Is it a Shake? Or is it a Shingle?

We know…when you’re looking at a cedar shake or shingle, it can sometimes be hard to tell the two apart.

There is a technical difference, and by inspecting your materials, you can find out which cedar product you have on your home.

Typically, a shingle is more slender than a shake, more uniform in appearance, and is quite often used for smooth siding, especially in coastal environments. While Eastern White shingles are popular in New England and New Jersey, Western Reds are more commonly seen in the Pacific Northwest. Alaskan Yellow is also a popular alternative.

Traditional shingle lengths are 16” and 18”, but 24” shingles are also possible. Shingle end thicknesses range from 3/8” – ½”. Shingles can be milled to have a “grooved” pattern on them that mimics a shake, but the pattern is very regular and even.

A shake is typically understood to be a “hand-split” shake, with the rustic somewhat uneven appearance that is typical of cabins, national parks, or truly chic high-end homes. These are usually larger and thicker, ranging from ½” to ¾” thick at the end, but can be custom cut as thick at the bottom as 1-2 inches!

Shakes are usually 24” long but can also be cut at 18” lengths. There are also some shakes that look like a hefty shingle, these are smooth cut and called “taper-sawn” shakes. Shakes are often used for roofing, as well as siding.

When shopping for cedar products, people hear the term “shake shingle” used a lot. While this is technically not a correct way to describe the wood, the term comes from a pre-fab home manufacturer in Michigan called Aladdin Homes from the mid-20th century who described the fancy new style of siding as “shake shingle” siding.

http://www.antiquehome.org/House-Plans/1953-Aladdin/Iris.htm

“Shake Shingle” siding is usually a way to describe a grooved cedar shingle, that looks like a shake, but is precision milled like a shingle. These shingles will be narrower, thinner, and look very even in appearance.

When you’re looking at your home, trying to decide whether you have shakes or shingles, here are some handy things to look for:

1)      Wood Species: Western Red, Eastern White, or Alaskan Yellow?

2)      Length of the shingle: 16”, 18”, or 24”? (Note, these are “nominal” lengths, which means the actual length of the shingle may be a bit shorter.)

3)      Thickness at the bottom of the shingle: a precise measurement really helps.

4)      The texture of the face:

a.       Is it smooth?

                          i.      Does it have a saw mark on the face or is it quite smooth?

                          ii.      Does it appear to be sanded?

b.       Is it grooved in a very regular pattern, or are there more natural variations?

5)      Does it appear to be treated / painted with anything?

6)      Length of the exposure/reveal: how far apart are the shingles from row to row?

If you find you have a rougher, thicker, longer material on your home, then you most likely have a cedar shake.

But if what you’re looking at is shorter, even and looks evenly milled, then you most likely have a cedar shingle.

If you’ve gone through this checklist and still are stumped, feel free to contact our customer service team, and we’ll be happy to help you determine what you need before you buy.