When it comes to materials for your property, there are a number of options available to choose from. Depending on your budget, as well as your location, will often determine which you go for. You should opt for the best material you can afford so that you can protect your property and improve its appearance at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the comparisons between using cedar shingles vs shakes, as well as their applications and strengths.
What are Cedar shingles?
Cedar shingles are thin and smooth pieces of cedar. These have been sawed in a mill in order to achieve even, clean, and uniform shingles.
When they’re installed onto the home, the shingles will lay flat and evenly against the property. The result of this is a timeless look that will remain in style for years and years. It’s a complementary material when it comes to a variety of architectural approaches.
Due to their thinner and flatter composition, they have their advantages when it comes to dealing with certain weather conditions.
When are cedar shingles used?
With Cedar shingles, you’re more likely to use these to cover a whole building. You could also use them on a roof or to create a feature wall or facade. Regardless of what you use cedar shingles for, you’ll get a fantastic result, whether you’re looking for a traditional appearance or a modern look.
The warmth and rich color that cedar shingles provide means it will bring a new lease of life to your property, especially if it has been looking a little dull recently. It can add character that really transforms your property, helping it stand out from the rest of your neighbor’s properties.
What are shakes?
Cedar shingles are milled by a machine. The difference with cedar shakes is that they’re hand-split from a cedar log. As a result, you’ve got an irregular shape that gives them a rugged appearance. This might not be to everyone’s tastes but it can appear more natural and delivers a three-dimensional look when installed on the property.
Cedar shakes are also more thicker and textured than cedar shingles. This contributes positively to their durability and can be beneficial to homeowners who are looking for something to protect their property.
When are shakes used?
For those using cedar shakes, they can be great to add to the roof in order to make your home more indestructible from the elements. As a more resilient type of material, they can be useful for application on the roof, as well as to other areas of the home’s exterior.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cedar Shingles vs Shakes
So what are some of the pros and cons when it comes to using cedar shingles vs shakes? When you’re trying to decide between the two, it’s good to know what advantages and disadvantages come with using each type of siding material.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar Shingles have many useful advantages when it comes to comparing them to Shakes. With Shingles, you’ve got a more affordable option if your budget is limited. It’s also a material that’s less fussy than what you’d get with Shakes and other siding materials. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Shingles.
Advantages
- Less expensive
- Lighter in weight
- Delivers an elegant and seamless look
- Requires less maintenance
- Suitable for a range of styles and purposes
Disadvantages
- Not as durable
- Doesn’t do as well when insulating the property
- May not be suitable for certain weather conditions, i.e. high winds/snow
- Prone to cracking or splitting
Cedar Shakes
Cedar Shakes are a bit more rough and ready when it comes to siding material. It’s a lot more rugged and uniquely shaped depending on which way the axe falls. Here are some advantages of disadvantages of Shakes.
Advantages
- Durable and long-lasting
- Great for insulation
- Resistant to pest damage
- Provides a rustic look
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other materials
- Heavier than shingles
- Requires more maintenance over time
- Not suitable for all styles of architect
Which do you choose – Shingles or Shakes?
How do you choose which one is best for you and your home? It’s good to factor in a number of reasons why you’d choose cedar shingles over shakes.
Firstly, the architectural style of your home might cater more towards Shingles than Shakes. With Shingles, it’s a lot more versatile, offering more scope for possibilities, whereas Shakes are more particular and therefore limited in what it can cover.
The budget is another factor in because how much you have available to spend will certainly determine how much you can afford when it comes to siding materials. With Shakes, they are more expensive and so if you’re covering a larger area of your property, then you might find it’s too pricey.
Of course, durability and insulation are two important factors when it comes to picking siding materials. Shakes are often the better ones for durability and insulation. However, Shingles are good for those who want less maintenance.
If you experience a lot of heavy snowfall, you might find that Shakes are going to be more durable in keeping your home protected from the elements.
Whatever you choose, it’s good to weigh the pros and cons when it comes to selecting the right siding material for your home. Looking at the options above, you’ll likely find that one ticks more of the boxes than the other, which is what you should judge your decision on.
Conclusion
When choosing a roofing or siding material, shakes and shingles are two great options in comparison to others. Each material, as shown above, has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages.
If you need more affordability with your choices, then Shingles are going to be the better option. For those who want durability and a rustic look to their home, then Shakes are likely going to be the option even if they are more expensive.
Do your research and weigh up the advantages until you’re satisfied with the right siding material for your property needs.
