Shake Reroofing Options

Pluses and Minuses to Shake

• Shake roofs come with some disadvantages. In its natural form, shake isn't fire retardant. Plus, it requires maintenance. You'll need to clean twigs, moss and fungus from your roof periodically. However, shake can last up to 25 years. Pressure-treated versions can last more than 30 years.

Shakes vs Shingles

• Learn to distinguish between shakes and shingles. Shakes are hand split, while shingles are sawed. A shake definitely looks more rustic than a shingle. Shake shingles will have a natural radial crack. The best shakes come from the heartwood of older cedar trees. Take care where you purchase your shakes. The quality can vary greatly from vendor to vendor. Use a contractor experienced with shake installation.

Paintings and Coatings

• Normally, shakes take on a silvery patina over time. Many people find the appearance attractive, but if you don't, you can also apply paints, stains, oils and coatings. Make these purchases when you order your shakes, since waiting until installation can make the process extremely difficult. You can have your shakes chromate copper arsenate (CCA) treated to help control the growth of fungus, mold and mildew. You'll also have choices when it comes to fireproofing them. Some shakes have a simple spray-on fireproofing that only lasts a few years. Others are pressure treated with fireproofing, which actually extends the life of the shake.

Various Grades

• When buying shakes, you'll choose the grade, shape, size and the kind of cedar you want. Regular cedar comes in grades 1, 2 and 3. Within Grade 1 are Premium and Number 1. Premium shakes are made from edge grain. Premium shakes last longer and are less likely to curl. Number 1 shakes have a maximum of 20 percent edge grain. Another choice in wood for shakes is western red cedar, which comes in three varieties: Blue Label, Red Label and Black Label. Blue Label is the best, as it has 100 percent edge gain heartwood and no defects. Red Label consists of 66 percent heartwood; you'll see a few knots and defects. Black Label has about 50 percent heartwood and will also show a few defects.