Homeowners, while selecting the perfect roofing material, often tend to strike a balance between durability and aesthetics. In that quest, they often seek to explore the difference between wood shingle and wood shake. So, what sets wood shingles apart from wood shakes? In this blog, let us unravel the nuances between the two, helping you make an informed decision for your roofing needs.
What is the difference between wood shakes and wood shingles?
The term “wood shake” describes a type of wood roofing material made by cutting thin rectangles from a timber log. The two different types of wood roofing materials are wood shakes and wood shingles. The manufacturing processes used in each one makes a difference. Wood shingles were once sawn from a block of wood, while wood shakes were broken off with a mallet or sharp blade. These are now produced by machines thanks to technological improvements, and wood shakes are still created by hand but with the help of power tools. In contrast to shake, which is not tapered by sawing, a wood shake roof’s final appearance is extremely textured. As a result of cutting, shingles, which are sawn, have some cross grain. On the other hand, shakes, which are split, closely follow the grain. The former will appear considerably smoother and more homogeneous, while the latter will appear more natural and rustic.
Appearance: Do they appear similar or different?
Wood shakes give a roof a rich, textured appearance that provides depth and complexity. This is a result of the various ridges, grooves, and grain patterns that develop during splitting. Wood shakes have an unfinished appearance, with each piece being slightly unique from the others. Wood shingles have a smooth, flat appearance and are much more homogeneous in appearance. They are also a popular choice for siding because they give a home’s exterior a lovely, homogeneous appearance. The appearance of a wood shake roof is equally stunning as that of a wood shingle roof. What matters most for a homeowner is whether they choose a rustic or uniform appearance, as well as thick or thin butt ends.
Durability: Which one’s more durable?
Heavy hand-split cedar shakes are the most resilient sort of wood roofing material. The shake’s butt end is 3/4″ thick, as indicated by the 3/4″ measurement. The strongest sort of wood roofing is made of heavy hand-split cedar shakes and offers the deepest level of protection from hail, UV rays, severe rain, and wind.
Pricing: Which is costlier?
Wood shakes typically cost more than wood shingles in terms of cost. That is because they are thicker, requiring more material, and because wood shakes are typically harder for a roofing contractor to install.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned information offers an in-depth understanding of the difference between wood shingles and wood shakes. Contact a professional roofing contractor like The Slate Roofing Company, who service Sydney, the South Coast of NSW and the Southern Highlands, to install the best roofing material for your home.
