Wood’s aesthetic appeal, color, and resistance have made it a preferred source for roofing for over two centuries, and cedar shake roofs have been an integral part of this country’s history. As far back as the 19th century, cedar shakes have been the primary material used on roofs in the United States. These sturdy pieces were originally fabricated from pine, oak, cypress, redwood, or cedar. Cedar’s unique characteristics include resisting decay due to its naturally occurring oils. Also, the way these shakes age, makes them attractive for their visual allure.
Why install cedar shake roofing in Indianapolis?
Cedar shake roofs offer any home a unique, distinctive look. Each cedar shake is made from real, split logs, that is why the length and thickness of each individual shake varies. This dimensional quality aids in enhancing the character of any home in which they are installed. And because these shakes offer natural variations in color, never do two homes’ cedar shake roofs look exactly alike. And if you have any environmental concerns, cedar shakes can always be recycled into chips or mulch after they run their course on a roof.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
You are aware that getting a new roof will come at a considerable expense, you are also interested in getting a product that will work well and give your home long-lasting, attractive results. If you are interested in installing a cedar shake roof, you should know that, as a general rule, these types of roofs last between 30 and 40 years.
However, there are some concrete actions you can take to ensure that your cedar shake roof in Indianapolis lasts more than the average life-span indicates. What can you do?
- Every five years apply a penetrating wood preservative to your roof. This will help in making the shakes more resistant to mold, mildew, and rot.
- Keep your roof as clean as possible. Get rid of debris, leaves, branches, and anything that may be falling on it.
- Trim any branches that may be scraping against your roof. The constant movement of those branches can end up detaching some cedar shakes.
- Do periodic maintenance on your gutters to avoid having water accumulate there and infiltrate the edges of your roof.
Are wood shingles and cedar shakes the same thing?
There are several clear differences between cedar shakes and wood shingles. First of all, while wood shingles are cut by a machine from a block of wood, cedar shakes are split by hand from lumber logs with the help of special crafting tools. The popularity of cedar shakes has made them the preferred roofing material in the United States, and the fact that they are generally crafted into shape by hand increases their appeal.
The most fundamental differences between shingles and shakes are related both to the way they are made and to the way they are installed. To make a shingle, a circular saw must cut a block of wood. The resulting shingles are all tapered at the edge and have the same thickness. A second saw trims the edges and takes care of any irregularities. In the end, the shingle is tapered on all sides.
A shake follows the grain of the wood much more closely which may show some cross-graining. As far as the finished surfaces, cedar shakes are more uneven while shingles are smoother.
At the time of installation, when shakes are installed, they overlap, and layers of roofing felt are placed between each layer. In the case of shingles, the lower, thicker, end of each piece is installed on a wood strip that goes over a layer of felt. This ensures the roof will dry quickly after a weather event.
No doubt about it, both shingles and shakes offer great results. Jackson Contracting in Indianapolis can provide you with all the necessary information for you to make the optimal decision for your home. Keep in mind that, in the end, the best roofing choice depends on your taste and how you want your home to look.
It’s easy to decide to go with cedar shakes. As your contractors of choice, at Jackson Contracting we will give you the opportunity to see and hold both types of roofing. However, we are sure that once you touch, feel, and smell a cedar shake, there will be no going back. You will have fallen in love with cedar shakes from day one.
How do you care for a cedar shake roof?
There are several key professional recommendations you must follow in order to have your cedar shake roof last for a long time. Here are the most important ones:
Professionally clean your roof every four to five years. A professional will know how much pressure to use to wash your cedar shake roof to make sure the shakes don’t get damaged or loose, resulting in premature and unwanted aging.
Have a professional come around once a year to have a look at your roof. You want to make sure your roof is not suffering from water infiltration, rot, insect infiltration, premature aging, or any other problem. Taking care of these issues on time can result in your roof working perfectly for many years.
Choosing a Cedar Shake Roof in Indianapolis
Besides its beautiful look and unique scent, you should know that a cedar shake roof can withstand winds up to 130 miles per hour. Cedar shake roofs can also be pressure treated to prevent the unwanted growth of fungi or moss and fire treated if fire prevention is your concern.
Whether you need to replace your home’s current roof or are building a new family home in Indianapolis, going for a cedar shake roof can be one of the smartest decisions you ever make. Jackson Contracting in Indianapolis has a great team of contractors with the experience and knowledge needed to install any type of roof. Give us a call today to discuss your plans, your needs, and the unique design of your home.