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Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, or less often pine. These provide a classy, natural look to a roof and are a traditional and eco-friendly choice. However, they are more expensive compared to asphalt shingles. Some communities require that wood shingles and shakes be pressure treated with a fire retardant prior to installation because of increased fire hazard.

Wood shingles versus wood shakes
Shakes are often wider on one end than the other. Sometimes used for roofs, they are even more commonly used as siding. Wood shingles have the same thickness along the length of the shingle to the other. 
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Lifespan
The life expectancy of wood shakes and shingles is greatly affected by the area's climate, what type of routine maintenance is performed, and the wood the shingle is made from. For instance, shingles cut from knot-free heartwood western red cedar have a longer life expectancy than some other wood choices because of its natural resistance to decay, humidity, and insects, which also makes them more expensive.

Types of Wood Shingles
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Redwood Shakes

Cedar Wood Shingles

Yellow Pine Shakes

Cedarwood shingles or shakes have an added advantage of changing color as it ages. First, cedar will change to a grayish silver tone, rather rapidly, then the silver-gray will more gradually change to a darker more graphite gray indicating the colonization of the surface by micro fungi which completes the color change. Cedar roofing is durable in snowstorms, hail storms, heavy rains, and even hurricanes. Cedar has a natural resistance to insect damage and UV damage. They are twice as energy efficient than asphalt shingles.

Pine shakes are made from southern yellow pine and they are usually a narrower cut than other types of wood. However, untreated pine is very susceptible to rot inducing fungus giving this type of roof a much shorter lifespan - most contractors don't offer them untreated. 

Redwood shakes are naturally fire-resistant, rot and insect resistant. Redwood color changes are caused by sunlight and water, and different areas of a house are exposed to different amounts so they will vary in color. Plus, the ingrained variations of color and texture within redwood will also produce an infinite color spectrum.

​Costs of a Wood Shingled Roof

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Wood shingles are pricier than asphalt shingles, but can be worth it for their appearance, features, and creating less landfill waste at the end of their life.   

How to determine the total costs of repair or replacement? First, we’ll consider any repairs that need to be addressed. Next your overall plans and goals will factor in. The result is unique for every client, and we will provide you with estimates for both the minimal necessary maintenance as well as any upgraded options you may be interested in.

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Some Pros and Cons of Wood shingles:
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Often times wood shingles are chosen for an older historic home because they are more in keeping with the history of the home than asphalt shingles. They don’t look flat like an asphalt roof - truly a beautiful 3-dimensional look.  However if your community has restrictions regarding wood shingles, but you still want that look, ask us about designer asphalt shingles which are made to look like shake roofs.

Lifespans for cedar wood shingles, assuming a quality installation and moderate climate, is generally 30 to 50 years at least.
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Fire resistance can be an issue, and untreated wood shingle roofs are banned in some areas. However, wood shingles can be treated by the factory to be fire retardant, and with a proper fire-retardant underlayment, they can be considered as fire-safe as shingles and other roofing options. 
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Cedar shingles go through color changes as they age, which is usually considered part of the charm of these roofs. They will change from brown and gold to acquire a silvery sheen over time - many people like this, but it’s something to be aware of for those that don’t.

Weathered Cedar Shingle Home

Moss or Mold Growth

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Moss Covered Wooden Shingles

Zinc or copper strips attached at the wood roof ridge cap will help control moss, mold and insects. When it rains, a reaction occurs with the zinc or copper strips produces a solution that is carried down the roof, retarding moss, insects and mold growth. Wood shingles are available pressure coated with a solution to retard moss and mold growth at the factory, but they do cost more.   ​
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Maintenance of Wood Roofs

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Periodic Washing
Washing shake roofs helps remove fungal growth, algae, or moss that may have started to grow. Soft washing the wood cleans off surface gunk and improves its look and longevity.

Coating and Sealing
Some wood shingles have natural resistance to certain issues, but many wood shingles need to have sealers applied to extend their life. These products help resist termites, improve fire retardation, reduce UV ray effects, and more. 

To Treat or Not To Treat
There is some discussion as to whether it is better to leave wood shingles be to age naturally, or if sealing and treating them is the better course. There are oil-based sealants, eco-friendly treatments, and restorative stains. However, wood shakes may do best aging naturally and repelling water through the properties they have intrinsically. Ultimately it is up to the home owner which option they prefer. 

Free Quote 
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​Richmond Virginia Roofing will - without cost or obligation - come and inspect your roof, at your convenience. Then we will provide you with a written evaluation and itemized cost of repair or full roof replacement.