subject: Metal Roofing Ft Worth | Roof Repair Ft Worth | Aluminum Roofs [print this page] Wood Shingle, Shakes or Metal Roofing? Wood Shingle, Shakes or Metal Roofing?
Wood Shingles have a smooth, finished appearance; wood shakes have a rough-hewn look. Both are made from western red cedar. Shingles are sawn into lengths of 16, 18 or 24 inches. Shakes whick are thicker than shingles, are split by machine or hand into 18 or 24 inch lengths. Both come in random widths.
Shingles and Shakes are laid in overlapping courses, or rows. Shingles either have a countinuous underlayment of roofing felt or none at all; shakes alternate with strips of felt. Both shingles and shakes may be laid directly on the sheathing or over an earlier roofing surface, such as asphalt shingles. They are attached with galvanized roofing nails.
Wood shingles and shakes usually last between 15 and 25 years, depending on the roof slope and the climate. If you suspect wear, inspect the roof for curled, brocken, or split shingles, and for shingles that have been lifted by wind.Look also for shigles thinned by weathering and erosion, especially around areas where an attic inspection reveals pinpoints of light. Wood shakes show their age when the wood crumbles easily under foot or between your fingers.
You may want to consider metal roofing alternatives instead - most metal roofs last a lifetime and are gauranteed to do so. Metal roofing or Metal roofing shakes are becoming very popular because of the longevity and great looks.
The extent of the defects you find will indicate wheteher you need to repair or replace shingles or shakes. If only a few shingles or shakes are split or wind lifted, you can repair them; those that are badly splintered or curled or that have begun to crumble should be replaced. If the damage is extensive, consider replacing the entire roof.
To remove the nails from a damaged shingle or shake youre replacing, either rent a shingle ripper or use a hacksaw blade. To use the ripper, slide it under the shingle and around a nail; then cut the shank of the nail with a hammer blow.
Since shingles and shakes are random widths, youll need to trim the new ones to fit the space, using a roofers hatchet or saw. Leave a 1/4-inch clearance on each side of every replacement piece to allow for expansion of the wood.angles on the sides must match the slope of your roof.
