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

A shake roof Is A Traditional Roofing Option Made From Split Or Shaped Wood Pieces That Provide Distinctive Texture, Durability, And Natural Insulation. This Article Explains What A Shake Roof Is, Compares It To Shingles, Details Common Materials, Installation Practices, Costs, Maintenance Needs, And Modern Alternatives For Homeowners Considering A Shake Roof.

Aspect	Quick Summary
Definition	Wooden roofing made from split logs (cedar most common)
Common Materials	Cedar, redwood, pine, and thermally modified woods
Styles	Hand-split shakes and sawed shakes
Lifespan	20–50+ years depending on material and upkeep
Average Cost	$7–$12+ per sq ft installed
Maintenance	Cleaning, sealing, replacement of damaged shakes

What A Shake Roof Is And How It Differs From Shingles

A shake roof Consists Of Individual Wood Pieces Cut Or Split From Logs; shakes Are Thicker And More Textured Than Standard Wood Shingles. Shingles Are Typically Machine-Cut And Uniform, While Shakes Are Either Hand-Split Or Sawed To Create A More Rustic, Variable Appearance.

Key Difference: Shakes Feature A Rough, Natural Face With Varying Thickness; Shingles Have A Smooth, Uniform Surface Better Suited For Modern, Clean-Lined Aesthetics.

Common Materials Used For Shake Roofs

Cedar Is The Most Popular Material For A Shake Roof Due To Natural Oils That Resist Rot And Insects. Redwood Is Another Durable Option, While Pine And Other Softwoods May Be Used Where Budget Constraints Apply.

Thermally Modified Woods Offer Improved Stability And Decay Resistance, Making Them An Emerging Choice For Those Seeking Longevity With A Natural Look.

Types Of Shake Roofs: Hand-Split Vs Sawed

Hand-Split Shakes Are Crafted By Splitting Logs With A Mallet And Wedge, Producing Deep Texture, Irregular Thickness, And A Highly Rustic Look. Sawed Shakes Are Mechanically Cut, Offering More Uniform Thickness And A Flatter Surface.

Hand-Split Shakes Tend To Be More Expensive But Provide Superior Water Shedding And A Classic Appearance; Sawed Shakes Are Cost-Effective And Easier To Install.

Benefits Of Choosing A Shake Roof

A Shake Roof Delivers Aesthetic Appeal, Natural Insulation, And Good Performance In Many Climates. The Textured Surface Creates Strong Visual Character, Often Increasing Curb Appeal And Property Value.

Environmental Advantages Include Biodegradability And Renewable Sourcing When Harvested Responsibly; Wood Also Has Lower Embodied Energy Than Many Synthetic Roofing Materials.

Performance And Lifespan Expectations

Lifespan Varies Widely Based On Wood Type, Climate, And Maintenance. Cedar Shakes Commonly Last Between 30 And 50 Years With Proper Upkeep, While Less Durable Woods May Last 20–30 Years.

Climate Impacts Are Significant: Humid, Wet Environments Increase Rot Risk, While Dry Climates Help Preserve The Wood; Regular Maintenance Extends Service Life.

Installation Essentials And Roof Deck Requirements

Proper Installation Is Critical For A Shake Roof To Perform Well. A Solid Roof Deck, Appropriate Underlayment, And Correct Nailing Patterns Reduce Leaks And Wind Damage Risks.

Ventilation And Flashing Are Also Essential: Good Attic Ventilation Prevents Moisture Build-Up And Flashing Around Chimneys And Valleys Must Be Meticulous To Avoid Water Penetration.

Costs And Return On Investment

Installed Costs For A Shake Roof Typically Range From $7 To $12 Or More Per Square Foot, Depending On Material, Labor, And Complexity Of Roof Design. High-Quality Cedar Or Hand-Split Shakes May Push Costs Toward The Higher End.

ROI Considerations Include Longevity, Energy Savings From Natural Insulation, And Improved Curb Appeal; When Compared To Asphalt, Initial Costs Are Higher But Long-Term Value Can Be Superior.

Maintenance Requirements For Shake Roofs

Maintenance Involves Periodic Cleaning To Remove Moss, Leaves, And Debris; Application Of Water-Repellent Preservatives; And Replacement Of Damaged Shakes. Inspections Twice Annually Are Recommended.

