For an Olympia roof, cedar roofing offers two distinct wood profiles: machine-sawn shingles with a more even face, and handmade shakes with a more textured, split character. Choose the look first, then match the wood product and roof assembly to its installation guide.
A steep-slope roof using a wood shingle or shake product whose installation instructions match the assembly. CertainTeed distinguishes machine-sawn wood shingles from hand-split shakes.
What changes the decision?
Wood shingles are machine-sawn; shakes are traditionally hand-worked, giving them a more varied surface.
The selected wood product determines exposure, fastening, underlayment and ventilation details.
Valleys, walls and chimneys need planned flashing transitions where the wood roof meets other materials.
What is the difference between cedar shingles and shakes?
Shingles are machine-sawn into a more uniform profile; shakes are traditionally handmade or split, with a more irregular texture. CertainTeed describes this distinction. The selected product controls dimensions and installation.
What should a cedar roof proposal identify?
Name the product and grade, installation pattern, underlayment, ventilation details, valleys, ridges and flashing. Product instructions govern exposure and fastening.
How does wood roofing meet adjoining materials?
The roof plan should show how wood roofing terminates at walls, chimneys, valleys and metal edges. Include compatible flashing and the handoff to adjoining siding or gutters.
Which cedar and wood roofing options should the proposal identify?
Wood shingles
Machine-sawn wood pieces with a more regular profile and exposure.
Cedar shakes
A traditionally split or hand-worked wood profile with a more varied, textured surface.
Cedar roof conversion
When replacing another material with cedar, compare the structural, ventilation and underlayment details needed for the selected assembly. Do not assume an existing roof deck is ready for the new system.
More than the visible surface
A roof is a connected assembly.
The covering works with the layers beneath it and the details at every edge and opening.
Roof coveringThe selected material and its fastening or attachment system.
Water-shedding layersCompatible underlayment or membrane details, edges, valleys and flashings.
Roof deck & structureThe sound, prepared substrate that supports the selected system.
The building beneathVentilation, insulation and interior protection coordinated with the roof work.
Connect the roof and the home
Your project. One clear scope.
Bring roofing, adjoining exterior work and restoration into a project estimate that identifies the materials and the work around them.
