Wood Shake vs. Wood Shingles: Which Is Best in Orange County?

Wood shakes and wood shingles are historically popular in Orange County, California, because of their aesthetic appeal and traditional charm (OC Grand Jury). One of the oldest styles available in the U.S., cedar shake roofs remain particularly popular due to their appearance, affordability, and availability (CeDUR). However, having wood roofs poses several questions on safety in Southern California, particularly on fire safety. For instance, embers carried by high winds pose significant threats to adjacent structures. These concerns have led to a decline in the popularity of wood roofing materials. Fortunately, steps are taken to ensure these types of roofs are safe. Moreover, these materials offer a natural, sustainable option for your home’s roofing needs, especially for people who are averse to adding landfill waste by using synthetic materials.

Ultimately, the choice between wood shakes and shingles depends on the homeowner’s desired appearance, maintenance level, and fire resistance. Our experts at Rescue Roofer share their expert insights to help Orange County homeowners select the roofing option that best aligns with their style preferences, safety needs, and long-term care preferences, ensuring the durability and aesthetic appeal of a roof that will stand up to the region’s unique challenges.

Wood Shakes: A Timeless Roofing Choice with Exceptional Characteristics

Wood shakes are perfect for homeowners looking to add a rustic appeal to their homes. Though they share similarities with wood shingles, they stand out because they have a distinct manufacturing process that results in an exceptional appearance. Unlike wood shingles, which are typically machine-made, wood shakes are hand-sawn or split, giving them a rugged finish exuding natural charm. Moreover, manufacturing wood shakes varies depending on the style, making each tile different from any other.

How Wood Shakes Are Made

• Hand-Split and Resawn Wood Shakes

  • These shakes are split from logs by hand, creating a rough-textured surface on one side. The opposite side is then sawn smooth, allowing the shake to lie flat once installed. The rough textured surface faces upward, creating an organic and rustic look.

• Taper-Sawn Wood Shakes

  • These shakes are sawn by machine on both sides but retain the rough texture on the upward-facing side. Compared to hand-split shakes, this type of wood shake appears slightly more refined while still maintaining a natural charm.

Pros of Wood Shakes

Unique Appearance

Due to how they are made, each wood shake is inherently unique. This individuality contributes to a roof with a rich and dynamic character that enhances a home’s natural appeal.

Durability

Their thickness makes them more durable than wood shingles, and they resist wind, rain, and even hail better than many roofing materials.

Rustic Charm

Their rugged texture and natural irregularities contribute to the rustic and traditional look that allows homes to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

Natural and Sustainable

Wood shakes bring a natural element to home design, complementing the natural environment and offering a sustainable roofing option. Once replaced, wood shakes may be recycled and will not contribute to landfill issues.

Thermal and Acoustic Benefits

Wood shakes offer natural insulating properties, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. They also exhibit excellent soundproofing, making them ideal for quiet and comfortable living spaces.

Cons of Wood Shakes

Fire Risk

Wood shakes, especially when very dry, are more likely to catch fire than synthetic or non-combustible roofing materials. While modern treatments enhance fire resistance, strict code restrictions restrict their use in fire-prone areas, such as certain communities in Orange County.

Overlapping Challenges

The rough, textured surface of wood shakes makes it difficult to seamlessly overlap successive rows, which requires careful attention and experience on the part of installers to ensure the roof is watertight and robust.

Variable Quality

Each shake’s uniqueness may affect the overall durability of the entire roof. The overall performance and appearance may also be affected if the installation process is not done carefully.

Code Restrictions

Wood roofing may not be approved under specific local building codes, especially in communities with strict fire safety regulations.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is essential to preserve their longevity and appearance. Routine inspections, cleaning, and treatments to keep off moss, rot, and pests are essential in preventing deterioration and ensuring the designed lifespan of wood shake roofs.

Wood Shingles: An In-Depth Look

Wood shingles are made from logs sawn on both sides to create a flat, smooth surface. This manufacturing process produces a uniform and consistent appearance compared to wood shakes. Manufacturing typically involves machines that make wood shingles sleeker and tidier, cutting each piece to precise dimensions. Wood shingles are known for their structured design.

