Contact Us To
Tell Us About Your Project
Cedar Shake and Wood Roofing Deliver Timeless Natural Beauty
Cedar shake and wood shingle roofing represent one of America’s most cherished architectural traditions, offering organic beauty and rustic charm that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. At American Way Exteriors, we understand the appeal of authentic wood roofing and provide expert installation services for homeowners throughout Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, and southern Ohio who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. While wood roofing requires more maintenance than modern alternatives, its distinctive character and historical authenticity make it an enduring choice for homes where architectural integrity and natural aesthetics are priorities.
Praesent malesuada faucibus finibus. Sed mi elit, varius at volutpat eget, placerat ac sem. Maecenas porttitor libero id lorem ultrices, sit amet accumsan neque consectetur. Maecenas volutpat sed nulla nec luctus. Aenean pulvinar molestie nunc eget lobortis. Nunc ullamcorper nisi neque, sit amet varius turpis tempor et. Donec nec mattis nisl, venenatis eleifend turpis. Curabitur enim purus, viverra ut bibendum non, semper at felis. Vivamus vestibulum metus purus, in semper lorem maximus eget.
The Heritage of Wood Roofing
Wood has served as a roofing material for centuries, long before modern manufacturing created synthetic alternatives. Cedar shake and shingle roofs were standard on American homes for generations, valued for their availability, workability, and natural weather resistance. Cedar in particular became prized for its inherent rot resistance, insect-repelling properties, and ability to withstand harsh weather. The tradition of wood roofing continues today, particularly on historic homes, Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods, and rustic mountain retreats, where authentic materials enhance architectural character.
Praesent malesuada faucibus finibus. Sed mi elit, varius at volutpat eget, placerat ac sem. Maecenas porttitor libero id lorem ultrices, sit amet accumsan neque consectetur. Maecenas volutpat sed nulla nec luctus. Aenean pulvinar molestie nunc eget lobortis. Nunc ullamcorper nisi neque, sit amet varius turpis tempor et. Donec nec mattis nisl, venenatis eleifend turpis. Curabitur enim purus, viverra ut bibendum non, semper at felis. Vivamus vestibulum metus purus, in semper lorem maximus eget.
Cedar Shake vs. Cedar Shingles
While often confused, cedar shakes and shingles are distinct products with different appearances and installation methods. Cedar shakes are thick, hand-split pieces with a rough, irregular texture. The splitting process creates natural grain patterns and a rustic appearance. Shakes are typically 18 to 24 inches long and install with significant exposure, creating bold shadow lines. This dimensional quality gives shake roofs their characteristic depth and visual interest.
Cedar shingles are thinner, machine-sawn pieces with smooth, uniform surfaces. They’re manufactured with greater precision, featuring consistent dimensions and flat profiles. Shingles create a neater, more refined appearance than shakes and install with less exposure. While still attractive, shingles lack the rustic character and dramatic shadows of hand-split shakes. Both products offer legitimate wood roofing benefits, with the choice depending on desired aesthetics and budget.
Types of Wood Used for Roofing
Several wood species are suitable for roofing, each with specific characteristics. Western red cedar remains the most popular choice due to its natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insect damage, its beautiful reddish-brown color that weathers to silver gray, its relatively lightweight nature compared to other woods, and its excellent dimensional stability. White cedar offers similar rot resistance with a lighter color, while cypress provides natural decay resistance and works well in humid climates. Redwood, though expensive and less common, offers exceptional beauty and durability. Each species brings unique characteristics, but Western red cedar’s combination of performance and aesthetics makes it the standard for quality wood roofing.
The Appeal of Wood Roofing
Natural Beauty and Character
Wood roofing’s primary appeal is its organic, authentic appearance. No two pieces are identical, creating visual variety and natural character, impossible to achieve with manufactured materials. The rich grain patterns, dimensional texture, and natural color variations give homes a distinctive personality. As wood weathers, it develops a beautiful silver-gray patina that many homeowners find attractive, adding character that improves with age.
Historical Authenticity
For historic homes or properties in historic districts, wood roofing may be required or strongly preferred to maintain architectural integrity. Authentic materials honor the home’s heritage and preserve its historical value. Wood shake or shingles help homes qualify for historic registries and preservation grants while maintaining the authentic appearance that makes historic properties special.
Environmental Considerations
Wood is a renewable resource, mainly when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Unlike petroleum-based synthetic materials, wood is biodegradable and recyclable. At the end of it service life, wood roofing can be repurposed or composted rather than filling landfills. For homeowners prioritizing natural, renewable materials, wood roofing aligns with environmental values, even though it requires tree harvesting.
Challenges and Maintenance Requirements
While beautiful, wood roofing presents challenges that homeowners must understand. Regular maintenance is essential for longevity. Wood roofs require annual inspections, periodic cleaning to remove debris and moss, application of preservatives every few years, and prompt repair of damaged pieces. Fire risk is a significant concern, as untreated wood is combustible. Many building codes restrict wood roofing in fire-prone areas, and insurance may be difficult or expensive. Rot and decay can occur if wood stays wet, particularly in shaded areas with poor air circulation. Insect damage from carpenter ants, termites, or beetles can compromise structural integrity.
Cost is another factor, as quality cedar shake installation is more expensive than asphalt shingles. The relatively shorter lifespan of 20 to 30 years compared to 50-plus years for premium synthetics means more frequent replacement. These challenges don’t eliminate wood roofing as an option but require homeowners to commit to proper care and accept higher maintenance demands.
A Modern Alternative: Synthetic Cedar
For homeowners who love wood’s appearance but want to avoid maintenance demands, synthetic cedar products offer compelling alternatives. Advanced composites like Brava Cedar replicate authentic cedar shake appearance with realistic grain patterns and color variation while providing a Class A fire rating, 50-year lifespan, minimal maintenance, superior impact resistance, and lightweight installation. These products deliver wood shake aesthetics with modern performance, offering an excellent compromise for many homeowners.
Installation Excellence
Proper installation is critical to the ultimate performance of wood roofing. American Way Exteriors’ experienced crews understand the specialized techniques required. The process includes installing proper underlayment for moisture protection, ensuring adequate ventilation to keep wood dry, spacing shakes or shingles correctly for expansion and drainage, using appropriate fasteners that won’t rust, and applying flashing carefully at valleys and transitions. Expert installation maximizes your wood roof’s lifespan and minimizes problems. We also provide detailed maintenance guidance to help you protect your investment.
Is a Wood Roof Right for Your Home?
Wood shake or shingle roofing is ideal for homeowners who appreciate authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship, own historic homes where wood roofing maintains architectural integrity, are willing to commit to regular maintenance, live in areas where fire codes permit wood roofing, and value natural beauty over convenience.
If you’re considering wood roofing, contact American Way Exteriors for a free consultation about whether this traditional roofing material suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our experienced team will help you explore all options, including both authentic wood and high-quality synthetic alternatives that capture wood’s beauty while offering modern performance advantages.
Read our rave reviews
American Way Exteriors has earned numerous positive reviews for our outstanding service. Read about our customers’ pleasant experiences working with us, then contact us today to learn how we can improve your home with new siding and roofing.
