The Complete Guide to Shake Roofing: Durability, Installation, and Maintenance

Shake roofing represents one of the most traditional and aesthetically pleasing roofing options available, prized for its natural beauty, durability, and timeless character. Derived from split logs, typically cedar, shake roofing offers a rustic charm that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about shake roofing, from its fundamental characteristics and benefits to the intricacies of installation, maintenance, and cost considerations.

The term ‘shake’ specifically refers to roofing shingles that are hand-split from logs, creating a textured, irregular surface. This distinguishes them from machine-cut shingles, which are uniformly sawn. Cedar is the most common wood used due to its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect infestation. The process of creating shakes involves splitting the wood along its grain, which preserves the natural fibrous structure and enhances its strength and longevity. This traditional method results in a roof that is not just a protective barrier but a work of art that ages gracefully, developing a silvery-gray patina over time.

The advantages of choosing a shake roof are numerous. Its primary benefit is exceptional durability. A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof can last 30 to 50 years, and in some cases, even longer. This longevity rivals or exceeds that of many other roofing materials. The natural properties of cedar provide excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This can lead to significant energy savings over the life of the roof. Furthermore, the thick, layered profile of shake roofing offers superior wind resistance compared to thinner, lighter asphalt shingles. Each shake acts as an individual unit, allowing the roof to absorb and dissipate the force of high winds more effectively.

Beyond performance, the aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Shake roofing adds significant curb appeal and can increase a property’s value. The rich, natural tones and dimensional texture create a depth and character that flat, uniform roofs cannot achieve. It complements a wide range of architectural styles, from classic Cape Cod and Craftsman homes to modern rustic designs.

However, a shake roofing installation is a specialized process that demands expertise. It is not a DIY project for the average homeowner. The installation begins with a critical first step: ensuring the roof deck is properly prepared. Unlike asphalt shingles, shake roofs require a solid deck, often made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). More importantly, they need to be installed over spaced roof sheathing or battens. These are wooden strips nailed to the deck, creating air channels between the shakes and the deck. This ventilation is crucial for allowing moisture to escape and for promoting air circulation, which prevents rot and extends the roof’s life.

The installation process itself is meticulous. Shakes are typically applied in layers, starting from the eaves and working up to the ridge. Key steps include:

• Starter Course: A double layer of shakes is often installed at the eaves to provide a solid base and prevent water from being driven upwards.
• Spacing and Nailing: Proper spacing between shakes (about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch) is essential to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the wood as humidity and temperature change. Shakes are fastened with corrosion-resistant nails, typically stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized, long enough to penetrate through the sheathing.
• Weather Exposure: The amount of each shake exposed to the weather is carefully calculated based on the roof’s pitch and the shake’s length. A common exposure is 7.5 inches for an 18-inch shake, but this can vary.
• Flashing: Critical areas like valleys, chimneys, vents, and walls require meticulous flashing installation. This is usually done with metal (aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel) to create watertight seals at these vulnerable junctions.

Once installed, a shake roof requires a committed maintenance regimen to reach its full lifespan. The biggest threat to any wood roof is moisture retention, which can lead to moss, mildew, and rot. Proper maintenance involves:

1. Regular Cleaning: Debris like leaves and pine needles should be cleared from the roof surface and valleys regularly, as they trap moisture.
2. Gutter Maintenance: Keeping gutters and downspouts clean is vital to prevent water from backing up under the shakes.
3. Moss and Algae Control:

If moss appears, it should be treated with a specialized cleaner—never scraped off, as this can damage the wood surface.

4. Professional Inspections: It is highly recommended to have the roof inspected by a qualified professional every 2-3 years. They can identify loose shakes, damaged flashing, or early signs of decay that may not be visible from the ground.

Many homeowners choose to apply a protective stain or preservative to their shake roof. These products can help repel water, resist UV damage, and slow the graying process if you wish to maintain the wood’s original color. It is crucial to use products specifically designed for cedar roofing and to ensure the roof is completely clean and dry before application. Re-coating is typically necessary every 3-5 years.

When considering shake roofing, cost is a significant factor. It is one of the more expensive roofing options on the market. The total cost depends on the quality of the cedar (clear grade being the highest), the complexity of the roof design, the region you live in, and labor rates. On average, you can expect to pay significantly more for a shake roof than for a standard asphalt shingle roof. However, it is an investment that pays off in longevity, energy efficiency, and property value.

It is also essential to be aware of potential challenges. Some local building codes, particularly in wildfire-prone areas, have restrictions on wood shake roofs due to their flammability. In such regions, treated fire-retardant shakes may be required or even mandated. Additionally, while cedar is naturally resistant, it is not immune to insect pests like carpenter ants or termites, though this risk is generally low.

In conclusion, shake roofing is a premium choice for homeowners seeking a blend of unparalleled natural beauty, proven durability, and energy efficiency. It is a long-term investment that, when installed by certified professionals and maintained with care, will protect and enhance a home for decades. The unique character and performance of a cedar shake roof make it a standout option for those who value craftsmanship and timeless appeal in their home’s exterior.