The Difference Between Two Roof Materials: Wood Shingles And Cedar Shakes
Wood shakes and shingles are among the oldest roofing materials available in Illinois. They offer a natural beauty and historical significance that is hard to match. While modern roofing options abound, wood roofing remains a classic choice, offering homeowners and roofing contractors a unique combination of aesthetic appeal and performance.
Local roofing companies, from start-ups to leading ones, are constantly monitoring trends and improving their skills. In this article, we’ll discuss when wood shingles were invented and the pros and cons of wood shingles in Chicago.
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How Wood Shingles Differ From Cedar Shakes
The difference between wood shingles and wood shakes is the way each is made. Over 50 years ago, cedar shingles were sawn from wood, while wood shakes were split using a sharp blade or hammer. Roofing companies near me use advanced technology to install wood roofing shingles and wood shakes. Previously, they were made by machine, but now they are made manually with electric equipment.
Shingles taper when sawn, while shakes do not, so the result of a wood shake roof has a high grain compared to it. When sawn, shakes have some cross-grain due to the cutting, while shakes, when split, follow the grain more precisely. The cedar shakes, known for their rustic appeal, are often chosen for their natural wood beauty and durability.
Wood Roof Guide: Cedar Shingles History
The production of nowadays Chicago wooden tiles began quite a long time ago in various wood-rich parts of our planet.
Wood was used as a roofing material, and each country had its own name, manufacturing technology, and installation methods. That is why a fairly large variety of types of wooden tiles and installation techniques have survived to this day. Wood shingles are made from various types of timber, such as cedar, pine, and redwood, each offering unique wood shingles benefits in terms of durability and aesthetic appeal.
If we talk about such European countries as Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and Italy, then such a type of highest quality wooden tiles as shingles was especially valued there and is still especially popular there. Such houses were built as beach mansions belonging to the wealthy of New England, since wooden shingles withstand the marine climate well and do not require special care, if compared with other materials. The history of such roofing materials as cedar shakes and cedar shingles for roof, used in the construction of roofs, begins in ancient times.
The Origins of Quality Cedar Shakes
Wood shakes in Chicago combine some types of wood materials used for various purposes, obtained by splitting straight-grained round timber, which was previously soaked in water.
The process of installing a wooden roof from shakes is carried out in the same way as from shingles or shakes on the wood shake roofs of residential buildings requires a flooring of at least five layers. If the installation of a roof made of wood shakes was carried out by all the rules, then the wood roof texture would last for at least 40 years. It is worth considering that its durability directly depends on the slope and the number of layers of shakes. The steeper the slope, the longer the operation of the cedar wood shingles roof is made of roofing shakes. The slope of the rafters under the shakes can be from 28 to 45 degrees. You can choose wood shingles size. Let’s discuss what does cedar wood look like.
Materials Behind Cedar Wood Shingle and Wood Shake
If we talk about the main types of wooden roofs, then they include wood shingles for house and laths. There are also roofs made of planks, wood shingles for shed, and shakes, but they are less common.
Each of these coverings has its characteristics and nuances, but they are all characterized by environmental friendliness, naturalness, beauty, and reliability. For the manufacture of roofing product for a wooden roof, larch, cedar, pine, and aspen wood are used, which allows manufacturers to sell shingles, laths, and shakes of different price categories. A bundle of hand-split cedar shakes can provide the perfect product for a maintenance-free roof with a charming, aged look. Roofers in the Chicago area and Chicago suburbs choose synthetic materials that match the grade of natural wood to achieve the desired thickness, which ensures the roof will last a long time.
That is why if you want the roof of your house to be different from everyone else’s, and at the same time it must meet the most stringent requirements, then fire resistant wood shingles and shakes are the best highest quality cedar products from which the roofing is truly beautiful, reliable, airtight and durable!
What Are Wood Shingles and Shakes Made Of?
Shingles are a unique type of wooden shingles from our ancestors, which are thin planks made specially. In the old days, only aspen was used for shingles. There are several reasons for this.
- Aspen firewood burns poorly and produces little heat. Therefore, aspen was not subjected to mass cutting around settlements.
- Aspen is a sapwood species with light, soft, straight-grained and homogeneous types cedar wood that lasts a long time in water, dries moderately, cracks little, and splits well. The supply of hand-split roofing with cedar shakes is limited, but their timeless look and sturdiness make them a popular choice for homeowners. Maintenance is minimal when using tapersawn cedar shakes, as their smooth edges reduce wear and tear over time. A well-maintained wooden tiles for roof made of natural wood shakes, whether hand-split or synthetic, can last for decades.
- Tapersawn cedar shakes provide a sleek yet rustic appearance, combining the best of traditional craftsmanship with modern durability. Due to this, aspen was widely used as a building material, and all types of wooden roofing – shingles, planks and shingles – were made exclusively from aspen.
The name of the shingle comes from the way it was made. The whole point is that aspen wood, fixed in a special lever machine, was cut with a knife exactly across the grain. At the same time, the knife did not split the wood, as, for example, in the production of cedar shake roof shingles. A special feature of shingles is the notches on their surface. If you bend a thin aspen board with your hands, individual pieces of wood will rise on the surface.
