RESIDENTIAL ROOFING SOLUTIONS

SHINGLE - SLATE - TILE - SHAKE

shingles

You can find many roofing materials on the market, but asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular options today. To help you understand this material more, here are 10 fast facts from Placke Restoration Contractors:

This material has been used for roofs since the early 1900s.

Asphalt shingles comprise 80% of residential roofs across North America.
Contractors also call asphalt shingle roofing in St. Louis, MO, as composition shingles.
This shingle consists of a fiberglass base mat coated in composition asphalt materials. This gives it additional strength and waterproofing properties.
This affordable roofing material requires easy installation and little maintenance.
It has a good fire rating and durability against different weather conditions.
It is ideal for roofing with moderate to high slopes.
These shingles can mimic the look of authentic wood shakes or natural slate. They also come in a wide range of colors and styles for added curb appeal.
They can last up to 50 years. When they reach the end of their service life, you can have them recycled to make new pavements or roads.
They can come in either three-tab, thicker architectural shingles and designer series. Other asphalt roofs also come in multiple layers.

Asphalt shingles remain popular because of their beauty, reliability, and affordability. If you’re looking for quality shingles for your roof, you can rely on Placke Restoration Contractors. We are proud to offer shingles from Atlas, CertainTeed, GAF, Malarkey and TAMKO, all leading roofing manufacturers. You can choose from their types of shingles:

Strip shingles (3 Tab) – They are the most basic shingle line available. They come in single layers and have a flat appearance on the roof-line.
Dimensional shingles – Also called architectural laminated shingles, they come in dual or multiple layers. It has a heavier weight compared with strip shingles. Most come with some form of algae resistance.
Premium shingles – These laminated shingles can mimic the look of Old World shingles. Premium shingles come with impact resistance or solar reflective feature.

Asphalt shingles are ideal choices that will protect and beautify your home.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is one of the most historic and expensive roofing materials for good reason - a slate roof can last well over 75 years. Despite its longevity, there can be issues with having a slate roof on your home.

The history of slate roofing.

Slate roofing has a long history dating back to the 12th Century in Wales. During that time period, slate was incredibly expensive and mainly used on large buildings like castles and churches.

In the United States, slate roofs started to become popular in the 1600s and peaked in popularity in the early 1900s. Today, slate has regained popularity with historic home renovations.

Why has it increased in popularity? Let’s take a look at a few of its benefits.

The benefits of slate roofing.

There several unique aspects of a slate roof:

1. Appearance.

Many homeowners are drawn to slate because of its beauty and distinctive texture. In addition, it can be found in a variety of colors that blend to create a one-of-a-kind color on each roof.

2. Durability.

A slate roof can last from 75 years to upwards of 150 years. That’s a huge benefit compared to asphalt roofing, which typically lasts 20 to 30 years.

3. Fire resistance.

Compared to other roofing materials, slate roofs are extremely fire resistant.

The drawbacks of slate roofing.

1. Poor installation can lead to big problems.

A well-installed slate roof can last for a lifetime, but a poorly installed roof can lead to major structural problems or other severe damage to the home. Because slate roofs aren’t as common today as other roofing materials, there are fewer contractors that know how to properly install this type of roofing. When you’re hiring a contractor, make sure they have plenty of experience.

2. Slate roof tiles are heavy.

A slate roof can weigh anywhere from 800 to 1500 lbs per square of material. By comparison, asphalt roofing typically ranges from 200 to 350 lbs per square. At well over double the weight, the slate roof tiles need additional structural support to keep them from damaging the home. Therefore, part of any remodel with slate roofing would require you to have your home’s structure evaluated to make sure it can handle the weight.

3. Slate roofing can be fragile.

Slate roofing tiles chip, crack or break with minimal force, so falling tree branches, hail or other impacts could make tile replacements necessary. Even walking on the roof can cause considerable damage to slate roofing, and, replacing broken tiles can be costly.

4. A slate roof costs more than other roofing materials.

Slate roofing can cost over 5 times that of an average asphalt roof at $600 to 800 per square.. This makes it a huge upfront investment for your home.

Tile Roofing

Tile has been used for roofing since the early Neolithic Age. It’s still a popular roofing choice because of its reliability against different weather conditions. Placke Roofing and Construction’s top 11 facts about tile roofing:
It can withstand any weather condition, lasting at-least 50 years.

It has a low life cycle cost, saving you money on maintenance in the long run.
It comes in two types: clay and concrete. Clay tiles retain their strength and color through baking at extremely high temperatures. Concrete, on the other hand, is a mix of Portland cement and sand.
It can mimic the look of slate or wood shakes, complementing any type of architectural style.
Tiles come in different colors, sizes, and shapes.
Tile roofing is an eco-friendly option because production of this material does not deplete natural resources. Recycler’s can also turn old tiles into new roofing materials.
Roof tiles, together with proper insulation and decking, ensure energy efficiency.
Both concrete and clay tile roofing in St. Louis, MO, have Class A fire rating. This is because tile roofs allow for air circulation under the material, reducing heat transfer in the attic.
With proper installation, tile roofs can withstand winds as strong as 125 mph.
Tile roofs are also resistant against small hail. They can stand strong against hailstones as large as 1.5 inches.
Tile roofs have two layers to ensure protection against the elements. The top layer serves as a water-shedding shell, while the underlayment prevents interior water damage.

