Making the most out of metal!

By Trevor Underwood, DECRA. 

Learn how to get the look of wood shake with the strength and performance of metal!  

Sine the 1800s, wood shake roofs have been the most popular roofing material in the United States. This is partly due to their aesthetic and also the cost-effectiveness and durability of the material at the time. However, at the turn of the century they began falling in popularity as newer technologies came onto the market. There was also the added complications of deforestation and logging issues that contributed to this drop in popularity.  

All of this means that wood shake roofing is now considered antiquated and is not common. However, for the homeowners that are looking for the charm and character of that aesthetic, they can still find it today in the form of metal! Learn why this is a great, high-performance option from the experts at DECRA. 

First, what is wood shake roofing? 

Wood shake roofing is made from blocks of either cedar, redwood or pine. These blocks are split or cut into individual shakes. Wood shakes have a rough, textured surface and an uneven, thicker end piece, known as the butt, to provide a distinctive, rustic appearance. 

It’s important to note that the term wood shakes is often used interchangeably with wood shingles, but generally speaking, wood shakes are cut thicker than wood shingles and have a butt end that tapers down to a fine edge.  

Wood shake roofs are essential for traditional and rustic-themed homes that rely on the rich color and natural texture of wood. 

Unfortunately, wood shake roofs have a lengthy list of issues that require routine maintenance in the form of cleaning, treating for insects and decay and replacing damaged shakes. They also have substantial shortcomings when it comes to durability and performance, including:  

• Fading to dull gray after brief exposure to the sun and elements. 
• Loosening around the fasteners after repeated exposure to wet/dry cycles. 
• Mold and other bacterial growth that requires chemical treatments. 
• Poor resistance to fire, so much so that wood shake roofs are neither recommended nor insured for homes near wildfire-prone areas.  

What is metal roofing?  

For centuries, metal roofing has been the go-to roofing solution for the industrial sector due to its durability, longevity and low maintenance. But the popularity of metal roofing in the residential sector was minimal for most of the 20th century due to its industrial appearance. 

This changed when stone-coated metal roofing entered the market in 1957. While all types of metal roofing products boast industrial-grade durability and performance, some metal roofing materials – including aluminum, copper, corrugated and standing seam – are limited when it comes to aesthetics and design flexibility.  

Stone-coated metal roofing, however, gave homeowners the high-performance strength that only metal can provide without compromising on style. 

Made from steel sheets coated with stone granules, stone-coated metal roofs offer a wide variety of colors, styles and textures and replicate the look of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles, clay tiles and wood shakes. 

Can you tell the difference between a stone-coated metal roof and a traditional wood shake roof? 

Which is better: wood shake roofing or metal roofing? 

So, which is better? Wood shake roofing or metal roofing? 

Metal roofing is tough to beat when it comes to performance, durability and longevity: 

• Metal roofs have a lifespan that lasts two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials, such as wood shakes. 
• Metal roofs are engineered to withstand the elements and have the highest ratings for nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer including hail, fire, hurricanes, tornados, high winds, earthquakes and snow and ice. 
• Metal roofs are one of the most energy-efficient types of roofing on the market, so much so they can reduce cooling costs by up to 25%. 
• Insurance companies love metal roofs and a metal roof can lower your homeowner’s insurance by up to 35%. (Be sure to check with your local insurance carrier for available discounts). 
• A new metal roof can increase home value by up to 6%. 

DECRA’s line of metal shake roofing products can effortlessly replicate the rustic charm of wood shakes with the high-performance strength of stone-coated steel. 

DECRA shake XD: Rustic appeal of hand-split shake 

DECRA Shake XD provides the rustic tones and architectural details of hand-split wood shake roofs backed by the high-performance, low-maintenance and element-resistant strength of stone-coated steel.  

DECRA shake: richness of cedar shake 

While cedar shake roofs provide distinct shadows and rich colors, the rustic beauty of cedar quickly fades to gray after exposure to the elements. DECRA Shake provides the classic elegance of rich cedar shake with the endurance and longevity that only stone-coated steel can provide. 

Original article source: DECRA