Wood Shakes & Shingles
Wood shakes and shingles are traditional roofing materials made from split or sawn cedar, redwood, or other decay-resistant woods, providing natural beauty and character that weathers to a distinctive silver-gray patina. While shingles are sawn on both sides for a more uniform appearance, shakes are split on at least one face, creating a more rustic, textured look that highlights the natural grain and character of the wood.
Composition
Natural or engineered wood product with specific grain pattern and color characteristics
Properties
Weight
2.5-4.5 lbs/ft²
Varies by product thickness and installation method. Premium heavy shakes (1/2" to 5/8" butt thickness) typically weigh 3.5-4.5 lbs/ft², while medium shingles (3/8" to 1/2" butt thickness) weigh 2.5-3.5 lbs/ft².
Thickness
Shingles: 3/8"-1/2", Shakes: 1/2"-1.5"
Shingles are more uniform in thickness, typically 3/8" to 1/2" at the butt (thicker end). Shakes vary more, with medium shakes at 1/2" to 3/4" butt thickness and heavy shakes at 3/4" to 1.5" butt thickness, tapering toward the tip.
Fire Rating
Class A, B, or C (with treatment)
Untreated wood is naturally combustible. However, pressure-treated products with fire retardants can achieve Class A, B, or C ratings when tested as part of a roof assembly, depending on the treatment level and installation details.
Wind Resistance
Up to 130 mph
When properly installed with correct fastening patterns, wood shakes and shingles can achieve high wind ratings. Performance depends on installation quality, fastener type, and exposure width.
Impact Resistance
Class 1-3 (UL 2218)
Natural resilience of wood provides moderate impact resistance. Thicker shakes typically achieve higher ratings (Class 2-3) than thinner shingles (Class 1-2).
Thermal Properties
R-value: 0.97-1.5 per inch
Wood provides natural insulating properties with an R-value of approximately 0.97-1.5 per inch of thickness. The installation method with air spaces between and beneath shakes/shingles also contributes to thermal performance.
Applications
Luxury Residential
Popular for high-end custom homes where natural materials and traditional aesthetics are prioritized, particularly in architectural styles such as Craftsman, Shingle Style, Pacific Northwest, and rustic mountain designs.
Historic and Heritage Buildings
Essential for authentic restoration and preservation of historic structures with original wood roofing, maintaining period-appropriate materials and techniques.
Coastal and Vacation Homes
Frequently used in coastal, lakefront, and mountain retreat properties where the natural weathering to a silver-gray patina complements the surrounding landscape and architectural character.
Rustic and Natural Design Themes
Ideal for buildings with rustic, organic, or nature-inspired design themes, including lodges, retreats, resorts, and restaurants where natural materials enhance the intended aesthetic.
Accent Roofing Elements
Applied to specific architectural features such as dormers, bay windows, turrets, and entryways even when the main roof uses different materials, creating visual interest and highlighting important building elements.
Outbuildings and Landscape Structures
Used for garden pavilions, pool houses, gazebos, and other landscape structures where aesthetic harmony with natural surroundings is desired.
Advantages
- Natural beauty with distinctive texture and character
- Excellent insulating properties compared to most roofing materials
- Natural resistance to insects when using cedar or other decay-resistant species
- Good acoustic properties, reducing sound transmission from rain and exterior noise
- Renewable resource when harvested from responsibly managed forests
- Ability to withstand high winds when properly installed
- Natural aging process creates an attractive silver-gray patina
- Individual shakes/shingles can be replaced if damaged
- Biodegradable at end of service life
Limitations
- Susceptibility to fire if untreated (though treatments are available)
- Requires regular maintenance including cleaning and preservative treatments
- Vulnerability to moss, algae, and mildew growth in humid climates
- Shorter lifespan than many alternative premium roofing materials
- Higher cost than conventional asphalt shingles
- Potential for splitting, warping, and curling over time
- Increasing restrictions in some jurisdictions due to fire concerns
- Quality and availability issues as old-growth timber becomes scarcer
- Installation requires specialized knowledge and experience
Sustainability Profile
Wood is a renewable resource when harvested from sustainably managed forests. It has a lower carbon footprint compared to many other building materials and can be recycled or biodegraded at end of life.