHAKES

All roofing materials have advantages. Understanding how a certain material can benefit you is a good way to determine which roofing option is right for you. If you are looking to replace your old roof, there are plenty of good reasons to choose wood shakes. Some of these include:

Beauty

Wood shakes impart a rustic feel that makes a home more charming. A range of finishes may be used to accentuate the roofing material’s beauty but if none were used, it will also age wonderfully, providing a home with character.

High Durability

Wood shakes are tough enough to withstand various weather conditions, complemented by natural resistance to decay, insects, and UV damage.

Eco-friendliness

Wood shakes are sustainable. They can also be recycled and re-purposed as new shakes, reducing trash in landfills.

Superb Insulation

Wood is a great insulator. By helping prevent heat loss and transfer, wood shakes normalize indoor temperature, allowing for a more efficient use of electricity in your home. Not only will this help ensure your comfort but you’ll also save on costs because your HVAC system is not working overtime to address your heating and cooling needs.

PART 2: THE ADVANTAGES OF WOOD SHAKES

Fire-resistance

When wood shakes are treated, they are imbued with fire-resistant capabilities. These vary though, depending on the fire-resistance ratings. Class A offers the best kind of protection while a “C” grade has the least.

Long Lifespan

While the exact number of years that wood shakes would last depends on various factors, it is not unthinkable for cedar to last 30 to 40 years up on a roof. Wood shakes also last longer than shingles.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are four main types of wood shakes, each one based on how the roofing material was split. These include:

1.) Taper-split. A shake is split on both sides, tapering from butt to tip

2.) Straight-split. A shake is split on both sides but not tapered

3.) Hand-split. A shake is split on its surface facing up, tapering

4.) Taper-sawn. A shake is sawn on both sides, looking similar to a shingle with a heavier butt

- - - -Sold on wood shakes? Make the most out of getting the roofing material by properly caring for them. Head on over to the next part to learn more.

PART 3: CARING FOR WOOD SHAKES

Wood shakes are one of the most beautiful roofing options around, and, if well taken care of, they can make a home appealing for up to four decades after they were installed. Let’s start with taking into consideration several factors that affect the service life of a roof, like:

• Environment (Salt content of the air in the locality, frequency of rain, humidity, hail storms, etc.) • Nearby (Overhanging) Tree Branches • Product Quality • Quality of Installation • Foot Traffic • Maintenance

Out of these factors, maintenance is the one you have most control over. Wear and tear will undoubtedly take its toll on a roof but employing routine maintenance can catch problems while they are small, giving you the opportunity to remedy them before they worsen. Keep big problems at bay and you can ensure that you make the most out of your roof’s service life.

In the case of wood shakes, care and maintenance usually involves:

Removing debris

Let wood shakes breathe by ensuring leaves, branches and other debris do not build up on keyways and surface areas. This will let you keep your roof from being always wet, avoiding moisture-related problems.

PART 3: CARING FOR WOOD SHAKES

Getting rid of overhanging branches

Leaves from overhanging branches (and the branches themselves) can sweep over wood shakes, essentially scratching at your roof. Prevent unnecessary wear and tear by removing or trimming tree branches hanging over wood shakes.

Controlling moss and algae

Nailing copper or zinc strips at your roof’s ridge cap and on the field can effectively control moss and algae, if wood shakes are not treated. Chemical treatments may be used but make sure they are specifically meant for wood shakes.

A NOTE

Power Washing is a quick way to remove debris but it can strip away protective coatings on a roof. To restore wood shakes after a thorough cleaning, have topical treatment re-applied. If debris build-up isn’t severe, wood shakes should be power washed with pressure comparable to a garden hose.

Spicer Bros. Construction, Inc.

32221 Beaver Run Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804

410-546-1190

SpicerBros.com