Keep in mind that tile roofs need professional installation for them to last long. Let Placke Roofing and Construction handle the installation for you. We specialize in both clay and concrete tiles as well as other roofing materials. Through roof replacement and roof repair in St. Louis, MO, you can have a comfortable and well-protected home for years.

Shake Roofing

Environmentally friendly according to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, cedar is "green," a renewable resource. That's because the group says that new cedar trees are always being planted. The group sites statistics from the American Forest and Paper association that say that in 1999, the forestry community planted some 1.7 billion trees in the United States. That's an average of more than 4 million new trees planted every day and more than five new trees a year for every man, woman and child in America. The group says the cedar trees it maintains are also good for the environment because they suck up greenhouse gas emissions that help lead to global warming.Every home, just like every household is different. The way you chose to display it to the world is up to you. However, there are a number of reasons that cedar makes a great choice.

Using cedar shingles or shakes is one of the best ways to introduce a natural touch to your everyday life. Your house’s roof is more than just protection against the elements, it also makes a statement!

Cedar shingles and shakes make a statement that is somewhere between bold and understated. It’s a unique effect. Wooden shingles and shakes catch the eye with their elegance and rustic charm, and yet their natural look is simultaneously inherently tasteful and subtle.

But what are shakes and shingles, and how are they different?

If you find yourself asking this question, you’re not alone — there are some subtle differences between these two items. Let’s take a look at what each type is, how it is built, how to spot differences in quality and what variations they come in.

Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles are much beloved for their economical price, aesthetic and protective abilities. They give homes a charming rusticity, while also being a symbol of quality and investment. Cedar shingle roof life is also remarkably high — at least 30 years with proper care. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, may last only 15 years.

A smooth, uniform look is one thing that characterizes cedar shingles. This appearance is due to the way in which shingles get produced. Up until the middle of the 20th century, woodworkers sawed cedar shingles by hand from a block of wood to create a smooth surface on all sides of the shingle.

Today, machines quickly and reliably produce shingles, saving time, money and a lot of thankful arm muscles. Each one is tapered to be thicker on one end.

On a roof, cedar shingles have a graceful and consistent look. While they are far more rustic and charming than asphalt shingles, they also have a refined quality that makes them well-suited for classical, Victorian, Greek Revival or ranch homes. Their style complements fine architecture and naturally adds to the sophistication of a house.

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are the rugged brother of shingles. They are beloved for their rusticity and non-uniformity, with each shake looking slightly different from the ones surrounding it. Cedar shake roof life is also around 30 years, making them an outstanding investment for homes.

The ruggedness of cedar shakes stems from the fact that their surface is rough-cut, with gouges and imperfections aplenty for the eye to feast on. This rough-cut surface results from the method of production. Traditionally, cedar shakes were made by splitting the wood with a froe and mallet. This method imprinted the imperfections into the style, which we have come to love as time has gone on.

A cedar shake is much thicker than a cedar shingle. This thickness compensates for the crests and troughs along its width. Without a half-inch or three-quarter-inch thickness, it is possible the dips in texture might create weak points in the shingle, while the added sturdiness assures each one will be strong and not at risk of splitting.

Cedar shakes are still made by hand, though of course there is a lot of machinery involved as well. Wood splitters cut and split up logs, and skilled handlers move the pieces through a series of cuts to ensure quality.

Due to their rough-cut look, cedar shakes are an excellent choice for any rustic-style house. They are equally at home on cabins, country farmhouses and other such homes. Because they have a “fairytale” appeal, they are beautiful on tiny cottages that need an extra touch of rustic charm.

Understanding Wood Grains and Cuts

As you immerse yourself in the world of cedar roofing, the importance of wood quality soon becomes obvious. How a tree is cut will almost single-handedly determine the quality of the resulting shingles and shakes.

Imagine looking at the cross-section of a cut tree, with the concentric tree rings facing you. The following are the primary cuts possible for shingles and shakes.

Edge cuts: If you were to cut a sliver horizontally across, passing through the tree’s center, the resulting cut would naturally contain lots of tree rings — this is because the cut was made perpendicular to them. This is the strongest cut possible and is the one responsible for high-quality cedar shingles and shakes.

Flat cuts: A shingle or shake cut from the area directly above and below the tree’s center would produce a flat cut. Because of the circular shape of the grains, they would rise on one end and fall on the other, creating a cut that is weaker than the edge cut. This type of cut will probably split in a roofing application.

