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What Are Shake Shingles
When exploring roofing materials for your home, you may come across the term shake shingles—a style known for its natural beauty and rustic charm. But what are shake shingles, and how do they differ from other roofing options? Understanding this roofing type can help homeowners make an informed decision about both the appearance and performance of their roof.
Shake shingles are typically crafted from split pieces of cedar wood, giving each piece a distinct, textured surface that sets them apart from smooth, factory-cut asphalt or composite shingles. They’ve been used for centuries in traditional home designs, offering a natural look and impressive durability when properly maintained.
What Exactly Are Shake Shingles?
To understand what are shake shingles, it helps to start with their origin. The term “shake” refers to the traditional method of splitting logs by hand instead of sawing them. This process preserves the natural wood grain, creating a rugged and dimensional look.
Shake shingles are most often made from cedar wood, but they can also come from redwood or cypress. Each shake has a unique grain pattern and color tone, which gives roofs a custom, handcrafted appearance that many homeowners love.
They are thicker than typical wood shingles and often vary slightly in shape, which adds to their visual depth and texture.
The Difference Between Shakes and Shingles
Many homeowners confuse shake shingles with wood shingles, but the two aren’t identical. While both are made from wood, their manufacturing methods—and therefore their appearance and performance—are different.
| Feature | Wood Shingles | Wood Shakes |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Type | Sawed on both sides | Split by hand or machine |
| Texture | Smooth and uniform | Rough, natural texture |
| Thickness | Thin and consistent | Thicker and varied |
| Appearance | Clean, refined look | Rustic, traditional look |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
This difference explains why homeowners who want a more organic and distinctive look often choose shakes over standard shingles.
Types of Shake Shingles
When asking what are shake shingles, it’s important to note that they come in several types, each with unique benefits and aesthetics.
1. Hand-Split Shakes
These are created by splitting logs manually along the grain, resulting in a rough, textured surface. Hand-split shakes are popular in rustic homes and cabins.
2. Taper-Sawn Shakes
These shakes are sawn on both sides but still thicker than wood shingles, offering a balance between a smooth finish and a rugged look.
3. Straight-Split Shakes
Split evenly along the grain, these provide a very uniform appearance and can enhance traditional or colonial-style homes.
4. Heavy Shakes
Thicker than standard shakes, these provide superior insulation and visual depth. They also tend to last longer when properly treated.
The Appeal of Shake Shingles
Homeowners are drawn to shake shingles for their natural beauty and timeless appeal. They bring warmth and texture to a roofline, enhancing curb appeal in ways synthetic materials often cannot replicate.
Natural Insulation
Cedar shakes act as natural insulators, helping regulate attic temperature and energy efficiency.
Aesthetic Versatility
Shake shingles pair beautifully with stone, brick, and stucco exteriors, making them a popular choice for cottage, farmhouse, and craftsman-style homes.
Longevity with Proper Care
With maintenance and protective coatings, cedar shake roofs can last 30–40 years—sometimes longer in mild climates.
Disadvantages of Shake Shingles
As beautiful as they are, shake shingles come with some challenges that homeowners should consider.
- Maintenance: Wood is a natural material that needs periodic cleaning, staining, and sealing to resist rot and insects.
- Fire Risk: Unless treated with a fire retardant, cedar shakes can be more vulnerable to fire than asphalt or metal roofing.
- Cost: Shake shingles generally cost more to install and maintain than asphalt shingles.
- Weathering: Over time, wood can discolor, split, or warp if not properly cared for.
Understanding these factors can help you decide whether the natural beauty outweighs the maintenance requirements.
The Installation Process
Shake shingles require precise installation to ensure durability and performance. Unlike asphalt shingles that can be nailed directly to the roof deck, shake shingles need specific spacing and layering to allow for expansion and drainage.
A typical installation includes:
- Roof Deck Preparation: Ensuring the roof sheathing is clean and dry.
- Underlayment Installation: Adding felt or synthetic underlayment to protect against moisture.
- Starter Course: A base layer of shakes along the eaves.
