Why Choose Wood Shake Shingles for Your Home?

Wood shake shingles are a time tested material choice for roofing that flaunts regular excellence, toughness, and provincial allure. They’ve been utilized for quite a long time and property holders searching for an eco-friendly material decision keep on embracing them. This article will discuss everything about the wood shake shingle including their types, costs of installation as well as maintenance tips.

What are Wood Shake Shingles?

Wood shake shingles are made from split logs of common trees like cedar, redwood or pine, usually. Unlike wood shingles which are sawn on both sides. wood shakes get split by hand thus giving them their roughness. Such a distinct texture is what makes these types of shingles popular among those looking to add some character onto their homes.

Wood Shake Shingles Details

Material and Composition:

• Wood Types: Typically, cedar, redwood or pine are the species used with cedar being preferred due to its ability not to decay or attract insects.
• Texture: Roughness characterizes wood shakes so that they provide a natural and rustic appearance on roofs.
• Durability: If well maintained; wooden shake roofing can last for up to fifty years providing an enduring solution.
• Environmental Impact: Wood shakes are made from renewable resources and are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly roofing option.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural colour variations and texture of wood shakes create a warm, inviting appearance that enhances the curb appeal of any home.

How to Measure Wood Shake Shingles?

Having accurate measurements is essential to determine how much wood shake shingles are needed for a given roofing project. Here’s how you can measure your roof:

• Measure Roof Sections: Start with measuring the lengths and widths of each section of the roof separately before multiplying them together, which will give you their areas in square footage.
• Total Area of the Roof: Get all the square footage from every section then add them up so as to get an overall area of that particular rooftop.
• Estimating for Waste Factor: Add about 10-15% into it as extra space estimation arranged to accommodate cutting operations done during construction process or removal of some parts in case they have not been fitted correctly yet.
• Expert Tip: When measuring for wood shake shingles, consider the roof’s pitch and complexity. Steeper roofs or roofs with multiple valleys may require additional materials to ensure full coverage.

How Many Wood Shake Shingles in a Bundle?

Depending on size and thickness however, this may be different when dealing with different materials such as wood shake shingles:

• Standard Bundle: For most wood shake shingle bundles they cover approximately 25-30 ft2.
• Thickness Variation: Thicker shakes may yield fewer shingles per bundle but will provide better insulation and durability.
• Supplier Specifications: The exact manufacturer’s specifications for each bundle may differ; therefore always consult your supplier!

Wood Shake Shingles Types

There are several types of wood shake shingles, each with unique characteristics:

1. Hand-Split Shakes:

These shakes are hand-split which gives them a rough textured look. The butt end is thicker, tapering towards a thinner edge.

2. Tapersawn Shakes:

Both sides of these shakes are sawn giving it a rough finish that combines the smoothness of shingles with the ruggedness of shakes.

3. Perfection Shakes:

This is a type of tapersawn shake, Perfection shakes are consistent in thickness thereby presenting a more elegant outlook.

4. Medium Shakes:

Thicker than standard shingles yet thinner than heavy ones making them a compromise between durability and appearance.

5. Heavy Shakes:

The heaviest types of wood shake; heavy shakes come thicker and have better insulating properties while they present themselves as rough and rugged types.

Wood Shake Shingles Colours

The natural hues of wood shake shingles vary depending on the type:

• Cedar: Cedar is a light honey colour that becomes a deep reddish brown, eventually assuming a silvery-grey hue as it ages.
• Redwood: Redwood provides rich, warm shades of red that fade into gentle grey.
• Pine: Pine starts as pale yellow or light brown before maturing into an equally rich and lustrous golden tone over time.
• Weathered Appearance: Eventually, with time alone, all wood shake shingles will weather to a greyish colour making them more appealing in their rustic fashion.

Wood Shake Shingles Cost

The cost of wood shake shingles can vary depending on the type, quality, and region. Below is a table summarizing the average costs associated with different types of wood shake shingles:

Advantages of Wood Shake Shingles

Wood shake shingles are chosen by many homeowners owing to their numerous advantages.

• Natural Beauty: The coarse wood surface combined with the natural variation in colours creates a unique and beautiful roof that improves aesthetics of any house.
• Insulation: Keeping indoor temperatures within limits is made easy with the help of wooden shakes which also leads to minimal power expenditure.
• Longevity: When handled properly, wood shake shingles may endure for as long as 30-50 years offering an enduring solution for roofs.
• Eco-friendliness: Accordingly, earth’s resources can be used in making wooden shakes; thus they return back to the soil after use and have little environmental repercussions.
• Versatility: Timber shake roofing can be applied on several architectural designs ranging from logging cabins down to contemporary houses.

Is a Wood Shake Shingles Cheaper Than Asphalt Shingles?

• Up-front costs: Generally, wood shake shingles come at higher prices compared to asphalt shingles that are commonly used in roofing.
• Longevity: It’s possible that the longer lifespan of wood shakes will make their price difference less significant with time.
• Maintenance: There will be additional long-term costs for maintenance purposes due to wood shakes having more requirements than asphalt roofing.
• Aesthetic value: The natural look of wood shakes can increase property values.

Are Wood Shake Shingles Better Than Asphalt Shingles?

