Wood Shake Roofing Guide: Cedar Shakes, Maintenance & Fire Treatment

Wood shake roofing offers unmatched natural beauty and rustic charm that synthetic materials can't replicate. Despite requiring more maintenance than asphalt shingles, wood shakes remain popular for their distinctive appearance, environmental benefits, and premium aesthetic appeal.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wood shake roofing, from material selection to maintenance requirements and fire safety considerations.

What are Wood Shakes?

Wood Shakes vs. Wood Shingles

Wood Shakes:

• Hand-split or sawn on one side
• Thicker (3/8" to 3/4")
• Textured, rustic appearance
• More irregular and varied
• Better ventilation
• Higher cost
• Longer lifespan

Wood Shingles:

• Machine-sawn both sides
• Thinner (3/16" to 5/16")
• Smooth, uniform appearance
• More precise and consistent
• Lower profile
• Less expensive
• Shorter lifespan

This Guide Focuses on: Wood shakes (the thicker, split material)

Types of Wood Shakes

Cedar Shakes (Most Common):

• Western Red Cedar (premium choice)
• Eastern White Cedar
• Northern White Cedar
• Yellow Cedar (Alaska)

Other Woods (Less Common):

• Redwood (premium, expensive)
• Cypress (good for humid climates)
• Pine (treated, budget option)
• Oak (rare, very durable)

Why Cedar Dominates:

• Natural oils resist decay
• Insect resistant
• Dimensionally stable
• Beautiful aging (silvery gray)
• Readily available
• Proven performance

Wood Shake Grades and Types

Cedar Shake Grades

Premium/No. 1 Grade:

• 100% heartwood
• 100% edge grain
• No defects
• Best durability
• Highest cost
• 30+ year lifespan

No. 2 Grade:

• Mix of heartwood and sapwood
• Some flat grain allowed
• Minor defects acceptable
• Good performance
• Moderate cost
• 20-25 year lifespan

No. 3 Grade (Utility):

• Contains sapwood
• Defects allowed
• Shorter pieces acceptable
• Budget option
• 15-20 year lifespan
• Often used for starter courses

Shake Styles

Hand-Split and Resawn:

• Split face, sawn back
• Most common type
• Natural texture one side
• Flat back for installation
• Excellent performance

Tapersawn:

• Both sides sawn
• Diagonal grain
• Machine-made texture
• More uniform thickness
• Good weather resistance

Straight-Split (Barn Shakes):

• Both sides split
• Most rustic appearance
• Thick and irregular
• Premium aesthetic
• Challenging installation

Standard Sizes

Length:

• 18" (most common)
• 24" (premium, larger exposure)
• 32" (rare, very expensive)

Thickness:

• Medium: 1/2" to 5/8"
• Heavy: 3/4" to 1-1/4"
• Jumbo: Up to 1-1/2"

Exposure (visible portion):

• 18" shakes: 7.5" to 8.5" exposure
• 24" shakes: 10" exposure
• Affects coverage and appearance

Benefits of Wood Shake Roofing

Aesthetic Appeal

Unmatched Natural Beauty:

• Organic, authentic appearance
• Varies with age (new to silver-gray)
• Dimensional texture
• No two shakes identical
• Premium, high-end look

Architectural Styles:

• Perfect for: Cape Cod, Craftsman, Tudor, Cottage, Rustic, Mountain homes
• Good for: Colonial, Ranch, Contemporary
• Not ideal for: Modern minimalist, Mediterranean

Curb Appeal:

• Significantly increases home value in right markets
• Distinctive appearance
• Timeless aesthetic
• Ages gracefully

Environmental Benefits

Renewable Resource:

• Trees regrow
• Sustainable forestry practices
• Carbon sequestration during growth
• Biodegradable end-of-life

Low Embodied Energy:

• Minimal processing
• No petroleum products
• Local sourcing often possible
• Natural insulation

Recyclable:

• Can be mulched/composted
• No landfill waste
• Landscape reuse
• No toxic disposal concerns

Performance Characteristics

Natural Insulation:

• R-value approximately 1 per inch
• Air space provides additional insulation
• Reduces energy costs
• Better than asphalt shingles

Wind Resistance:

• Properly installed: Very good
• Individual piece replacement easy
• Interlocking design
• Proven in high-wind areas

Impact Resistance:

• Natural resilience
• Absorbs impact better than brittle materials
• Self-healing characteristics
• Dimensional stability

Breathability:

• Natural ventilation
• Moisture release
• Reduces condensation
• Prevents moisture trapping

Installation Requirements

Substrate and Preparation

Roof Deck:

• Solid sheathing required
• 5/8" plywood or OSB minimum
• Proper spacing (1/8" gaps)
• Sound, rot-free condition

Underlayment:

• Breathable felt paper (Type 15 or 30)
• NOT synthetic waterproof membranes
• Allows wood to breathe
• Prevents moisture trapping

Spacing:

• 1/4" to 3/8" between shakes
• Allows expansion/contraction
• Critical for longevity
• Prevents buckling

Installation Method

Application:

• Two nails per shake
• Corrosion-resistant (stainless or hot-dipped galvanized)
• 3/4" to 1" from edges
• 1" to 2" above exposure line

Coursing:

• Double starter course
• Offset joints minimum 1-1/2"
• No alignment of joints for three courses
• Prevents water infiltration

Hip and Ridge:

• Manufactured hip/ridge shakes
• Or site-fabricated
• Overlapped installation
• Weather-tight assembly

Valleys:

• Metal valley flashing
• Copper, stainless, or aluminum
• Minimum 24" wide
• Woven shakes not recommended

Professional Installation Recommended

Why:

• Specialized skills required
• Proper spacing critical
• Difficult for DIY
• Affects longevity significantly
• Warranty requirements

Cost: $7-$12 per square foot installed (labor and materials)

Maintenance Requirements

Wood shakes require more maintenance than asphalt shingles but less than often assumed.

Regular Maintenance

Annual Inspection:

• Check for damaged or missing shakes
• Look for moss/algae growth
• Inspect flashing
• Clear debris
• Examine valleys and ridges

Debris Removal (2-4 times yearly):

• Clear leaves and needles
• Remove branches
• Clean valleys
• Prevent moisture retention
• Reduce moss growth

Gutter Cleaning (quarterly):

• Remove shake debris
• Ensure proper drainage
• Prevent water backup
• Protect fascia

Moss and Algae Treatment (as needed):

• Apply zinc or copper strips
• Use eco-friendly treatments
• Gentle brushing (not pressure washing)
• Prevent growth rather than remove

Periodic Maintenance

Every 3-5 Years:

• Replace damaged shakes
• Re-treat for fire resistance (if required)
• Apply preservatives (optional)
• Professional inspection

Every 10-15 Years:

• Consider preservative treatment
• Evaluate overall condition
• Major repairs if needed
• Ridge and hip replacement

Treatments and Preservatives

Fire Retardant (where required):

• Pressure-impregnated at factory
• Or topical application
• Must be renewed (topical)
• Certification maintained

Wood Preservatives:

• Extend life 5-10 years
• Natural oils or synthetic
• Applied every 5-10 years
• Professional application recommended

Algae/Moss Preventatives:

• Zinc or copper strips at ridge
• Eco-friendly treatments
• Applied every 2-3 years
• Prevents organic growth

What NOT to Do

Avoid:

• Pressure washing (damages wood fibers)
• Oil-based sealers (trap moisture)
• Painting (defeats natural beauty and breathability)
• Ignoring damage (spreads quickly)
• Walking on shakes excessively (can crack)

Fire Resistance and Safety

Fire Rating Challenges

Untreated Cedar:

• Class C or unrated
• Higher fire risk
• Prohibited in some areas
• Insurance concerns

The Issue:

• Wood is combustible
• Ember ignition risk
• Wildfire concerns
• Urban interface restrictions

Fire Treatment Options

Pressure-Impregnated Treatment:

• Factory-applied
• Fire retardant chemicals
• Achieves Class A or B rating
• Permanent (life of shake)
• Cost: Add 30-50% to material cost

Topical Treatments:

• Applied to installed shakes
• Achieves Class A or B rating
• Requires renewal (5-10 years)
• Less expensive initially
• Ongoing maintenance cost

UL 2218 Impact Rating:

• Some treated shakes achieve Class 4
• Insurance discounts possible
• Hail resistance certification

Building Code Requirements

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Areas:

• Class A rating often required
• Some areas prohibit wood entirely
• Check local fire codes
• HOA restrictions common

General Requirements:

• Varies by jurisdiction
• Insurance company requirements
• May require treatment
• Verify before installation

Always Check:

• Local building codes
• Fire district regulations
• HOA rules
• Insurance requirements

Insurance Considerations

Untreated Wood Shakes:

• Higher premiums (20-30% increase)
• Some insurers won't cover
• Deductible requirements
• Limited coverage options

Treated Wood Shakes:

• Class A: Same rates as asphalt
• Discounts sometimes available
• Broader insurer options
• Proof of treatment required

Maintain Documentation:

• Treatment certificates
• Renewal records
• Inspection reports
• For insurance and sale

Costs

Material Costs

Cedar Shakes (materials only):

• No. 1 Grade: $400-$600 per square (100 sq ft)
• No. 2 Grade: $250-$400 per square
• No. 3 Grade: $150-$250 per square

Fire-Treated Cedar:

• Add 30-50% to above costs
• Premium for Class A rating

Other Materials:

• Underlayment: $30-$50 per square
• Nails: $20-$40 per square
• Flashing: Varies by application
• Ridge/hip shakes: $100-$200 per square

Installation Costs

Labor:

• $3-$7 per square foot
• Varies by region and complexity
• Steep roofs cost more
• Complex designs increase cost

Total Installed Cost (typical home):

• Budget (No. 2 grade): $9,000-$15,000
• Standard (No. 1 grade): $12,000-$22,000
• Premium (treated, complex): $18,000-$35,000

Compared to Asphalt:

