There’s something about the warmth and character of a home with wood shingles and shakes as a roof. From old-world charm to new-school construction, these unique shingles can add so much to your home without making you feel like you’re about to give your wallet a headache.
While homeowners comparing premium materials may also consider slate shingles, wood offers a completely different aesthetic, one shaped by natural grain, rich color, and graceful weathering. At Modern Roofing, we install and replace wood roofing systems to give your home that extra bit of something special. Let’s dive in.
You wouldn’t be the first person to ask us about what the difference is between these unique roofing materials. Wood shingles are machine cut, giving them a smooth, consistent profile and more uniform appearance. Wood shakes are traditionally split, creating thicker pieces with deeper texture and a rustic look.
Now you know, so we can get on with the rest.
Natural wood roofing adds high-end curb appeal that manufactured materials struggle to duplicate. Wood also provides useful insulating properties and can complement historic, luxury, Craftsman, cottage, and custom homes. For homeowners who value authentic materials, shake roofing creates depth and visual variation.
Speaking of materials, Modern Roofing offers plenty of options for you on that front.
Western Red Cedar remains a popular choice because of its attractive grain, dimensional stability, and natural resistance to decay. Alaskan Yellow Cedar offers a dense, durable alternative with a distinctive lighter appearance. A cedar roofing contractor can help homeowners compare species, grades, profiles, and installation requirements.
Plenty of folks worry about how long wood can last as a roofing material. After all, all you have to do is see all the rotten decks and porches around the community to question the option. Well, let’s calm your fears.
The service life of cedar roofing depends heavily on climate, installation quality, ventilation, exposure, and maintenance. A well-built roof needs more than attractive wood on the surface. Proper airflow helps manage heat and moisture, while routine care can reduce conditions that encourage premature deterioration.
Of course, careful and ongoing maintenance of the product can make a difference, too.
Wood roofing benefits from periodic inspections and thoughtful maintenance. Leaves, branches, and other debris should not remain trapped on the roof. Moss or organic growth may also require professional attention. Depending on the roof and environment, appropriate treatments can help preserve the material. Regular inspections allow a wood roofing company to identify split, loose, or deteriorated pieces before localized problems spread.
Cedar works especially well on homes where natural character is a design priority. However, homeowners should consider HOA requirements, local fire codes, surrounding vegetation, climate, and maintenance expectations. Wood shake roofing is beautiful, but choosing it should involve both design goals and practical conditions.
Successful cedar roof installation depends on details hidden beneath and between the visible pieces. Proper underlayment, ventilation, fasteners, flashing, spacing, and moisture management all influence performance. During a wood roof replacement, our team evaluates the roofing system as a whole rather than focusing only on the finished surface.
Modern Roofing has served Burbank and surrounding Los Angeles County communities since 2002. We are a licensed C-39 Roofing Contractor, License No. 807881, and a BBB-accredited business. Our residential services include roof repair, replacement, leak detection, waterproofing, flashing work, and emergency repairs. We also work with a broad range of roofing materials, including wood and slate shingles, giving homeowners experienced guidance when comparing options.
Schedule your assessment today and learn how Modern Roofing can make your home stand out with the most charming roof style possible.
Call Us:
(866) 409-5086
2829 N. Glenoaks Blvd Suite #104
Burbank, CA 91504
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Sat: 8 am - 12 pm
Sun: Closed
Modern Roofing, Inc. specializes in all types of residential and commercial roofing. We are a full service roofing company that has built its reputation by working closely with our customers to provide the best possible solutions to their roofing problems. We create long term relationships with our customers through our expertise and commitment to excellence. We stand by our work, and our customers can count on us to be there when they need us.
License No C-39 – Roofing Contractor 807881
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