• Aesthetics: Unlike asphalt shingle’s uniformity, wood shakes provide a more unique and natural appearance.
• Durability : Wood shakes are more durable and can last longer than asphalt shingles with proper maintenance.
• Insulation: Insulation-wise wood shakes offer better insulation properties aiming at reducing energy costs.

• Environmental Impact: Apart from being eco friendly made from renewable resources that are capable of going back into nature after use but also biodegradable.

How to Install Wood Shake Shingles?

Installing wood shake shingles requires attention to detail and proper techniques to ensure a durable, weather-resistant roof. Here’s an overview of the installation process:

1. Roof Preparation:

Ensure the roof deck is clean, dry, and devoid of any kind of dirt. Put an underlayment in place as a preventive measure for moisture.

2. Starter Course:

Always start with a starter row at the eaves, ensuring correct alignment and extending beyond.

3. Lay Shakes on the Roof:

Begin at the bottom edge of your roof, working your way up by overlapping each row. Align the wide end of your shake with the roof’s edge at all times.

4. Nailing:

Remember to use nails that are resistant to corrosion such as stainless steel or copper; they should also be positioned approximately one inch away from the edge of each shake.

5. Spacing:

Give space between shakes allowing for them to expand and contract usually about 3/8 inch wide spaces in between them.

6. Ridge Coverage Installation:

Complete everything by adding ridge cap shingles over the topmost part of the roof making it look complete but preventing leakage.

If you’re not sure of your DIY skills, it’s better to call a professional .They have the experience and techniques to do it right.

How to Repair Wood Shake Shingles?

In repairing wooden shake shingles entails replacing missing or broken shakes and making sure that no water can be able to go through the roof. The following are steps on how to achieve it:

1. Identify Damaged Shakes:

Inspect for splits, cracks or missing areas within your roofs, you may use a ladder if needed.

2. Remove the Damaged Shake:

Lift the neighbouring shakes with a lot of care then take out nails that are holding the damaged shake using a pry bar.

3. Prepare the Replacement Shake:

Trim this new shake so it fits perfectly in between those surrounding it otherwise its thickness should be similar.

4. Install the Replacement Shake:

Note down firmly, avoiding splitting wooden parts while sliding new shake into position using corrosion-resistant nails.

5. Seal the Repair:

To protect new shake apply either wood preservative or sealant to avoid any water penetration through it.

Can You Put Wood Shake Shingles Over Asphalt Shingles?

• Not Recommended: It is generally not advisable to install Wood Shake shingles over Asphalt Shingles
• Issues with Weight: When combined they may weigh more than what the roof can hold.
• Uneven Surfaces: This makes it impossible for proper alignment as Asphalt Shingles cause unevenness in base.
• Poor Ventilation Problems: Moisture collection due to lack of proper ventilation and hence rotting occurs.
• Building Code Requirements: Most local authorities have put up clear laws against such installations.
• Warranty Considerations: Such installations could exceptionally void any warranty provided by manufacturers.

To get better results, one should remove the asphalt shingles first before putting up wooden shakes.

What Types of Warranties Are Available for Wood Shake Shingles?

The warranties for wood shake shingles can differ depending on who makes it and how it is put in place. Typically, you can expect the following:

• Manufacturers’ Warranty: It is meant to cater for defects in materials which usually depend on quality of wood as well as the process used in making them, and this lasts between twenty to fifty years.
• Installation Warranty: This warranty is issued by the roofing contractor themselves and covers craftsmanship and installation methods. Usually, it stays active from five to ten years.
• Extended Warranty: There are some manufacturers that extend their warranties further by covering additional features like weather damage or resistance to fungi.
• Lifetime Limited Warranty: Some premium wooden shakes may come along with limited lifetime warranty, meaning that they will cover you as long as you stay with your home, most times on a prorated basis.

Will Wood Shake Shingles Increase the Value of My Home?

Yes , wood shake shingles can add value to your property. This is how:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The natural beauty of woods shake shingles and their unique texture improve curb appeal in such a way that people who may want to buy your house would desire it more.
• Durability: Because wooden shakes have an ability to last for long periods and are durable, they keep value over time since they will not often need replacement.
• Premium Roofing Material: A wooden shake is a kind of roofing that consumers view as a high-end choice; therefore its resale price may be higher than other types.
• Energy Efficiency: Insulated wooden shakes lowers the costs of power bills making it internationally acceptable for housing.

Can You Paint Wood Shake Shingles?

You can completely paint wood shake shingles; yet, make sure you prepare thoroughly.

• Surface Preparation: Clean the shingles completely to eliminate soil, buildup, and old paint. Guarantee the surface is dry prior to painting.
• Paint Selection: Utilize top-notch, porous outdoor paint made for wood. It will thus allow the wood to breathe while hindering any moisture accumulation within it.
• Application: Start with primer then follow-up with two coats of paint. Apply it using a brush or sprayer to achieve evenness; don’t forget about covering all edges of the shingles.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary for painted wood shake shingles because over time due to extreme weather conditions they may change their colour and lose its shine.

Conclusion

The wood shake shingles are a classic, natural roofing material that gives consideration for beauty, durability and environmental friendliness. Although they require more maintenance leading to a higher initial cost than other materials, their one-of-a-kind charm and lengthy lifespan make them an excellent choice for homeowners. Understanding the benefits, installation process as well as care requirements of a new roof or an existing one in wood shake shingles will enable you to make informed decisions.

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