Previous Article
What You Need to Know About Asphalt Shingles
The Difference Between Cedar Shakes & Shingles
Apr 12, 2017
Wood Shakes
The physical difference between wood shakes and shingles is the width of the butt end and sawing method of cutting them. Shakes don’t have a smooth finish like shingles, which are more defined and refined, but they make for a more rustic roof for old fashioned homes or homes that emulate cottages. Since shakes are ½ an inch to ¾ of an inch thicker than shingles, they align in a more muddled up manner when they’re installed and leave wide gaps in between each shake as a result. Despite wood’s natural quality of insulation for a home, the resulting gap in wood shakes give far too many open spaces for rain, snow, and air to settle and penetrate the structure, leading to many leaks and maintenance issues down the line that it becomes not worth the investment. As with all roofs, the area between the roofing material and attic or ceiling is first covered with an interlayer (like felt paper) to act as a secondary protective membrane against the elements, not as a primary barrier. Which is why wood shake is a poor choice for homes that are located in areas of heavy rainfall, high winds, and storms.
The benefits and drawbacks of wood shakes:
Pros
- Can be more beautiful than wood shingle with its rustic and more natural appearance
- Ideal for regions which don’t see snow and storms
Cons
- Poor longevity in areas with unstable weather conditions
- Can require more frequent upkeep in order to last
- Doesn’t protect against water leaks
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are thinner than shakes, about 3/8th of an inch to ½ an inch thick, this is due to their finer technique of milling. What this produces is leeway for roofers to install the shingles flat three layers at any one time per square, providing an excellent weather barrier from the outside. Wood shingle roofs are extremely effective at insulating your home during the winter season and can withstand high winds of up to 150 miles per hour. What’s more is a wood shingle roof’s beautiful appearance. While it doesn’t have that adored ‘rough around the edges’ feel of cozier homes, it has the best of both worlds for your taste and comfort.
The benefits and drawbacks of wood shingles:
Pros
- Smoother and more refined finished
- Excellent weather barrier
- Lasts 30 – 40 years
- More affordable than metal, ceramic, and slate roofs per square
- Widely available
- Arguably the most attractive form of roofing for ‘curb appeal’
- Makes a home more energy efficient
- Recoups your investment by 79 to 95 percent
- Good solar reflectance and resistance to the sun’s UV rays
- The best natural insulator across the board
- Synthetic, natural, and fireproof options available
Cons
- If not properly treated, it can be prone to termite damage, fires, and mold formation
- Requires regular checkups
- If it’s not made waterproof, it will soften and swell in areas with high humidity or areas near the coastline
