What Is a Shake Roof: Types, Benefits, Costs, and Maintenance

A shake roof is a traditional roofing option made from split wood or modern synthetic materials that mimic wood shakes. It offers a distinctive textured look and natural insulation but requires specific maintenance and installation standards. This article explains what a shake roof is, compares types, outlines costs, and provides practical maintenance and repair guidance for homeowners in the United States.

Shake Roof Type	Material	Typical Lifespan	Primary Benefit
Wood Shakes	Cedar, Red Cedar, Pine	25–40 Years	Natural appearance, insulation
Wood Shingles	Sawn Wood (usually cedar)	20–30 Years	Uniform look, lower cost than shakes
Synthetic Shakes	Polymer, Composite, Asphalt-Composite	30–50+ Years	Fire resistance, low maintenance

What Is A Shake Roof?

A shake roof is a roof covering composed of textured wood pieces called shakes or sawn shingles. Shakes Are Split From Logs to produce a rough, rustic appearance, while shingles are sawn and smoother. The name “shake” generally implies a hand-split or mechanically split product providing thicker, tapered pieces than standard shingles.

Types Of Shake Roofs

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are traditionally split from cedar or other rot-resistant woods. They are thicker and have an irregular surface, creating depth and shadow lines on a roof. Cedar is most common because of natural oils that resist decay and insects.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are sawn rather than split and have a smoother, more uniform profile. They look cleaner and lay flatter on the roof but typically offer less thickness and texture compared to shakes.

Synthetic Or Composite Shakes

Synthetic shakes are made from polymers, recycled plastics, rubber, or asphalt-composite blends. They replicate the look of wood while providing improved fire resistance, color stability, and lower long-term maintenance.

How Shake Roofs Are Made And Installed

Traditional shake production involves splitting logs along the grain to produce tapered pieces. Modern manufacturing may use mechanical splitting for consistency. Installation requires an underlayment, proper flashing, and experienced nailing patterns to prevent water intrusion. Installation Precision And Ventilation Are Critical to avoid moisture retention and premature decay.

Benefits Of A Shake Roof

Outstanding Aesthetic Appeal: Shake roofs deliver a natural, textured look prized for historic homes, cottages, and high-end designs. They add curb appeal and can increase property value.

Natural Insulation: Wood provides better thermal performance than many roofing products, helping moderate attic temperatures when paired with proper ventilation.

Sustainability Potential: When sourced from certified sustainably managed forests, wood shakes can be a renewable roofing choice. Some synthetic options also use recycled materials.

Drawbacks And Risks

Fire Risk: Untreated wood shakes are combustible. Many jurisdictions require fire-retardant treatments or disallow wood in fire-prone areas. Synthetic shakes can mitigate this risk.

Maintenance Intensity: Wood shakes need periodic inspection, debris removal, moss and algae control, and possible re-treatments for rot and insects.

Higher Initial Cost: Quality shakes generally cost more than asphalt shingles. Long-term value depends on maintenance and regional climate performance.

Cost Breakdown And Lifespan

Costs vary by material, roof complexity, and region. Average Installed Costs for wood shakes typically range from $8 to $15 per square foot, while synthetic shakes range from $7 to $12. Premium installations or high-slope roofs increase labor costs.

Expected Lifespan: Cedar shakes commonly last 25–40 years with good maintenance; high-quality synthetic shakes can exceed 30–50 years. Lifespan shortens with poor ventilation, heavy shade, or wet climates.

Maintenance Best Practices

Regular Inspections: Inspect twice yearly and after major storms. Look for cracked, split, or cupped shakes, loose fasteners, and damaged flashing.

Cleaning And Debris Removal: Remove leaves, needles, and debris to prevent moisture retention. Use a soft broom or low-pressure rinse; avoid power washing which can damage wood.

Moss And Algae Control: Apply EPA-approved treatments or zinc/copper strips at the ridge to discourage growth. Reapply preservatives per manufacturer guidance.

Fire-Retardant Treatments: In areas with fire codes, apply approved fire-retardant coatings. These require reapplication over time and can alter warranty terms.

Repair And Replacement Indicators

Common repair triggers include widespread splitting, rot, chronic leaks, or shingle cup and curl. Localized Repairs can replace individual shakes; extensive decay typically justifies full re-roofing. Always match new pieces to existing material to maintain visual continuity.

Choosing Between Shakes And Other Roofing

Decision factors include budget, aesthetics, local climate, and code restrictions. Shakes Suit Homes that benefit from a rustic, high-end look and where owners commit to regular care. Synthetic alternatives suit homeowners seeking wood appearance with lower maintenance and improved fire performance.

Building Codes, Insurance, And Fire Zones

Many U.S. municipalities restrict untreated wood shakes in wildfire-prone zones. Home insurance premiums may be higher for combustible roofs. Check Local Codes And Insurance Requirements before choosing wood shakes; treated or Class A-rated synthetics may be necessary for compliance.

Hiring A Contractor And Warranties

Select contractors experienced with shake roofs and request references and photo documentation of past work. Obtain Written Estimates detailing materials, underlayment, ventilation upgrades, and warranty terms for both labor and materials.

Warranties vary: manufacturers may offer limited material warranties and contractors often provide labor guarantees. Verify how treatments or installations affect warranty validity.

Practical Tips For Homeowners

• Evaluate Sun And Shade: Heavily shaded roofs are more prone to moss and decay; consider synthetic shakes if shade is unavoidable.
• Improve Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation extends shake life by preventing trapped moisture.
• Budget For Maintenance: Allocate funds annually for inspections, cleaning, and minor repairs to protect the investment.
• Document Work: Keep receipts and photos of maintenance and treatments for resale and insurance claims.

Where To Buy And Material Selection

Purchase shakes from reputable suppliers who disclose wood species, grading, and treatment history. For synthetic options, compare UV-stability, wind warranty, fire classification, and colorfast guarantees. Request Samples and review installed examples in local climates when possible.

Further Resources

Trusted resources include the Cedar Shake And Shingle Bureau, National Roofing Contractors Association, and local building departments for code requirements. Consult Certified Roof Inspectors for condition assessments and replacement planning.