Choosing between roof shakes and shingles is a significant decision impacting your home’s durability, look, and maintenance needs. This article explores roof shakes vs shingles—their differences, advantages, drawbacks, installation, and cost—to help American homeowners make informed, lasting decisions. Whether you value rustic charm or prefer low maintenance, understanding key distinctions ensures your investment aligns with your home’s style and region.
| Feature | Roof Shakes | Roof Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Traditional wood (usually cedar) | Asphalt, wood, composite, slate, or metal |
| Appearance | Rustic, hand-split, textured | Uniform, smooth, modern |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years (wood); up to 80 with certain composites | 15-30 years (asphalt); up to 50+ with premium types |
| Cost (Installed) | $7-$14 per sq. ft. | $3-$8 per sq. ft. (asphalt); $8-$16+ (premium) |
| Maintenance | High (especially for wood) | Low (especially for asphalt) |
| Fire Resistance | Low (unless treated) | High with fiberglass or coated products |
| Weather Performance | Excellent with maintenance; can split/crack | Good; less prone to splitting; may lift in high winds |
What Are Roof Shakes?
Roof shakes are wooden roofing materials made by splitting logs—most commonly cedar—by hand or machine. This process creates thick, textured pieces that provide a rugged, natural charm. Shakes are traditionally used in historical or rustic-home designs, and their unique, varied edges offer a distinctive aesthetic that cannot be replicated by other roofing products.
Manufacturing Process And Material
Shakes are typically created from high-quality heartwood, prized for its density and natural resistance to decay. Hand-split shakes maintain the wood’s natural grain, resulting in at least one split face per shake. In contrast, sawed shakes feature a smoother, more finished look. The choice between hand-split and sawn shakes significantly impacts final appearance and texture.
Types Of Wood Used In Shakes
The majority of roof shakes in the U.S. are made from cedar (Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Yellow Cedar). This wood is naturally resistant to insects and moisture. Other options include redwood, pine, and cypress, although these are less common due to lower durability or limited availability.
What Are Shingles?
Unlike roof shakes, shingles are manufactured from a variety of materials and offer a more uniform, consistent look. The most common types are asphalt shingles, though options extend to wood, composite, metal, and slate. Shingles are thinner than shakes, typically sawn on both sides to ensure flatness and regularity.
Popular Types Of Shingles In America
- Asphalt Shingles: Affordable, lightweight, and the most popular option. Available as three-tab or architectural (dimensional) shingles.
- Wood Shingles: Machine-sawn for smoothness and a neater appearance. Made mostly from cedar or redwood.
- Composite Shingles: Synthetic blends that mimic traditional materials for enhanced durability.
- Metal Shingles: Offer longevity and excellent resistance to severe weather.
- Slate Shingles: Extremely durable but heavy and expensive.
Visual And Curb Appeal: Which Roof Style Fits Your Home?
Roof shakes provide a rustic, textured appearance valued in craftsman, cottage, and historical American homes. Their hand-split faces give them depth and shadow, adding character. By comparison, shingles offer a smoother, more uniform look, fitting modern and traditional suburban architecture alike. Asphalt or composite shingles can imitate premium materials while providing a contemporary appearance.
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Architectural Considerations
- Shakes pair well with log cabins, ranches, and Tudor-style homes.
- Shingles suit nearly any architectural style, from minimalist modern to classic colonial.
- HOA regulations or historical districts may dictate material or appearance.
Durability And Lifespan
Durability depends on both the material and environmental factors. Roof shakes are thick and dense, allowing for a longer lifespan—often 30-50 years with proper care. Certain composite shakes can last even longer, up to 80 years. However, they require vigilant maintenance and periodic treatment to prevent decay, moss, and insect damage.
Asphalt shingles generally offer a 15-30 year lifespan, depending on quality and installation. Premium asphalt, composite, or metal shingles can last 40 years or more. Overall, shakes outlast asphalt in ideal conditions but may struggle in high-moisture or fire-prone areas without chemical treatment.
Maintenance And Upkeep
Wood shakes are maintenance-intensive, requiring regular cleaning and inspections for rot, warping, and pests. Treatments with fungicides and fire retardants are often necessary. Debris must be cleared to prevent mold and moss buildup.
Shingles, especially asphalt, are a low-maintenance solution. Occasional inspections and cleaning suffice for most homes. Composite and metal shingles are also easy to care for, making them appealing for busy homeowners or rental properties.
Weather Resistance And Performance
In areas with high humidity, heavy rains, or snow loads, roof shakes—especially untreated or poorly maintained ones—can absorb moisture, leading to cracking, swelling, and rot. Proper installation and regular care are critical. Treated shakes improve water and insect resistance but add to the overall cost.
