What is Wood Shake Roofing?

Wood shake roofing are also called cedar shake shingles, cedar shake, or wood shingles. The shingles are made from timber that has been cut into blocks. The blocks are then split to make individual shingles or shakes. The surface of the wood shake shingle is thin at the top edge where it is fastened to the roof deck and thicker at the bottom edge – wedge-like. They have a rough texture in appearance. Wood shakes can be made from redwood, pine, or cedar.

Some homeowners appreciate the rustic charm and distinctive look of a wood-shake roof. However, they do require routine maintenance including routine cleaning and treatment with chemicals to prevent decay, mold, and insect infestation. Over time fasteners loosen from repeated exposure to weather – wind, wet, and dry cycles weaken the adhesion to the roof deck. This exposure may also crack the shingles and they will need to be replaced. or rainwater will seep in. Wood shingles also fade to a dull gray due to the elements. As one can imagine they have a poor resistance to fire. One last note, some folks say the woodpeckers and squirrels wreak havoc once the shingles advance in age, especially if the home is in a wooded area.

Another consideration when entertaining the idea of installing a cedar shake roof or replacing a cedar shake roof with wood shingles is the quality of today’s wood. Most of the wood shingles today are not made from the same quality of wood when compared to the wood shingles of yesteryear.

That is because most of today’s wood shingles are made from “second growth” wood meaning from trees that are encouraged to grow fast. Because of the encouraged accelerated growth, the wood is less dense, when compared to the wood harvested from “old-growth” trees. Old-growth cedar shake roofs would last to 50+ years but today, more and more roofers notice that they need replacing more often, some say every 20 years, especially if the homeowner does not practice routine maintenance standards. With a shorter life expectancy of wood shingle roofs today, homeowners may spend more to repair a cedar shake roof, and/or even replace it every 20 or so years.

But there are alternatives. Please read on.

wood shake need to be replace AM Burney Exteriors 3

See more metal roof images.

Metal roof shingle that looks like wood shake

Gallery

An Alternative to Wood Shake Roofing – a Metal Roof That Looks Like a Cedar Shake Roof

In the residential roofing industry, metal roofing is increasing in popularity because of its long-lasting durability – lasts two or three times longer than wood shakes and other traditional roof materials. A metal roof is likely to last 2-3 times longer than a wood shake roof that is made from “second growth” trees. There are substantial savings and advantages of installing a metal roof over wood shakes because of its proven strength and durability.

Metal roofs are engineered to withstand the elements with the highest ratings possible. Most boast 50 warranties! Insurance companies love them because most metal roofs meet the Class 4 Hail Impact standard and can stand up to the elements, especially hail, wind, and storm damage. Because of this, most insurance companies offer lower homeowners insurance rates once a metal roof is installed. Furthermore, metal roofs are lightweight, energy-efficient, and increase the resale value of a home. When compared to a wood shingle roof, a metal roof is almost maintenance-free. Learn more about residential metal roofs.

Metal Roofing That Looks Like a Cedar Shake Roof

Today’s metal roof manufacturers have perfected a plethora of metal roof panel designs that look like wood cedar shakes. They are available in a variety of solid and blended colors and smooth or textured finishes.

One option to consider is stone-coated metal roofing shingles that offer the high-performance strength of steel and longevity to any roof. Made from 26 gauge steel, these panels are embossed to replicate the look of cedar shake roofs, or traditional asphalt shingles, and even clay tile roofs. This rigid steel panel is coated with stone granules that provide a rich-looking texture and comes in a variety of colors and styles. See the image on the right for examples of this product. Learn More.

Another steel roof option is known as interlocking embossed metal panels. These too have all the high-powered considerations of steel but are embossed to look like a wood shake roof. They come in a variety of colors- some blended, some solid. Also available with textured small stone granules or smooth-faced relief. All have a 50-year warranty – one of the best roofing material warranties in the industry. Learn More.

In conclusion, nothing will look exactly like wood cedar shakes but the look can be mimicked with a much more permanent, money-saving solution and long-lasting roof. A metal roof with its variety of options and lifespan may be just the eye-pleasing alternative to seek out and consider.

It is why we say, one metal roof, one life, one time. Contact us for an estimate today.

Compare the Cost and Benefits of a
Wood Shake Roof to a Metal Roof Replacement

Considering replacing a wood shake roof with a metal roof? Contact AM Burney Exteriors today to get started. We will perform a thorough evaluation of the condition of the current wood-shake roof. We can then compare and contrast the benefits of a metal roof with plenty of metal roof options to choose from. As a local metal roofing company, providing roofing installations since 2009, we are a trusted general contractor ready to provide excellent information so our clients can make informed decisions. Call today for a free, no-pressure estimate and roof consultation.

Can a Metal Roof be Installed Over a Cedar Shake Roof?

In our professional opinion, no. The reasons are many. If the wood shingles are rotted, moldy, insect-ridden, or have loosened fasteners, if not removed, these conditions will continue to deteriorate under the new roof and cause it to structurally fail. In addition, if roof damage is suspected from water leakage it is important to remove the existing roof to determine underlying damage and fix these areas. Another reason is weight, having extra weight on a roof weakens the structural integrity of the roof.

A final note concerns appearance. If left on, a wood shingle roof leaves a rough, bumpy surface to attach a new roof system to. The new roof would not have a smooth, clean appearance if installed over a wood-shake roof. Removing an existing wood shingle roof adds cost to the project, but in our professional opinion, it is well worth the investment, structurally, and visually, and gives peace of mind knowing the new roof was installed correctly.

Compare the Cost of Cedar Shake and a Steel Roof Today

A metal roof is a great alternative to a cedar shake roof, especially for homeowners who want to save money, reduce time spent on home maintenance, improve the curb appeal of their home, and perhaps save on homeowners insurance and energy usage.

Ready to consider a metal roof? Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of a stone-coated steel roof and other metal roof options in today’s roofing market. Contrast and compare the benefits and costs of a steel roof versus a cedar shake roof. Receive a no-nonsense, no-charge, metal roof consultation and estimate from AM Burney Exteriors, a local metal roofing contractor since 2009.