What Is a Shake?
A shake is a wooden shingle made from split logs (California Redwood, Western Cedar, or Atlantic White Cedar). Unlike regular wooden shingles formed using a saw, cedar shakes are traditionally formed with an ax called a froe. The thickness and natural taper of a cedar shake can only be achieved using this method, which brings an organic, timeless appeal to your home. Since no two shakes are exactly the same, a cedar shake roof is a mosaic that cannot be replicated. The color of a cedar shake roof ages to a distinguished silver-gray color in time. And the thickness of cedar shakes adds texture and dimension you can’t get anywhere else. If you are considering a roof replacement, there are many reasons to consider shingle shake.
Proper installation of a cedar shake roof cannot be achieved without years of roofing experience and training. You will want to find a Howard County roofing company with the knowledge, reputation, and connections to get the best materials at the best prices. Mistakes during installation will decrease your roof’s lifespan, so it’s better to do it right the first time than fix mistakes later.
Properly-installed cedar shake roofs are:
- Energy-efficient – The energy efficiency of cedar shake roofing helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Hail resistant – Hailstorms can cause a traditional shingle roof to lose color in patches, but an expertly treated cedar shake roof retains its color and shape regardless of the weather.
- Durable – Proper maintenance and treatment of a shingle shake roof help ensure that your roof lasts. In most cases, a properly maintained shake roof lasts around 50 years.
- Environmentally friendly – Wood is biodegradable, so the extra materials from your roof won’t sit in a landfill.
The energy efficiency of cedar shake roofing helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Howard County Roofing
Shake roofing has historically been more popular in California (and other parts of the western United States). Still, many Howard County residents are drawn to cedar shake roofing because of its Ron Swanson, craftsman-style energy. Shake roofing is typically more expensive than fiberglass roofing, but it dramatically changes the look of your home. Correct installation will ensure that your roof provides lasting protection and improvement for your home. Do your Howard County roofing research and read customer testimonials to make sure your roofer is qualified.
What Is Edge Grain?
In roofing, edge grain on a cedar shake refers to grain that is oriented perpendicular to the surface. If you imagine a cedar shake looking like a cereal box, the bottom of the box would have lines that continue straight up the front of the box. Edge grain produces better stability and minimizes the potential for splitting during humid months. We only recommend using the highest-grade shakes for roofing (premium and number 1 cedar shakes). Both of these are made from heartwood, but premium grade shakes are 100% edge grain. 100% grain edge shakes (with treatment) are less likely to curl and crack with age.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Depending on the age and condition of your existing shingles, roof replacement may be a viable option for revitalizing the look of your home. Give us a call at 410-455-9880 and we’d be happy to set up a roofing consultation. Cedar shake roofing typically needs to be treated during its lifetime, but this kind of maintenance–although costly–tends to be straightforward and routine. Cedar shake roofs must be treated in order to remain protected from the elements. If your main concern is cutting costs, we recommend that you consider fiberglass roofing.
Drawbacks of Cedar Shake Roofing
While cedar shake roofing is attractive and appealing, there are some cons to choosing this roofing option. These drawbacks might include:
- Delivery delays
- Affected by extreme humidity
- Cleaning required every 4-5 years
- Regular inspections required
- Wood must be treated
- Higher cost of materials and installation
- Higher insurance premiums
- Expensive treatments
If you are considering roof replacement or restoration, contact us at 410-455-9880 to speak with one of our roofing experts.
