Wood Shingle Roofing Options and Installation Guide

Wood shingle roofing is a classic choice for homes, offering a distinctive look and natural charm. Cedar shingles, for example, can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

The lifespan of wood shingles also depends on the type of tree used. Western red cedar, for instance, is known for its durability and resistance to rot and insects.

A well-maintained wood shingle roof can also increase a home's curb appeal. This can be a significant factor in resale value, as a beautiful roof can make a house stand out in a neighborhood.

In terms of installation, wood shingles can be nailed directly onto the roof deck or installed over a layer of underlayment.

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There are several types of wood shingle roofing to consider. Cedar is a popular choice due to its rot-resistance and availability in Wisconsin.

Cedar shingles come in different grades, with premium roof-grade shingles made from straight-grained heartwood. There are two types of premium roof-grade cedar shingles: Western red cedar shingles are called “#1 Blue Label” and white cedar shingles are called “A-grade.”

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The length of cedar shingles can vary, but the standard lengths used on historic Wisconsin houses were 16, 18, and 24 inches. The thicker split and rough-faced cedar shakes are not typically used on historic house roofs in Wisconsin.

Here are some common types of cedar shingles:

When choosing the right wood shingles for your roof, the size of the shingles is a crucial consideration.

The size of your cedar shingles will determine the amount of overlap between each shingle, which is essential for a secure and weather-tight roof.

Cedar shingles come in 16”, 18”, and 24” lengths, while cedar shakes come in 18” and 24” lengths.

If you're looking for a more traditional or rustic look, cedar shakes might be the better choice.

The cost of cedar shakes varies by size, with prices ranging from $330 to $550 per square for 16” shakes.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for different sizes of cedar shingles and shakes:

The trade name associated with each size can also impact the cost, with prices varying between brands like Five-X, Perfections, and Royals.

Cedar shingles come in different grades, which affect their quality and suitability for residential roofs. The highest quality cedar shingles are premium roof-grade, made of straight-grained heartwood.

You'll find two types of premium roof-grade cedar shingles: Western red cedar shingles called "Blue Label" and white cedar shingles called "A-grade". These premium shingles are made from the best parts of the tree and cost about 50% more than architectural-grade asphalt shingles.

The pitch of your roof is determined by how much it rises within 12 vertical inches, and it's stated as a ratio, such as 4-12. This means that for every 12 inches measured horizontally, the vertical rise would be 4 inches.

Cedar shingles can last up to 75 years on very steep-pitched roofs with a 12-12 pitch or higher, and 50 years on a 6-12 pitched roof or steeper.

Here are the different grades of cedar shakes or shingles:

The reveal, or the space between the shingles, is also important. Historic cedar roofs in Wisconsin have a reveal of 5 to 7 ½ inches, and the ratio of shingle length to reveal is critical to the longevity of a roof.

Removing a cedar shake roof can be a relatively quick and affordable process, costing between $1 to $2 per square foot.

The tear-off process is similar to removing asphalt shingles, but contractors can roll up the wood shake from end to end and safely throw the roll into the dumpster, making it often faster and less costly.

To install a cedar-shingle roof on a historic house, it's essential to ensure your roofer uses good installation practices.

A solid layer of sheathing is necessary, especially in areas with cold temperatures, such as Wisconsin, where the average daily temperature in January is below 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This is required by the 2009 International Building Code.

Your roofer will need to replace spaced decking boards with a solid layer, and if you plan to finish the attic space, you can add plywood sheathing over the original spaced decking.

To fasten pressure-treated or fire-treated shingles, your roofer will require either hot-dipped, galvanized nails or stainless steel nails to avoid corrosion. Corroded nails can cause shingles to fall off your roof.

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Good installation practices are crucial when it comes to installing a cedar shake roof. A solid layer of sheathing is necessary to ensure the roof's integrity, especially in areas with extreme temperatures like Wisconsin, where the average daily temperature in January is below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

A solid layer of sheathing is a requirement according to the 2009 International Building Code, and it's essential to replace spaced decking boards with a solid layer. This will provide a stable surface for the shakes to adhere to.

To avoid corrosion, use corrosion-resistant fasteners when installing pressure-treated or fire-treated shakes. Hot-dipped, galvanized nails or stainless steel nails are good options.

The installation process can be labor-intensive, with labor costs ranging from $4 to $8 per square foot. Hand-nailing each shake requires a significant amount of time and effort, with about two to four hours needed to hand-nail one square (100 square feet) of wood shingles in place.

