Things to Know About Wooden Shakes and Shingles

Author: adamwaterford | Posted: 06.03.2012

Just a few materials can be compared to the natural beauty that wooden shakes and shingles possess in terms of visual impact. Most wooden shakes and shingles are cut from western red cedar; however, pine and eastern cedar options are also available. If you search long and hard enough, you might even find some wooden shakes or shingles created from oak, redwood, and cypress.

Made out of hunks of wood, wooden shingles are made smooth and normally are available in lengths of 16, 18, and 24 inches. Wooden shakes, on the other hand, are a tad thicker but also cut in similar sizes as wooden shingles. Wooden shakes are available in two different weight groups: medium and heavy. They can be cut into three varying styles: the hand split, hand split and cut and the taper split. These wooden shake variants make up many of the wooden roofs you will find all over the region.

Wooden shingles and shakes are available in many various grades. Nevertheless, if you want the finest quality grade there is, inquire your roofing contractor for “blue label” shingles and shakes. These are created from straight-grained heartwood from the sapless portion of a tree. These shingles and shakes are superb in terms of wood roofing. With careful care, they last for a long time, even in humid climates.

One of the major fears of homeowners is the risk that wooden shingles and shakes can easily catch fire. Sadly, if untreated, they are. However, a lot of shingles and shakes in the open market today are already treated with fire-resistant chemicals and solutions to prevent insects, mildew, and molds. When building or remodeling your home, make sure to inquire your local Alexandria roofing company if treated wooden shingles and shakes are available.

Wooden shakes and shingles are also available in ornamental alternatives which are offered by your local roofing company. These ornamental shingles and shakes have attractive designs, shapes, and patterns to match your home’s architecture. They are sometimes installed on the exterior walls of homes and even incorporated into Northern Virginia siding for a more visually pleasant result.

For a trendy, simple, elegant, and natural appearance, why not opt for wooden shingles or shakes sold by your local Arlington roofing company? Homeowners can rest easy, aware that they are fire and bug resistant. Waking up in the middle of the night with your roof on fire is an unlikely possibility. See the difference today and spend time in a finer home.



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