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InsightHorizon Digest

How long do wood shingles last

Author

John Thompson

Updated on April 06, 2026

Wood shingles are known to last up to 30 years when they are properly maintained, though they do require more maintenance than many other material types. Wood shingles are usually made of cedar since it is naturally more resistant to insects and rot than other types of wood.

How often should wood shingles be replaced?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

How much does it cost to replace a wood shingle roof?

The average roofing installation price for a cedar shingle roof costs anywhere between $7,649 to $11,474 on an 1,800 sq. ft home. You can expect to pay $4.50 to $9.00 per sq. foot or $450 to $900 per square for wood shingles when installed on a standard sized single story home.

How long do wood siding shingles last?

In neutral climates, you can reasonably expect the following lifespans out of custom wood shingles: Cedar: 30 to 50 years or more. Wallaba: 35 to 60 years or more. Teak: 50 to 80 years or more.

Are wood shingles durable?

Longevity. If you’re looking for a roofing material that lasts and lasts, look elsewhere — wood shingles tend to last between 15 and 30 years. That’s about the same durability as medium-grade asphalt shingles.

Why are my cedar shingles cupping?

Curling or cupping – This occurs when a shingle or shake curls upward or looks distorted. Curling and cupping are part of the cedar wood’s natural weathering and aging process. They are signs of wood stress caused by the sun’s UV rays and rain. … Cracks and splits are part of the natural cedar roof aging process.

How long does a cedar shingle roof last?

As long as it’s properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get 30 years of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions, you could possibly get up to 50 years out of it.

Do cedar shingles shrink?

Cedar wood contains 20% to 25 % moisture and by the time it becomes shakes sitting in a driveway the moisture is around 15% to 20%. Due to this variance, spacing for shakes will be different. Natural shake will shrink after installation unless kiln-dried or stained at the factory – in which case they expand.

Is Power Washing bad for cedar siding?

Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood’s soft surface. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint. … It is unsightly, but the cedar has not been damaged.

How long do untreated cedar shingles last?

When left untreated, within five years of installation, the cedar siding will begin to rot and soften from the moisture that enters from not being protected.

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What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

What’s the Longest Lasting Roof Shingle? Tile and slate shingles last longer than asphalt, but at a much higher price. High quality asphalt shingles last up to 50 years. Tile and slate can last 100 with proper care, but also require a reinforced roof structure because of their added weight.

Are wood shingle roofs good?

They are impact and wind resistant. They allow better airflow on the roof inhibiting moisture buildup. They provide increased curb appeal and can increase your home’s value. They are naturally insulating — almost twice the value of asphalt.

What is the difference between wood shake and wood shingles?

WOOD SHINGLES VS WOOD SHAKES. … Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and are thinner at the butt end when compared to a wood shake. Wood shakes are typically sawn on one side and hand split on the other side, making them thicker than wood shingles. Both are wedge shaped and are affixed individually to a roofing deck.

How long do oak shingles last?

If you take care of your wood shingle roof properly, it can last anywhere from 30 to 40 years. However, this longevity requires maintenance. You’ll need to hire a contractor to apply a penetrating wood preservative to your roof every five years.

What wood makes good shingles?

White oak, black locust, honey locust, redwood, cedar, rock elm, yellow poplar and osage orange all are good shingle or shake wood. There is a shingle oil for treating them, or just plain will work. On wood shingles or shakes, most of the time a third of the wood is exposed, so it takes lots of wood to cover a roof.

How thick are wood shakes?

Unlike their thinner brothers, wood shakes are typically 18″to 24″ in length, and up to 14″ in width (more than 8″ is at extra risk of future splitting). The roofing shake thickness ranges from 1/2″ to 1 1/4″ where measured at the shingle butt.

Are cedar shingles good?

In terms of cost-savings, cedar wood is long-lasting, making it an ideal roofing material. … Cedar wood shingles and shakes are also resistant to strong winds and are durable in hurricanes, heavy rains, hail storms, snowstorms and other types of severe storms.

Can cedar shake damage a hail roof?

Hail impacting a cedar roof can cause damage if the hailstones are large enough and have sufficient densities, hardness’s, and impact velocities to split the wood they strike. If a shingle (or shake) does not split when it is impacted, it is not hail-damaged.

Are cedar shingles waterproof?

Are cedar shingles waterproof? Cedar wood shingles are prone to mold, mildew, and insects. It is important to note that the wood on a cedar roof is not intended to be waterproof, and is therefore quite susceptible to wind-driven rain. Any natural product exposed to water is vulnerable to mold, mildew and erosion.

How often do you replace cedar shingles?

White cedar shingles should be replaced roughly every 20 years. There are natural and dipped shingles.

How do you know when cedar shingles need to be replaced?

  1. Bottom edges that are frayed or split.
  2. Areas between cracks or splits have a fuzzy, furry texture.
  3. Shingles or the walls below them are discolored or streaky in appearance.

When should I replace my cedar shakes?

Cedar shake roofs are not only one of the most beautiful kinds of roofs, but they are also the most durable. If you use the right material, meaning 100% vertical-grain cedar shakes, your roof can maintain its integrity for 30 to 50 years!

Why is my cedar siding turning black?

There are two main causes of the darkening of cedar siding: tannin stains, and mildew stains. If the darkening is caused by mildew, the bleach will immediately clear it up. If the stain is caused by tannin, the bleach will have no effect.

How do I make cedar look new again?

After cleaning your cedar to bring back its color, apply a clear exterior varnish to help sustain it. A quality weatherproofing product will prolong the fresh look of your cedar and help limit algae growth. If you would prefer your siding stained another color, choose a stain that is darker than the cedar.

How long does cedar plank siding last?

Longevity Cedar siding must be properly maintained at all times to reach its maximum lifespan, with many planks needing to be replaced after just 10 to 15 years, and even well-maintained cedar siding may only last around 20 to 30 years in some climates.

What goes under cedar shingles?

Felt underlayment/tar paper: Felt materials are a traditional underlayment option for cedar shingles made from a base of natural materials like wood cellulose or synthetics like fiberglass and coated with a protective asphalt coating to repel moisture and debris.

How far should wood shingles be spaced from each other and why?

As a general rule for shingles equilibrated to ambient conditions (about 12% moisture content), shingles should be installed about 1/8 to 1/4 in. (3 to 6 mm) apart whereas shakes should be spaced about 3/8 in. (9.52 mm) apart and not more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) apart.

How do you store cedar shingles?

Cedar Shingles Installation & Storage Store materials flat and well supported under dry cover in a well ventilated area that is unheated. Put a vapor barrier under materials and raise off ground – especially important when storing on concrete. Store shingles on their pallet to keep them off the ground or cement.

How long does a cedar house last?

Properly maintained, cedar siding may last as long as 75 years and may be pre-stained to add additional weatherproofing.

What does a bundle of cedar shingles cost?

TypePer SquarePer BundleCedar$400$130Wood$350$120Composite$325$110

How do you maintain a cedar roof?

Cedar shingle maintenance must include protective treatments every one to three years. Without treatments, cedar shakes can degrade, buckle, rot, and even burn. To protect and preserve your roof, every few years, professionally apply water and fire repellents, fungicides, and algaecides to the shingles.