Roof Shingles and Roof Shakes Are Not the Same Thing
Sometimes people make the mistake of using the words “shakes” and “shingles” interchangeably, but the two are definitely different. Here are some ways in which the two are not the same, and what that means for you and your roof.
Shakes Are Handmade
Manufacturers use powered equipment to assist in their fabrication, but shakes are made by hand. A shake is usually split on one side or on both sides. If a shake is only split from the block on one side, then the other side is sawn end-to-end at an angle, and it is called “hand split and resawn.”
Shingles are Sawn on Both Sides
Shingles have both sides sawn, while shakes are split either on one side or on both. This means the shake is thicker at the butt end than a shingle is. A medium shake will measure 0.5” at the butt end, while a heavy shake will measure 0.75” at the butt. A shingle is generally thinner than that.
Also, since shingles are sawn, they will have some cross grain. Shakes follow the grain more closely. And since shingles are sawn, they will generally be more consistent and uniform in appearance.
Shingles Look Smoother
This can be a good thing or not, depending on your preference. But because shingles are mass-manufactured rather than hand-cut, they look more uniform. If you are considering a roof replacement, this means the whole roof will look smoother when it is made with shingles.
That shake texture, on which you see grain and variation from piece to piece, gives more of a “craftsman” look, which some homeowners greatly prefer. And since shakes are thicker, that difference can be very noticeable.
Shakes Look More Woodsy
In terms of appearance, if you have a cabin or a cottage or a chalet, a shake roof will look more rustic, which may be more appropriate for your aesthetic. If you are in a regular residential area rather out in the woods or by a lake, the shingle look is much more common. Most traditional ranch houses, colonials, and Victorians use shingles rather than shakes.
Edge Grain is Best
Whether it is a shake or shingle roof, you want to pay attention to the grain. “Slash grain” is what happens when the shakes or shingles are cut at an angle to the rings of the tree. You want to avoid “slash grain” if you can. “Flat grain” is when the shakes or shingles are cut parallel to the rings of a tree. This means the shakes or shingles can split more easily over time. “Edge grain” is cut at a 90-degree angle, perpendicular to the rings of the tree. This makes the “edge grain” shakes and shingles the most stable, and the least likely to split or distort over time. Edge grain shingles and shakes will cost more, but that difference is worth the investment.
Shakes Cost More, but Last Longer
The handmade process of making shakes mean the price is higher. The inconsistency of shakes means the installation is harder, and that drives up the price as well. You can expect shakes to cost considerably more than shingles — sometimes twice as much. However, shakes are often more resistant to insect infestations, are more durable, and will usually last 20 to 30 years, which is longer, on average, than shingles.
Shingles Are More Fire Resistant
Cedar is the most common material for both shakes and shingles. With shakes, though, there is more risk for catching fire. If you live in an area with a high probability for wildfire, insurance providers may not insure cedar shakes.
Whether shakes or shingles, we’re happy to help you with your roof repair or new roof installation. We’re here to answer your questions and give you a detailed estimate for any work you’d like to have done on your home’s roof in the Cincinnati area. Call us today at Harper Siding and Roofing to find out how we can help you shake or shingle your roof.