When installing round wood shingles, special attention was paid to ensuring that these notches were facing downwards and did not interfere with the flow of water. Before industrialization’s advent, finding a close-to-me roofing service was almost impossible. Woodworking craftsmen were located in different parts of the country, significantly delaying repair processes. Therefore, ordinary residents had to repair the roof themselves, which was not always successful. Over time, everything changed, and finding roofing contractors near you became much easier.
A shingle roof is special and original. It is durable, natural and beautiful in its way. On the Internet, many people get confused and call all sorts of materials shingles, missing out on all the exclusivity and uniqueness of these wooden roof tiles.
Pros and Cons of Highest Quality Wood Shingles for Illinois residents
Here we’ll talk about wood shingles advantages and disadvantages. In recent years, there has been a trend towards naturalness and organicism in architecture. Against this background, wooden tiles have regained popularity. We offer full-service roofing to the surrounding Chicago area and can advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of wooden tiles. Often used in Chicago suburbs, synthetic shakes are designed to mimic the appearance of hand-split cedar without the need for extensive maintenance. The thickness of each cedar shake plays a crucial role in its ability to withstand the elements and maintain its natural beauty. When selecting the right grade of red cedar wood shingles, it’s important to consider both aesthetic and practical factors to ensure long-term satisfaction.
A significant advantage of wooden tiles is their light weight compared to metal, stone or fibre cement. This allows them to be used on almost all types of frames. But you need to know how to make wooden roof tiles.
The main advantages of wood shingle roof tiles:
- Long service life. If the material is installed correctly, and the type of wood is selected, a roof made of wooden planks can last a very long time.
- Availability. The material is significantly cheaper than its stone or glass counterparts.
- Attractive appearance. Wooden tiles look very impressive – they create a unique natural style for the house, which is very difficult to achieve with other types of roofing.
- An excellent option for those who are thrifty. During the installation of wooden tiles, a small amount of scrap remains – much less than, for example, when laying metal tiles.
The main disadvantage of the material is low fire resistance. To eliminate this drawback, wooden tiles will have to be regularly treated with special fire-resistant impregnations. Now you know what is wood shake roof.
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Which Is Best Product For My Home?
When choosing between metal roofing, shingles, wood shingles (contractors look at images of weathered wood shingles to get a better idea), or clay shingles for your Chicagoland log home, roofing companies, particularly those near me, inspect the property beforehand.
They also consider local weather conditions that may shorten the life of the roof and other factors to ensure a quality job that will satisfy the customer. Budget, aesthetics, and roofing protection are discussed as the job progresses.
The climate is very diverse. Different regions have their climatic features that must be taken into account when choosing a roofing material: the number of freeze-thaw cycles in the autumn-spring period, the gap between the average air temperature in winter and summer, the intensity and nature of precipitation, and others. Close-to-me roofing services are very careful when choosing the material for the roof. There is nothing better than a dry ceiling in snow and rain for many years. Just contact us and let your dream will come true!
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FAQ
What are the main differences between wood shingles and cedar shakes?
The primary differences lie in their thickness and appearance. Shingles are thinner and often more uniform, while shakes are thicker, resulting in a more varied texture. Shakes are generally considered more rustic and may have a rougher finish.
Which material lasts longer: wood shingles or cedar shakes?
Cedar shakes typically last longer than wood shingles due to their thickness and durability. While wood shingles can last around 20-30 years with proper maintenance, cedar shakes can last 30-50 years or more.
How do wood shingles and cedar shakes fare in terms of maintenance?
Both materials require maintenance, but cedar shakes may need more frequent sealing to maintain their color and prevent deterioration. Regular inspections, cleaning, and treatment can help extend the life of both roofing materials.
Which material is better for insulation?
Cedar shakes tend to provide better insulation due to their thicker structure, helping to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can contribute to energy efficiency over time.
What is the cost difference between wood shingles and cedar shakes?
Cedar shakes generally have a higher upfront cost compared to wood shingles due to their thickness and durability. However, considering their longevity, cedar shakes may offer better value over time.
How to make wood shingles last longer?
To make wood shingles last longer, start by choosing high-quality materials like cedar, known for its natural resistance to decay. Ensure they are installed properly, allowing for good drainage and ventilation. Regular maintenance is key—clean the shingles to remove debris, inspect for damage, and promptly replace any missing or broken pieces. Consider applying a sealant or wood preservative to protect against moisture and UV damage, and reapply this every few years. Limiting foot traffic on the roof and ensuring proper drainage help further prevent issues, extending the lifespan of your wood shingles.
Are wood shingles good for roofing?
Wood shingles can be a good choice for roofing, offering a classic aesthetic and decent insulation properties. They can last for about 20-30 years with proper maintenance. However, their effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as local climate and maintenance. In areas prone to extreme weather or moisture, wood shingles may require more upkeep than other materials like asphalt or metal.
Are wood shingles expensive compared to other roofing materials?
The cost of wood shingles varies based on factors such as the type of wood, thickness, and regional pricing. Generally, wood shingles can be moderately priced but may be more expensive than asphalt shingles. While the initial investment may be higher, their longevity and aesthetic appeal can make them a worthwhile consideration for homeowners looking for quality roofing options.
Should cedar roof shingles be sealed?
Yes, sealing cedar roof shingles can be beneficial. While cedar naturally resists decay and insects, sealing can enhance this protection and prolong the lifespan of the shingles. Using a high-quality, UV-resistant sealant helps protect against moisture and sun damage. It’s recommended to reseal the shingles every few years as part of regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and functionality.