Roofing Guide to Choosing the Right Shake Roofing for Your Home and the Climate Where You Live

If you want to have a shake roof installed on your home, there are a lot of things to consider. You want to decide on the type of materials and whether to use shakes or wood shingles. Also, what is the climate like where you live and are there any special requirements for installing new shakes on your home? You also want to consider the maintenance needs of these new shake roofing materials. The following guide will help you with choosing the right shake materials to install on your home when you need a new roof:

1. Choosing the Right Type of Underlayment to Protect Your Home from Moisture Problems with Shakes

2. Deciding If You Want to Use Split Shakes or Wood Shingle Materials for the Needs of Your Home

The underlayment that you use for your shake roofing is important. If you are going to be installing the shakes on top of decking, the underlayment can be felt paper materials that allow the roof to breathe and prevent condensation problems. If you are going to be installing the shakes on top of slats, you can use a rubber membrane type of moisture barrier that will give your roof more protection from leaks and moisture damage.

You will also want to consider if you want to use split shakes or wood shingle materials. Split shakes give you the option for texture and unique artisan craftsmanship for the roof of your home, as well as choices of wood. With milled wood shingles, your roof will have a uniform look with an affordable material that also gives you options for treatments to protect the roofing.

3. Options for Treated Shakes That Can Be Used for Dry and Wet Climates That Need More from Roofing Materials

Wood shake roofs can be installed with shingles that are pressure treated with chemicals to protect against fire, fungus, and rot. If you live in an area that has a mostly wet climate, you will want pressure treated materials that protect against fungus like moss. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to use a material that has been pressure treated with fire-retardant chemicals.

4. Synthetic Shake Options When You Want the Look of Shakes with Materials That Are More Durable

Synthetic shake materials can be another option that you want to consider for your home. In some dry climates, the only option you have is synthetic materials because wood roofs are banned. These can be synthetic composite materials, metal, and panels made from plastics and other synthetic materials. This is a great solution to give your home the look of shakes if you cannot use real wood materials.

When you are ready to install a new roof and want to use shake materials, it is important to make the right choice of materials. Contact a roofer for help choosing the right materials for your home and to have them install your new shake roof.