Chelan and Wenatchee Home Inspection- Shake or Shingle

Wood roofs- Is it a Shingle roof or a Shake roof? This at times is very difficult to really know because the modern milling techniques for shingles can mimic shakes, but generally speaking shingles are sawn (smooth) and shakes are split (rough/rustic). 

The most common wood species is western red cedar, though redwood, treated pine or even cypress may be used.

Wood shingle and shake roofs can be very beautiful but they need special attention during installation.

An issue I am seeing during the home inspection of the roof is with the use of solid decking behind the wooden shingles/shakes. Improper installation technique on solid decking is causing the shakes to wear much quicker, curl and split. This is shortening the life of the roofing.

Wood shakes/shingles need to be able to breath and have air movement around them. The traditional way was to install skip sheeting which allowed proper air movement around the shakes. Skip sheeting is usually 1x4 or 1x6 evenly spaced for shingle attachment. The more humid the environment the more critical this breathability is.

The issue of solid decking if this air movement is not properly accounted for you will see issues in the shakes and the decking from moisture and excessive heat.

There are breathable membranes available that can be installed and some manufactures of the shingles actually design the shingle to have built in integral ventilation.

When hiring a roofing contractor it is critical to hire one who truly understands the roofing materials being installed, the environment and the proper installation techniques involved for such environment.

The last thing you want to hear from the home inspector or roofing contractor that the roof is done and it is only 10 years old.

Here is a case study on wood roofs that have lasted a very long time. A 70 year old shake roof
 

Chelan and Wenatchee Home Inspection-  Is it Shake or Shingle roofs