The natural variability of the wood allows for an appealing, dynamic coloring that adds richness and depth to the roof’s appearance. The resulting aesthetic fits many architectural cues popular among homes in Orange County.

Pros of Wood Shingles

Size and Shape Uniformity

Due to their automated manufacturing process, wood shingles tend to have a consistent size and shape. Precise cuts and sizes ensure the shingles fit together seamlessly. The resulting uniformity helps achieve a polished and cohesive look for the roof, making the home appear sleek and well-maintained even after years.

Aesthetically Pleasing Appearance

Wood shingles are renowned for their timeless aesthetic. The resulting smooth and clean lines of wood shingle roofs create a refined look that is ideal for homeowners looking for a traditional yet elegant roof design. Moreover, the natural color of wood offers variability and character to the roof that fits certain architectural styles.

Cost-Effectiveness

Wood shingles are thinner and more uniform. The ease of manufacturing makes wood shingles cheaper than wood shakes. Their affordability enables homeowners to achieve a rustic look to their homes without the higher price of premium roofing materials.

Ease of Installation and Repair

Wood shingles are easier to install than wood shakes because of their uniform size and shape. Moreover, wood shingles are easier and quicker to replace with minimal effort if damaged.

Durability Against Severe Weather

Wood shingles are highly durable and capable of surviving harsh weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rainfall. They are resilient to Orange County’s climate range, offering an effective shield that ensures the safety and protection of homes.

Recyclable

Wood shingles are more environmentally friendly than synthetic options. They can be recycled and are biodegradable, which won’t contribute to landfill issues.

Cons of Wood Shingles
 

Fire Risk

Wood shingles have a higher fire risk than other roofing materials, such as ceramic tiles, metal, concrete, or synthetic options. Wildfires are a common threat in Southern California, and having wood shingles may be a cause of concern. However, fire-resistant treatments can be applied to wood shingles to mitigate the risk, though it is not enough to drive the susceptibility of roofs to zero compared to non-wood alternatives.

Less Durability Than Wood Shakes

Because of their lower thickness, wood shingles are generally less durable than wood shakes, which are typically thicker and more robust. Though wood shingles can stand up well against daily weather conditions, they may not offer the same level of protection against extreme elements as wood shakes and will require more frequent inspections and replacements.

Code Restrictions

Building codes may not approve wood shingles in certain areas, especially in fire-prone areas like Orange County. Local authorities may require specific fire-resistant roofing materials for new builds or roof replacements.

Regular Maintenance Required

Wood shingles require continuous maintenance to ensure their appearance and functionality. Regular inspections and treatments to resist fire, as well as regular cleaning, are essential to extending their lifespan. Without proper upkeep, wood shingles may experience untimely deterioration, leading to higher repair costs.

Conclusion: How To Choose Between Wood Shakes and Wood Shingles?

Homeowners must weigh their priorities regarding aesthetics, durability, budget, and maintenance when deciding between wood shakes or wood shingles. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations:

Choose Wood Shakes If You:

• Desire a rustic and natural look that exudes character and charm.

• Require higher levels of durability against harsh weather, especially in areas prone to strong winds or hail.

• Are willing to invest in regular maintenance to preserve the shakes’ appearance and longevity.

• Seek the uniqueness and appeal of handcrafted building materials that align with your home’s design vision.

Choose Wood Shingles If You:

• Prefer a sleek, polished aesthetic with clean lines and uniformity.

• Weigh cost-effectiveness highly in your decision-making process.

• Want a more straightforward installation process and quicker repairs, reducing overall maintenance hassles.

• Seek a design approach that requires a timeless, elegant roof that complements a broader range of architectural styles.

Both options bring warmth and beauty to your home. However, the decision depends on satisfying your specific needs, budget, and long-term maintenance commitment. Regardless of your choice, you can always rely on Rescue Roofer to support you in regular inspection, maintenance, repair, restoration, and replacement of your wood shake or wood shingle roofs in Orange County.