Slash cuts: Whereas edge cuts are completely against the grain and flat cuts are completely along it, slash cuts are a combination of both. Above or below the center, these cuts start towards the middle and work their way outward. As a result, they are less stable than both edge cuts and flat cuts.

The Difference in Wood Grades

As there are so many types of trees and different ways to cut them, it is easy to see how wood would come in different grades of quality. Wood grading is something to pay attention to when choosing your cedar shingles or shakes for roofing or siding.

There are four grades of wood.

Grade 1: The highest-quality wood available, this type is made completely from edge grain cuts. It is guaranteed to be free of defects and will create a long-lasting roof.
Grade 2: Some sapwood makes its way into grade 2 lumber, but overall, this is still a good-quality product. It is made from flat grain. There may be some knots and blemishes that will appear on the exposed part of the shingle. Grade 2 lumber is fine for replacing parts of the roof or as a way to learn how to roof cedar shingles. It is also suitable for siding.
Grade 3: This is the budget option for those needing an underlayer of wood siding. It will have more permitted defects and blemishes than grade 2 lumber, and many of them will show on the exposed part of the shingle once the roof is installed. Some sapwood will be included in this grade. If used on the exterior of a building, this grade is best suited for buildings like sheds.
Grade 4: The lowest-quality option available, this type of shingle should only be used for the underlayer on siding. It is not suitable for any type of exterior work.

Options for Cedar Shingles

Wood shingles are extremely versatile. They can be used on gradual roofs, as well as siding. Their smooth texture is the reason these shingles are in use on roofs that are not steep. Wood shakes have gouges and valleys that create friction for sliding snow, as well as trap moisture and allow things like moss to gain a foothold. Wood shingles, on the other hand, allow rain, snow and ice to roll downward and exit the roof.

For this reason, wood shingles can be used on pitches as low as 3 in 12, making them an excellent choice for those who live in areas with lots of inclement weather. Do keep in mind that gradual roofs should have a proper underlayer to ensure no water gets through.
Wood shingles come in three different sizes:

Fivex shingles: These shingles are slender — only ¼” thick and 16” long. This shingle offers 7-½” of exposure, with 8-½” overlapped by the shingle above.

Perfection shingles: Obviously regarded highly by whoever named them, perfection shingles are slightly thicker than fivex shingles, at 3/8”. Their 18” length gives them an 8-½” exposure, which might suit a slightly larger house.

Royal shingles: Royal shingles reflect their name in that they are larger and statelier than their counterparts. They are only a slight bit thicker than perfection shingles, at ½”. However, they are substantially longer at 24”. This means not only a thicker profile and a sturdier shingle, but also an 11-½” exposure.

The general rule of thumb is that a shingle’s exposure should be ½” less than half of its length. That’s why a 16” shingle will have 7-½” of exposure, while a royal shingle will have 11-½”.

Options for Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are naturally thicker than shingles, which, as we mentioned before, can partly account for their higher cost. They are best suited for roofs of 4 in 12 pitch or greater.
There are three types of wood shake, each desirable for its own set of qualities.

Heavy split/resawn: This is the classic, high-quality wood shake most people can immediately picture. The exposed shake has a rough, gouged surface that is the result of a natural splitting process in manufacturing. The bottoms of these shakes are sawn smooth, allowing them to lay flush against the underlayer. As their name suggests, these shakes are quite thick: they come in ¾”, 1” or 1-¼” thicknesses. They are also tapered, so this thickness is that of the exposed butt.

Medium split/resawn: These shakes are identical to heavy split shakes in every way except for their thickness, which comes in ½” or 3/8”. These are a good option for those looking for a luxurious aesthetic while saving a bit of money.

Tapersawn: While technically a shake due to its thickness, this type is sawn until it is smooth on all sides, much like a shingle. It is the most popular type of wood shake roof on the market, as it is versatile and works with many different types of house architectures. It has the uniform look of wood shingles and the beautiful shadows of shakes. It comes in 5/8”, ¾” and 1” thicknesses.

Premium Options for Both Cedar Shingles and Shakes

If you are looking to spruce up the value of your cedar shingles or shake roof, there are a few options available to you.

Fancy-butt shingles: The butt of the shingle or shake doesn’t have to be square — it can also be cut in any number of different decorative shapes like circles, cusps and notches. Be sure to look at samples to see if a fancy-butt item would work on your home.

Fire-retardant application: One of the few downsides of wood roofs is that they are vulnerable to fires. However, a process exists to make shingles or shakes resistant to flames by pressure-treating them with a fire-retardant substance. This treatment adds another level of safety and peace of mind to your home.

Fungus prevention application: Preventing the growth of mold and fungus will lengthen the life of your roof immensely. Shingles or shakes are treated in the same way as with fire retardants, with a pressure application system. Note that you cannot have both fire and fungal protection — you can only choose one.