Cedar Shakes And Shingles Difference

The physical difference between wood shakes and shingles is the width of the butt end and sawing method of cutting them.

Cedar shakes and shingles difference. For centuries and as recent as 50 years back cedar roof shingles were sawn from a block of wood while shakes were split off using a mallet and a froe sharp blade. When used in installation or repairs cedar roofs can come in the form of either a shake or shingle. Shingles are generally thinner than shakes and are seldom greater than 1 2 inch thick. Shakes don t have a smooth finish like shingles which are more defined and refined but they make for a more rustic roof for old fashioned homes or homes that emulate cottages.

Today with the advances in technology shingles are machine made. Fivex shingles are 16 inches long. Cedar shingles and shake look great on any house options for cedar shakes cedar shakes are naturally thicker than shingles which as we mentioned before can partly account for their higher cost. While shakes provide a less uniform more rustic appearance they can also be vulnerable to wind blown rain or snow and must be installed using a layer of felt paper weaved layers of shakes to reduce this vulnerability.

The length of cedar shingles used can impact the appearance of your house. There are three types of wood shake each desirable for its own set of qualities. They are best suited for roofs of 4 in 12 pitch or greater. Cedar shakes shakes are split on one or both sides and are more irregular than shingles.