• 2-3 times more expensive initially
• But lasts longer with maintenance
• Total cost of ownership comparable

Long-Term Costs

Maintenance:

• Annual: $200-$500 (debris removal, inspection)
• Periodic repairs: $500-$1,500 every 5 years
• Treatment renewal: $1,000-$3,000 every 10 years

Total Cost of Ownership (30 years):

• Initial installation: $20,000
• Maintenance: $9,000
• Total: $29,000
• Cost per year: $967

Compare to Asphalt:

• Initial: $12,000
• Replacement (year 20): $15,000
• Total 30 years: $27,000
• Comparable long-term cost

Lifespan and Durability

Expected Lifespan

Untreated Cedar Shakes:

• No. 1 Grade: 30-40 years
• No. 2 Grade: 20-30 years
• With good maintenance: Up to 50 years

Fire-Treated Shakes:

• 20-30 years typical
• Chemicals can reduce lifespan
• Depends on treatment quality
• Maintenance critical

Factors Affecting Lifespan:

• Climate (dry climates: longer life)
• Maintenance quality
• Installation quality
• Shade (too much reduces life)
• Ventilation
• Wood grade

Climate Considerations

Best Climates:

• Moderate humidity
• Distinct seasons
• Not constant wetness
• Good air circulation

Challenging Climates:

• Constant high humidity
• Prolonged wet seasons
• Extreme heat
• Heavy moss/algae growth areas

Worst for Wood Shakes:

• Pacific Northwest (constant moisture)
• Deep South (humidity, termites)
• Desert Southwest (extreme heat dries wood)

Best Performance:

• Northeast (moderate, seasonal)
• Mountain regions (dry, cool)
• Upper Midwest (dry, good ventilation)

Pros and Cons Summary

Advantages

Aesthetic:

• Natural beauty
• Unique character
• Ages gracefully
• Premium appearance
• Timeless appeal

Performance:

• Natural insulation
• Good wind resistance
• Dimensional stability
• Long lifespan (with care)
• Renewable resource

Environmental:

• Sustainable
• Low embodied energy
• Biodegradable
• Carbon sequestration
• Recyclable

Value:

• Increases home value (right markets)
• Distinctive curb appeal
• Long-term durability
• Replaceable pieces

Disadvantages

Cost:

• 2-3x asphalt cost
• Professional installation required
• Maintenance expenses
• Treatment costs

Maintenance:

• More than asphalt
• Periodic treatments needed
• Debris removal critical
• Professional inspection recommended

Fire:

• Requires treatment in many areas
• Higher insurance (if untreated)
• Some areas prohibit
• Ongoing treatment maintenance

Durability Concerns:

• Susceptible to moss/algae
• Can rot if poorly maintained
• Wind damage possible (individual shakes)
• Insect concerns (termites in some areas)

Alternatives to Natural Wood Shakes

Synthetic Cedar Shakes

Materials:

• Composite materials
• Recycled plastics
• Rubber composites
• Engineered wood

Advantages:

• Lower maintenance
• Fire resistant
• Insect/rot resistant
• Long warranties (30-50 years)

Disadvantages:

• Not natural appearance
• Higher initial cost sometimes
• New products (less track record)
• Not as environmentally friendly

See our {{LINK:synthetic-roofing-guide|synthetic roofing materials guide}}.

Metal Shakes

Options:

• Steel shake-style panels
• Aluminum shakes
• Copper shakes

Advantages:

• Very durable (50+ years)
• Fire resistant
• Low maintenance
• Energy efficient

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
• Different aesthetic
• Noise concerns
• Specialized installation

See our {{LINK:metal-roofing-guide|metal roofing guide}}.

Conclusion

Wood shake roofing offers unparalleled natural beauty and character for homeowners willing to invest in proper maintenance. While more expensive and maintenance-intensive than asphalt shingles, wood shakes provide:

• Distinctive aesthetic appeal
• Environmental benefits
• Long lifespan with care
• Premium home value in appropriate markets

Best For:

• Traditional architectural styles
• Environmentally conscious homeowners
• Those valuing natural materials
• Homeowners committed to maintenance
• Appropriate climate zones

Consider Carefully If:

• Budget is very limited
• High fire risk area
• Constant high humidity climate
• Unwilling to maintain
• Insurance concerns

Key Success Factors:

1. Choose quality materials: No. 1 grade cedar
2. Professional installation: Critical for longevity
3. Commit to maintenance: Annual inspection and debris removal
4. Address fire concerns: Treatment where required
5. Proper ventilation: Essential for wood performance

Ready for wood shake roofing? Consult with experienced contractors who specialize in cedar shake installation. Proper installation and maintenance planning are essential for decades of beautiful, natural roof protection.

For comparison with other premium materials, see our {{LINK:slate-roofing-guide|slate roofing guide}} and {{LINK:complete-roof-replacement-guide|complete roof replacement guide}}.

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Considering wood shake roofing? Our cedar shake specialists provide expert installation and maintenance guidance. We source premium materials and ensure proper fire treatment compliance. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.