- Shake Layering: Each shake is layered with precise spacing to allow airflow and drainage.
- Ridge Cap Installation: Finishing the top of the roof for a uniform appearance.
This process requires skilled craftsmanship, which is why hiring an experienced contractor is essential.
Durability and Lifespan
The lifespan of shake shingles depends on the type of wood, climate, and maintenance. Typically, cedar shake shinglescan last 25–40 years, while premium grades or pressure-treated shakes may last even longer.
Factors that impact lifespan include:
- Exposure to direct sunlight
- Local humidity levels
- Ventilation quality
- Roof pitch and water runoff efficiency
To maintain warranty coverage, proper ventilation is crucial. Following the 1/150 attic ventilation requirement helps prevent trapped moisture and early deterioration.
Maintenance Tips for Shake Shingle Roofs
Maintaining shake shingles is vital to preserving their natural beauty and performance.
- Regular Cleaning: Remove moss, debris, and algae buildup using gentle washing methods.
- Inspection: Have your roof checked annually for cracked or warped shakes.
- Sealing and Treatment: Apply wood preservatives or water repellents every few years.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Prevent moisture accumulation and shading.
- Gutter Cleaning: Keep water flowing freely to avoid pooling near the eaves.
Routine care, similar to general roof maintenance, ensures your roof stays attractive and structurally sound for decades.
Shake Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles
For homeowners deciding between shake and asphalt shingles, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Cedar Shake Shingles | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower upfront |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years | 20–25 years |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Fire Resistance | Moderate (treated) | High |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Rustic, natural | Uniform, modern |
While asphalt shingles are easier to maintain, shake shingles offer a unique, timeless appearance that increases curb appeal.
Modern Alternatives to Shake Shingles
For those who love the appearance of shakes but not the upkeep, there are modern alternatives available today:
- Synthetic Shake Shingles: Made from composite or recycled materials designed to mimic cedar shakes without the maintenance.
- Metal Shake Roofing: Metal panels embossed to look like wood shakes but with far greater durability and fire resistance.
- Asphalt Shake-Style Shingles: Textured asphalt shingles designed to replicate the layered look of natural wood.
These options provide homeowners with flexibility in balancing style, budget, and longevity.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact
Cedar shake shingles are naturally insulating, which can help maintain comfortable attic temperatures and reduce cooling costs. Additionally, cedar is a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice when sourced from sustainable forests.
However, their environmental footprint can grow if they require frequent replacement or chemical treatments. Choosing roof care strategies that extend lifespan helps reduce long-term environmental impact.
Shake Shingle Roof Costs
The cost of installing shake shingles varies based on wood grade, roof size, and location. In 2025, most homeowners can expect to pay between $12 to $20 per square foot for installation.
High-end or hand-split shakes can cost more, but they also enhance resale value due to their premium aesthetic.
For comparison, you can explore new roof costs 2025 to see how shake roofs compare to asphalt, tile, or metal options.
Roof Ventilation and Shake Shingles
Because shake shingles are thicker and naturally absorb some moisture, proper ventilation is critical. Without it, trapped moisture can lead to mold, rot, and shortened lifespan.
Using cold roof ventilation requirements helps air circulate under the shakes, preventing decay and improving performance.
How to Know When to Replace Shake Shingles
Even the best-maintained shake roof eventually needs replacement. Signs that it’s time include:
- Curling or split shakes
- Moss or algae growth that won’t wash off
- Soft spots on the roof deck
- Persistent leaks
When these issues appear, contact a roofing professional for inspection or roof replacement options that preserve your home’s character.
Final Thoughts
Now that you understand what are shake shingles, you can see why this roofing option remains so admired. Their rustic, natural beauty offers warmth and charm that enhances nearly any home. While they demand more maintenance than other roofing materials, the aesthetic payoff and longevity are hard to beat.
With proper installation, ventilation, and care, a shake shingle roof can serve your home beautifully for decades—providing both protection and timeless appeal that few other roofing types can match. 440-235-3124