Common Repairs Include Replacing Warped Or Split Shakes, Repairing Flashing, And Treating Fungal Or Insect Damage; Prompt Attention Prevents Small Issues From Becomes Bigger Problems.

Fire Risk And Fire-Rated Options

Wood Shake Roofs Present A Higher Fire Risk Than Noncombustible Materials. Many Building Codes Require Fire-Retardant Treatments Or Fire-Rated Underlayments In Areas With Increased Wildfire Risk.

Fire-Retardant Treatments Can Improve The Rating Of A Shake Roof, And Class A Fire-Rated Shake Products Are Available, Though Treated Wood May Require Reapplication Over Time.

Comparing Shake Roofs With Alternatives

Compared To Asphalt Shingles, Metal, Or Synthetic Roofing, A Shake Roof Offers A Unique Look And Natural Insulation But Requires More Maintenance And Often Higher Costs.

Synthetic Shake Alternatives Mimic The Look Of Wood While Offering Lower Maintenance, Improved Fire Resistance, And Longer Manufacturer Warranties; They Can Be A Practical Choice For Those Wanting The Aesthetic Without Some Drawbacks.

Environmental And Sustainability Considerations

Sustainably Sourced Wood With Certifications Such As FSC Reduces Environmental Impact. Proper Disposal And Recycling Of Old Shakes Also Matters To Minimize Waste.

Carbon Footprint Of Wood Roofing Is Generally Lower Than Many Synthetics, But Responsible Forestry Practices Are Crucial To Maintain A Positive Environmental Profile.

Common Problems And How To Address Them

Typical Issues Include Moss And Algae Growth, Splitting Or Cupping Of Shakes, Insect Infestation, And Leaks At Flashings. Routine Inspections, Prompt Repairs, And Preventative Treatments Reduce These Risks.

Professional Assessment Is Recommended For Older Shake Roofs Or After Severe Weather To Identify Hidden Damage And Plan Necessary Repairs.

When To Replace A Shake Roof And Modern Upgrade Options

Replacement Is Advisable When Multiple Shakes Are Severely Deteriorated, Roof Deck Damage Exists, Or When Ongoing Maintenance Costs Exceed The Value Of Replacement. Homeowners May Choose To Replace Wood With Class A Fire-Rated Synthetics For Lower Upkeep.

Hybrid Approaches Include Using Wood In Visible Areas For Aesthetic Appeal While Installing More Durable Materials In Less Visible Sections To Balance Cost And Performance.

How To Choose A Contractor For A Shake Roof

Select Contractors With Specific Experience Installing Shake Roofs, Positive References, Proper Licensing, And Insurance. Verify Warranty Terms For Both Materials And Workmanship.

Request Documentation For Material Specifications, Fire Ratings, And Maintenance Recommendations To Ensure Proper Long-Term Performance.

Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners With Shake Roofs

• Inspect Twice Yearly For Loose, Split, Or Missing Shakes
• Clean Debris From Valleys And Gutters To Prevent Moisture Retention
• Treat For Moss/Algae Using Appropriate Non-Damaging Products
• Apply Water-Repellent Preservatives As Recommended By Manufacturer
• Replace Damaged Shakes Promptly To Stop Water Intrusion

Key Terms To Know About Shake Roofs

1. Shake: A Wood Roofing Element Split Or Sawed From Logs
2. Shingle: Machine-Cut Thin Wood Roofing Piece
3. Butt: The Thick End Of A Shake Installed Downward
4. Exposure: The Visible Portion Of Each Shake After Installation
5. Fire Rating: A Classification Indicating Resistance To Fire

Resources And Further Reading

Authoritative Sources For More Details Include The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Local Building Codes, Manufacturer Guides For Cedar And Synthetic Shakes, And Forestry Certification Organizations Like FSC.

Homeowners Should Review Local Code Requirements For Fire And Wind Resistance Before Selecting A Shake Roof Or An Alternative.

For Professional Advice On A Specific Property, Consult A Licensed Roofing Contractor Experienced With Shake Roofs And Ask For A Written Estimate And Maintenance Plan.