Shingles, particularly newer asphalt or composite varieties, are engineered to withstand the elements. They resist moisture, tolerate temperature swings, and, when well-installed, minimize wind uplift. Metal and slate shingles excel in hail and fire-prone regions.
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Fire Resistance: Safety Concerns
Untreated wood shakes present a significant fire hazard. Local codes often require Class A, B, or C fire ratings. Many shake products receive pressure-impregnated fire retardants during manufacturing, enabling their use in wildfire-prone states. Still, insurance premiums and local regulations may restrict or penalize wood shake installations.
Asphalt, metal, and composite shingles generally meet or exceed Class A fire ratings. These materials are preferable where wildfires or urban fires are a concern. Some states, including California, restrict wood shake installations due to fire safety codes.
Cost Comparison: Upfront And Long-Term
Shakes are considered a premium roofing product. Professional installation typically costs between $7-$14 per square foot, though cedar shake costs can rise with region, thickness, and fire treatment. Periodic maintenance and eventual replacement increase the lifetime expense.
Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, totaling $3-$8 per square foot installed for standard products. Upgrades in quality, style, or material (such as metal or high-grade composites) can double or triple this figure. Still, total ownership costs are often lower due to minimal upkeep.
Installation Requirements And Complexity
Roof shake installation is labor-intensive, requiring skilled craftspeople for proper water shedding and ventilation. Thicker shakes and irregular sizing increase installation time and complexity.
Standard shingle installation—particularly asphalt—can be completed quickly by experienced crews. Modular sizing and factory consistency streamline the process, minimizing labor costs. DIY installation is usually possible with guidance.
Sustainability And Environmental Impact
Wood shakes, sourced from responsibly managed forests (FSC-certified), offer a renewable option. Biodegradable, their disposal has a lower environmental impact than many synthetic products. However, chemical treatments may counteract eco-friendliness.
Asphalt shingles—while recyclable in some markets—use petroleum-based materials. Composite or metal shingles boast recycled content and durability, reducing landfill volume over time. Slate and clay are entirely natural but energy-intensive to mine and transport.
Climate And Regional Considerations
The optimal roofing material depends on local climate. In damp, forested zones (Pacific Northwest, Northeast), shakes may deteriorate without diligent care. Hot, dry climates increase fire hazards unless treated products are used. Asphalt shingles fare well in both hot and cold environments but may degrade faster under constant UV exposure.
Some regions or insurance carriers restrict wood shakes due to wildfire risks. Metal and high-performance composite shingles are recommended in storm-prone or fire-vulnerable regions, like the Mountain West or California.
Resale Value And Curb Appeal
Premium roof shakes can elevate a home’s profile, attracting buyers seeking authenticity and charm. A well-maintained shake roof may enhance resale value, particularly in high-end markets. Poor maintenance, conversely, can detract from perceived value and attract higher homeowner insurance rates.
Asphalt and composite shingles are ubiquitous and familiar to buyers. Modern dimensional shingles can enhance curb appeal while reducing maintenance concerns for potential buyers. These benefits often translate into consistent resale value, especially in family-oriented neighborhoods.
Insurance And Building Codes
Insurance companies may increase premiums or deny coverage for untreated wood shakes, especially in wildfire zones or older homes. Regular inspections and upgrades (such as fire treatment) are mandated in some jurisdictions.
Shingle roofs are generally easier to insure and conform more readily to modern building codes. Metal, composite, and treated shingles often qualify for discounts or preferred policies in storm or fire-prone regions.
Repair And Replacement Considerations
Shake roofs are more difficult and costly to repair due to variability in thickness, grain, and availability. Finding matching replacement shakes can be challenging if the product line or mill no longer operates.
Shingle repairs are typically less expensive and easier to match. Replacement shingles are widely available, and new products can often be blended seamlessly with existing ones. Modular installation speeds up the process and saves labor costs.
Pros And Cons: Roof Shakes Vs. Shingles
| Roof Shakes | Shingles |
|---|---|
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Which Roofing Material Is Right For You?
The choice between roof shakes and shingles comes down to personal preference, local climate, budget, and regulatory requirements. Homeowners prioritizing aesthetics, historic accuracy, and eco-friendliness will gravitate toward shakes if they commit to regular upkeep. Those seeking an economical, low-maintenance, and versatile solution will find modern shingles—especially asphalt or composite—the better fit.
Engage a professional roofer familiar with your climate and codes to ensure your choice delivers the best blend of beauty, performance, and value for your home.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.