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Wood Shake Roof
Wood shake roofs have a natural and sometimes country feel that lends a timeless beauty to a home when properly installed and maintained. Learn more about this distinctive roofing option, the costs involved with the shingles and installation and some of the pros and cons of this material.
Wood Shake Roof Basics
Cedar is the most popular choice when it comes to a wood shake roof. Cedar is a hardwood and often taken from older trees. This wood is of the highest quality when compared to other wood options. The wood shakes are shingles, but have some design differences. Where shingles tend to be on the thinner side, shakes tend to be much thicker, even though they are the same when it comes to overall size.
Wood Shake Roof Price
The price for a wood shake project can range from $6 to $9 per square foot installed. This is an expensive roofing choice when it comes to materials and labor. Each type of wood comes with a different price tag, so it's always advisable to discuss the options available with a professional before making any final decisions.
The Benefits of Wood Shake Roofs
Natural and Elegant
A wood shake roof has elegance about it. It's a very natural look that suits many house styles, adding some character. The shakes all vary, so they never look the same, which adds to the overall appeal of this type of roofing material.
Design Choices
Wood shakes can be customized to suit the customer's specific requirements. There are so many choices when it comes to color choices, wood options and finishes. Even the thickness and size of the shakes can be customized to suit each roofing project.
Strong Material
Wood is a good choice when it comes to building materials. Wood is used in all parts of a home. The shakes are able to withstand a number of weather conditions and offer excellent insulation properties. A wood shake roof can offer superior insulation in an attic, which you couldn't get with asphalt shingles. This type of roof also allows for some air movement between the shakes.
Disadvantages
Maintenance
The downfall to wood shake roofs is the maintenance side of things. These are not the easiest roofs to maintain. It's important to do regular maintenance to the roof to reduce the risk of the roof being damaged. A damaged roof won't last as long as it should. The wood shakes need to be chemically treated on a regular basis, this ensures they have improved levels of water resistance and fire resistance.
Recoating
A wood shake roof will come with limited fire protection. While they are coated with a fire resistant coating, this needs to be recoated at least every five to ten years as a minimum. For a slightly higher price the homeowner can choose a pressure treated shake which has the fire retardant material reinforced into the shake.