Kansas City’s Modern Take on Wood Shake
Fidler on the Roof KC partners with DaVinci Roofscapes to install visually stunning, durable alternatives to wood roofing.
Sometimes “out with the old, in with the new” is a less-than-satisfactory experience. While the old product or trend may need an update, it’s often not something we want to completely abandon.
Yet with wood shake roofing technology, the “new” is an overwhelmingly net gain. And the old is still an option for some homeowners.
What is shake roofing?
“Shake” historically refers to thick, textured wooden strips intended to be used as shingles. Before manufacturing, shakes were split by hand from a block of redwood or cedar. The splitting action created the fibrous texture known as shake. Spoiler: We still have the texture!
Historic wood shake shingles.
Wood shingles (of varying types) were the historic mainstay of roofing in the United States. However, 20th Century concerns about flammability led to the increased use of asphalt (composite) and other roofing materials. Property insurers also scrutinized wooden roofs, increased premiums or refused to cover them. Although not universally banned, the installation of new wood shake is restricted by many communities and HOAs, generally due to concerns about fire risk.
The good news? The organic, warm aesthetic of shake is still available. An alternative to wood is an equally appealing synthetic shake shingle. These durable tiles are made with polymers and from recycled materials. These shingles’ curb appeal equals or rivals that of wood shake.
Fidler on the Roof KC installed synthetic shake shingles on this Colorado home.
Benefits of synthetic shake shingles
More budget-friendly than wood.
Retains its vibrant appearance, whereas the color of actual cedar fades.
Durable and fire resistant.
Extremely customizable in terms of color, texture and cut.
Can be recycled and has a lower carbon footprint than traditional roofing shingles, according to the National Park Service’s Sustainable Building Implementation Plan.
The park service also recommends use of synthetic roofing materials on its historic properties because “growing evidence indicates that with proper planning, careful specifications and supervision, substitute materials can be used successfully in the process of restoring the visual appearance of historic resources.”
Fidler on the Roof KC has been designated as Master Contractors by a premiere synthetic shake roofing manufacturer, DaVinci Roofscapes, headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas. If you have questions about synthetic shake or other types of roofing or would like to see samples, please contact us.
