Your Complete Guide to Wood Shingles

Wood shakes and shingles are among the oldest roofing materials, carrying a natural beauty and historical significance that’s hard to match. While modern roofing options are abundant, wood roofing remains a classic choice, offering homeowners and roofing contractors a unique blend of aesthetic appeal and performance.

In this guide, we’ll cover the history of wood roofing, the difference between shakes and shingles, their pros and cons, areas where they are still popular, and the installation essentials that roofing professionals should know.

A brief history of wood shakes and shingles

Wood roofing materials date back to ancient civilizations. Wood shakes, in particular, have been used for centuries, with settlers and builders hand-splitting logs to create roof coverings. Wood shingles emerged later, as sawmills allowed for the production of smoother, more uniform pieces.

In the 19th century, mass-produced wood shingles became popular in North America, especially in colonial and Victorian-style homes. This tradition continues today, with wood shakes and shingles still regarded for their natural charm and timeless look.

Wooden singles are often treated with an oil or coating to help protect it from the elements. Believe it or not, wooden roofs can last more than 30 years! It's estimated that about 1 million buildings in the USA have wooden roofs.

Wood shake vs wood shingle: Understanding the difference

While both are types of wood roofing, there are notable differences between shakes and shingles:

• Wood Shakes: Made by splitting logs, resulting in a rough texture and irregular thickness. Shakes often have a more rustic appearance and thicker edges, contributing to an “old-world” aesthetic.
• Wood Shingles: Produced by sawing, giving them a smoother, more uniform look. Shingles are thinner and have a cleaner finish, creating a more polished appearance on a roof.

Both types offer aesthetic versatility, allowing homeowners to choose the style that best suits their property. Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are the most popular, too. Shakes provide a more rugged look, while shingles are ideal for a sleek, structured finish.

Types of wood used for wooden roofing

1. Western Red Cedar

• Durability: Highly durable and naturally resistant to decay, moisture, and insects, which can increase the roof’s lifespan significantly.
• Aesthetic: Cedar has a natural reddish-brown hue that weathers to a silver-gray over time, offering a classic, rustic look.
• Performance: Cedar is lightweight yet strong, making it a popular choice for wood roofing in areas with mild to moderate weather.
• Fire Treatment: It’s often treated to meet fire resistance standards, such as achieving a Class A fire rating when combined with fire-resistant underlayment.

2. Alaskan Yellow Cedar

• Durability: Known for its long lifespan, yellow cedar is very resistant to decay, insects, and moisture. It's also highly stable, meaning it won’t warp easily.
• Aesthetic: Its light golden-yellow color weathers beautifully to a soft gray, which works well with various home designs.
• Performance: Alaskan yellow cedar is slightly denser and heavier than western red cedar, making it suitable for areas with more severe weather conditions.

3. Eastern White Cedar

• Durability: While it doesn’t match the longevity of western red or yellow cedar, white cedar is still durable and performs well in temperate climates.
• Aesthetic: Its pale, almost white color weathers to a soft, even gray, which adds a refined look to a home.
• Performance: Eastern white cedar is lightweight, easy to install, and relatively affordable. However, it may need more frequent maintenance compared to red or yellow cedar.

4. Cypress

• Durability: Cypress shakes are highly durable and resistant to rot and insect damage, thanks to natural oils that act as preservatives.
• Aesthetic: Cypress wood has a unique, natural yellowish-brown hue, providing a warm, distinct look.
• Performance: Cypress is heavier than cedar, making it more suitable for structural support. It is popular in humid or wet climates due to its moisture-resistant properties.

5. Redwood

• Durability: Known for its resistance to moisture and decay, redwood is naturally durable and offers longevity in areas with varied climates.
• Aesthetic: Redwood has a reddish-brown hue that darkens and weathers nicely over time.
• Performance: Redwood shakes provide good thermal insulation and maintain their shape, making them a reliable option for energy-efficient roofing.

Each type of wood brings distinct benefits depending on climate and design preferences. Roofers and homeowners can select the right wood type based on desired durability, color, and performance in specific weather conditions.

Pros of wood roofing

Despite the rise of asphalt and metal roofing, wood shakes and shingles offer unique benefits that continue to make them a sought-after choice:

• Natural insulation: Wood, especially cedar, is a poor conductor of heat, which makes it an excellent insulator. A cedar roof helps keep a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, potentially reducing energy costs.
• Durability: Properly maintained wood shingles and shakes can last 30-40 years. They are resistant to wind damage and can withstand debris impacts better than many other materials.
• Visual appeal: Wood roofing offers an aesthetic that few other materials can match. Shakes give a home a rustic, natural look, while shingles add a classic, traditional touch.
• Eco-friendliness: Wood is biodegradable and a renewable resource. Some wood shingles are made from reclaimed or sustainably harvested timber, making them a more environmentally friendly option than synthetic materials.

Cons of wood roofing

While wood shakes and shingles have numerous benefits, they also come with some downsides:

• Higher upfront cost: Wood roofing materials tend to be more expensive than asphalt, both in material cost and installation labor.
• Maintenance requirements: Wood roofs need regular maintenance, including treatments to prevent moss, algae, and rot. Without proper care, moisture-related damage can compromise the roof’s integrity.
• Vulnerability to insects and decay: Wood is vulnerable to rot and wood-boring insects, especially in humid or rainy climates. Routine inspections and maintenance are essential in areas where these issues are prevalent.
• Fire risk: As wildfires become more common, having a wooden roof can pose a higher risk of fire damage or fire catching for homeowners. Wooden shakes are a combustable material. Asphalt shingles are considered fire-resistant while steel is a non-combustable roof material.

Where are wood shake roofs still popular?

Wood roofing remains popular in regions with abundant timber resources, such as the Pacific Northwest and parts of Canada. Many North American homeowners in areas with historical architecture choose wood roofing to preserve the character of their homes, especially in neighborhoods with colonial, craftsman, or rustic architectural styles. It’s also favored in regions that experience moderate weather, as extreme climates can reduce the lifespan of wood.

Wooden roofs in modern homes and buildings

In North America, wood shingles and shakes have long been associated with craftsmanship and tradition. Early settlers used locally available materials to build their homes, with cedar and redwood being common choices for roofing.

Today, wood roofing is often chosen for aesthetic reasons or to complement specific architectural styles. For many, a wood roof adds a touch of elegance and historical authenticity to a home, enhancing curb appeal and property value.

Installation essentials for wood roofs

Wood roofing installation requires skill and precision. Here’s what you need to consider:

1. Material treatment: Even pretreated shakes or shingles should be coated with a transparent stain or oil to help protect against moisture and UV damage. Avoid heavy sealants, as they can trap moisture within the wood.
2. Proper spacing: Wood shingles and shakes should not be nailed directly onto the roof decking. Instead, they require a space between the roofing and decking to allow airflow, which prevents moisture buildup and prolongs roof life.
3. Quality underlayment: Choose an appropriate underlayment to support fire resistance and waterproofing.
4. Hire experienced contractors: Due to the unique installation process, homeowners should work with contractors who have specific experience with wood roofing.

Should you be installing wooden shingles?

Whether or not you start offering this roof material to your customers really depends on your business and area. If wooden roofs fit into the aesthetic of your community, and you believe it could be a unique and appealing offer for your customers, it could be worth adding it to your services.