Cedar Shake Roof Materials: Providing Many Benefits for Homeowners

Wooden shake or shingle roofs may be more expensive and difficult to install than other types of roof. However, they have remained the top choice for homeowners who want durable roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. At the same time, wood roofs provide the aesthetic appeal not found in other roofing materials.

In fact, despite their relatively high cost, wood roofs exude that distinct beauty and natural appearance that have made them the roofing of choice for many architects and building contractors. Wooden roofs are usually made of western red cedar shake roof materials, like those offered by WoodRoof.com, and blend perfectly well with their environment.

Meanwhile, natural cedar shake roofs made from Alaskan yellow cedar—a relative newcomer in the shingles market—is slightly denser than red cedar, and offers better resistance to splitting and cracking. It’s also dimensionally stable and contains natural oils that increase its resistance to decay. If you’re looking for a reliable cedar shake type, Alaskan yellow cedar is one of the best choices.

Posted at the Pacific Northwest Handbooks.org, an article by S.S. Niemiec and T.D. Brown of the Oregon State University (OSU) provides valuable information on the care and maintenance of these wood shingle and shake roofs. According to Niemiec and Brown, a wooden shingle or shake roof has become a premium product that provides great protection for homes in areas that experience strong winds and frequent hail. Although these shake roofs can be vulnerable to rotting, splitting, and warping, such damages can be minimized or avoided through proper care.

Yellow cedar shakes and shingles can be durable, but they require proper maintenance to maximize their service life. By applying the necessary chemical treatments, cleaning solutions, and bleaching formulas, you can enhance and preserve their appearance. There are various products in the market that can serve this purpose.

While cedar shakes or shingles may be more costly, they are environment-friendly as they are bio-degradable. They also provide many benefits to homeowners. These shakes or shingles are lightweight but are wind- and impact-resistant, and they add curb appeal to your property. If you want a more attractive home, cedar roofs can provide the value you want.

(Article Excerpt and Image from “Care and Maintenance of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofs,” Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook)