Everything You Need to Know About Cedar Shake
Cedar shake roofs have been around since the time of colonists in North America. They have been a part of Eastampton housing design ever since.
Cedar roofs can be made of either shakes or shingles. The difference between these two is very subtle and might be unnoticeable to those who don’t have much knowledge about them. However, a trained eye can tell which is which.
The difference between the two is that a cedar shingle is a thin, evenly tapered and symmetrical wood log. On the other hand, a cedar shake is thicker than a normal shingle and the surface of a shake is uneven and rough. If your cedar roof gives more of a three-dimensional look, it is made of cedar shakes.
For cedar shakes, the log is split by hands, which results in the uneven size and length of the shake. The length of a shake also depends on the size of the tree. However, the design looks beautiful. Even though there are different machines available now for cutting log and trees, the size and length of each shake still vary as it adds beauty. This is the reason why each house with wooden shake roofing has a distinctive look.
The modern machines to make shakes keep one side rough and uneven to give that natural look that most Eastampton homeowners want. The other side is smooth and looks sawn.
Types of Grain in Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are basically made of red cedar wood. Grain appearance is usually determined by the position where a log is chopped into a shake. The reason why grain appearance is important is that it determines the stability and performance of the shake.
Cedar shakes usually come in three different types of grain. Each is categorized according to the level of their performance in terms of fire, wind and impact resistance. Of course, they are also categorized according to how they look.
Edge Grain
Edge grain is the most stable and high-quality grain type. When a shake is cut from a log in a way that it is perpendicular to the rings of the tree, it makes an edge grain. Since this type of grain offers the maximum strength and durability, you will have to pay a little extra than for the other two types.
Flat Grain
This type of grain is considered the opposite of edge grain because it is cut parallel to the rings. It is quite stable as well, but with time and exposure to different weather, the wood shake is more likely to split and become unstable.
Slash Grain
When the shake is cut at an angle to the rings of the tree, it is called slash grain. It is the least stable and does not look nice either. Of course, it is also the cheapest option.
Advantages
Wooden roofing provides a natural look to the house, Eastampton roofing companies especially love the uniqueness and practicality of a cedar shake roof. It is also an environment-friendly option. It offers many benefits, which is why homeowners prefer having wooden roofing. Here are some of its benefits:
Beautiful Appearance
Cedar shakes create a unique appearance if they are installed properly. Also, they give a textured appearance to the roof that you won’t get with cedar shingles. Hence, cedar shake roofing is the perfect option for a modern cottage.
Energy Efficient
Cedar shakes are energy efficient. They can be installed without foam as the wood does not let heat escape in winter and does not let sun rays enter the house in summer, keeping the inside cool.
Home Value
Having cedar shake roofing can increase the value of your house. This style is liked by many people from Eastampton, who prefer to have it due to its amazing advantages.
Environment-Friendly
Wood is an environmentally friendly option, and choosing wooden roofing definitely is a step toward a healthier planet. Wood is energy-efficient, sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable. It also lasts longer than metal and other substances. Another great thing about it is that there are no harmful substances released when you manufacture a cedar shake.
With proper maintenance, cedar roofing can last up to 50 years. Plus, when the lifespan of the wood comes to an end, it turns into wood chips, unlike asphalt roofs that end up in landfills.
Disadvantages
The list of advantages of cedar shake is long, but there are some issues that you can face if you have a cedar shake roof. Here are some of its disadvantages:
Cost
This type of roofing will cost you way more than an asphalt roof. The reason for this is that cedar trees do not grow quickly. Reaching the mature age where they can be used to make roofs takes 200 to 400 years. The rarity of the tree increases the cost of a cedar roof. Moreover, the additional maintenance and installation charges will put a further dent in your pocket.
Humidity
Cedar roof will not survive long in humid weather because the moisture is not good for the wood. Thus, in summer and spring, the wood needs to be dried or else it will prematurely die.
This was all the basic information you need to know to have a better understanding of what a cedar shake is. Hopefully, it was helpful.
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