Here are some common installation practices to keep in mind:

Removing your old roof can be a big job, but it's a crucial step in getting ready for a new one. The cost to remove a cedar shake roof is $1 to $2 per square foot, which is often faster and less costly than removing asphalt shingles.

You can expect the tear-off process for a cedar shake roof to be similar to removing asphalt shingles, but with some key differences. Contractors can roll up the wood shake from end to end and safely throw the roll into the dumpster.

Removing your old roof can be a messy job, but it's a necessary step in getting a new one installed.

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Providing adequate ventilation is crucial for the longevity of your cedar shingles. It's like making sure your roof gets a good breath of fresh air to stay dry and healthy.

You should aim to maintain a "cold" roof by preventing heat from escaping through your roof. This means keeping your roof cool to prevent moisture from building up and causing damage.

Installing insulation is a great way to prevent heat from escaping. You can add enough insulation below your shingles to serve as a vapor barrier, keeping your roof dry and cool.

Insulating panels are another option for maintaining a cold roof. There are two types: a "cedar breather" layer and a top vent ridged insulation panel. A cedar breather layer is installed between the sheathing layer and the cedar shingles, while a top vent ridged insulation panel has a ventilation space built into it.

Applying a thick layer of spray-on insulation to your rafters is a third option for maintaining a cold roof. This type of insulation will act as a vapor lock, keeping your roof dry and cool.

Here are the three options for maintaining a cold roof in more detail:

Cedar shake roof prices can range from $700 to $1,500 per square installed, or $300 to $700 per square for materials alone, depending on the shake size and grade.

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Cedar shake roof prices can be quite steep, but it's worth noting that they are generally more expensive than wood shingles.

The cost of cedar shingles per square is $50 to $95 per bundle, or $200 to $375 per square for materials alone, while cedar shakes cost $75 to $175 per bundle, or $300 to $700 per square.

Here's a comparison of the cost of cedar shake and shingle prices per square or bundle:

The average cost to replace a cedar shake roof is $21,000, with a minimum cost of $10,000 and a maximum cost of $48,000.

Asphalt shingles are a popular and affordable option for roofing. They can cost between $3 to $5 per square foot installed.

One type of asphalt shingle is dimensional, which has a random pattern that can mimic the look of cedar shakes at a lower cost. This design can fool the eye, but it's still a more affordable choice than a natural shake roof.

On average, an asphalt shingle roof can cost anywhere from $5,700 to $12,000. This price range makes asphalt shingles a great option for homeowners on a budget.

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The average replacement cost for a wood shake roof can vary significantly. The national average cost to replace a cedar shake roof is $21,000.

You can expect to pay a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $48,000 for a wood shake roof replacement. The average range for this project is $12,900 to $28,200.

If you're looking for a better idea of what to expect, here's a breakdown of the costs:

Cedar shake roofs can be quite pricey, with prices ranging from $700 to $1,500 per square installed or $300 to $700 per square for materials alone, depending on the shake size and grade.

Wood shakes are generally more expensive than wood shingles, mainly because they're thicker and more labor-intensive to install.

Cedar shingles, on the other hand, cost between $200 to $375 per square for materials alone, with bundles costing $50 to $95 each.

Here's a comparison of material costs per square and bundle for cedar shakes and shingles:

*Cedar and wood shakes/shingles require 4 to 5 bundles or more per square. Composite shakes/shingles require 3 bundles per square.

As of 2024, the average cost of cedar shingles installed is between $4 to $7.25 per square foot, while cedar shakes are usually more expensive at an average of $6 to $9.50 per square foot.

Cedar shake roof repair costs $150 to $1,000 for minor repairs up to 10 square feet and $3,000 to $6,000+ to repair major damage up to 100 square feet.

Regular cleaning of your cedar shake roof is essential, costing $0.15 to $0.60 per square foot, and should be done every 3 to 5 years with a soft wash.

Don't pressure wash a cedar shake roof as it will damage the shakes and may cause leaks.

Applying a protective treatment every 5 to 7 years will preserve the wood and prevent the shakes from rotting, splitting, or buckling.

Cedar shingles and shake roofing require periodic treatments with cedar roof preservatives and fungicides to keep the cedar roofing from drying out, warping, cracking, and being attacked by mildew, insects, and fungus.

Having the roof properly cleaned regularly will also give your cedar roof a longer life expectancy and aesthetic appeal.

Cedar roofing needs to be able to breathe in order to perform at their best, free from moisture, moss, fungi, and other damaging elements.

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