Cedar shakes are hand-split wood roofing shingles made specifically from cedar, the wood species overwhelmingly favored for this application given its natural resistance to decay, insects, and moisture compared to many other wood types.
Cedar’s naturally occurring oils and resins provide inherent protective properties that make it particularly well suited to prolonged outdoor exposure, a significant factor in why this species has become nearly synonymous with wood shake roofing generally.
Over time, untreated cedar shakes weather from their original warm brown tone to a distinctive silvery gray, a natural aging process many homeowners specifically appreciate as part of the material’s evolving character.
What Does a Cedar Shake Involve?
- Hand-split cedar wood
- Natural decay and insect resistance from cedar’s inherent oils
- A weathering process changing color from brown to silvery gray over time
- Periodic treatment to maintain moisture and fire resistance
Why Are Cedar Shakes Important?
Cedar’s natural durability properties have made it the practical default choice for wood shake roofing, offering meaningfully better longevity and decay resistance than many alternative wood species would provide in prolonged outdoor exposure. This natural performance advantage is a major reason cedar shakes have remained the standard despite the availability of other wood types.
Regular maintenance, including periodic cleaning to remove moss or debris and occasional treatment for fire resistance in applicable regions, significantly affects how long a cedar shake roof actually performs, making upkeep a genuine consideration for homeowners choosing this material. Factoring in this maintenance commitment upfront helps set realistic expectations for long-term ownership. This informed approach helps ensure satisfaction with the choice for years to come.
Cedar Shakes vs. Wood Shakes
Cedar shakes specifically use cedar wood, chosen for its natural durability. Wood shakes is the broader category term that technically includes other wood species as well, though cedar dominates the market so thoroughly that the terms are often used interchangeably in practice.