Cedar Shakes vs. Shingles: Comparing the Pros & Cons
When it comes to adding rustic elegance and natural beauty to your home’s exterior, few choices compare to natural cedar wood. There are two main varieties of cedar roofing: shingles and shakes. But how do you choose between the cedar shakes and shingles?
In this blog post, we’ll compare cedar shakes vs. shingles, unraveling their unique characteristics, benefits, and how to choose between them. After reading, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to start your journey toward your dream cedar roof.
Quick Answer
The main difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles lies in their appearance and construction. Cedar shakes are hand-split for a thicker, rustic look, while cedar shingles are sawn for a more uniform finish. So, choose shakes for a traditional and textured aesthetic or shingles for a clean, refined style.
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Cedar Shakes: A Symbol of Classic Sophistication
Cedar shakes have stood the test of time as a quintessential choice for traditional homes. Each shake is hand-split from a cedar log, creating a rustic, rough-hewn appearance that exudes classic charm. The natural irregularity in the thickness and width of cedar shakes imparts an organic character, making each piece unique.
Advantages of Cedar Shake:
- Timeless Aesthetics: The distinctive, rugged appeal of cedar shake complements various architectural styles, from Cape Cod to Craftsman and everything in between.
- Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, ensuring a long lifespan for your home’s exterior.
- Energy Efficiency: Cedar shake offers excellent insulation properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Weather Resistance: With proper maintenance and treatment, cedar shakes can withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and sun exposure.
Did You Know?
Cedar shakes are also sometimes called cedar shake shingles. Confusing, right? When you hear this name, don’t mix it up with standard cedar shingles, which we discuss below.
Cedar Shingles: A Blend of Elegance and Simplicity
Cedar shingles, on the other hand, present a refined and smooth surface that enhances the architectural beauty of your home. These shingles are sawn instead of split, resulting in a more uniform appearance with straight edges and smooth surfaces.
Advantages of Cedar Shingle:
- Architectural Versatility: Cedar shingles add a touch of sophistication to various home styles, especially Cape Cod, Victorian, and coastal designs.
- Consistent Aesthetics: The uniformity of these shingles ensures a clean and polished appearance, ideal for homeowners who prefer a sleek, modern look.
- Lightweight: Shingles are lighter than shakes, making them easier to install and, as a consequence, reducing labor costs.
- Space Efficiency: Their uniform size allows for tighter installation, optimizing coverage and potentially reducing material waste.
Cedar Shakes vs. Shingles: Which Should I Choose?
The decision between cedar shake and cedar shingle ultimately comes down to personal preferences, architectural style, and budget considerations. Here are some factors to consider:
- Aesthetics: Consider the overall style you wish to achieve. Cedar shakes lean towards a rustic, time-honored look, while cedar shingles exude elegance and refinement.
- Climate: Assess your local climate and weather patterns. Cedar shakes tend to perform better in harsher climates due to their inherent durability and thickness.
- Maintenance: Both options require maintenance to preserve their beauty and longevity. Regular inspections, cleaning, and sealing are essential to protect against weathering.
- Budget: Cedar shingles are often more affordable than shakes, but it’s crucial to weigh the long-term benefits against the initial cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cedar shake shingles are typically installed in overlapping rows over an underlayment that ensures proper water drainage. Because shakes are hand-split and vary in thickness, installation requires precision to maintain even spacing and ventilation. Because of that, most homeowners hire professional roofing contractors for the best results.
When properly maintained, natural cedar shake shingles can last 30–50 years. Further, composite or synthetic shakes can exceed that lifespan thanks to their resistance to rot, mold, and insect damage.
Cedar shingles generally last 30–40 years when properly maintained. Their smooth finish resists moisture, but routine sealing and annual inspections help extend their lifespan even more.
Cedar shingles are available through most home improvement stores, including Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as through many online construction material sites. However, for an easier experience, Baker Home Exteriors and other roofing contractors can both source and install these materials for you, and most homeowners obtain their cedar shingles through contractors for this reason.
Installing cedar shingles on a roof involves laying a solid underlayment, spacing shingles properly to allow for expansion, and nailing them with corrosion-resistant fasteners. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent moisture buildup beneath the roof.
Use 1¼- to 2-inch nails for cedar shingles in most cases. However, if you’re using a “cedar breather” fire-resistant underlayment, then the minimum length should be 1½ inches.
Cedar shingles can be cleaned using a soft brush and a cleaning solution. After cleaning, rinse gently with a garden hose and allow to dry fully before applying a wood preservative or stain. If you’re particularly cautious, you can also apply water to the shingles before cleaning in order to prevent any disinfecting chemicals from seeping too deeply into the wood.
Cedar shingles typically cost between $6 and $9 per square foot installed, depending on the grade and finish. Hand-split cedar shakes generally run higher at around $6-$14 per square foot, but both options add exceptional character and longevity to your home.
Final Thoughts: Cedar Shakes vs. Shingles
Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of cedar shake or the refined elegance of cedar shingle, incorporating cedar into your home’s exterior is a decision you won’t regret. Its natural beauty matched by long-lasting durability makes it a smart investment for homeowners seeking both style and performance. With proper installation and maintenance, a cedar roof can enhance your home’s value and curb appeal for decades to come.
Looking for Cedar Roofing Near You? Baker Has You Covered
At Baker Home Exteriors, we take pride in providing expert guidance to help you make the best choice for your dream home. For over 110 years, we’ve provided premium roofing services that only a century of experience can guarantee.
Contact us today using the free quote request button below, or take a moment to check out our Google reviews. Let’s start the journey of transforming your house into a stunning showcase of cedar beauty!
