Just like its name says the "Royal" is 24” in length and typically set at a maximum exposure of 7 ½” creating three complete layers of wood protection. Sawn on both sides this shingle has a smooth finished appearance. This traditional, sleek and tight roof is a popular choice of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
18" Perfection
Eighteen inches in length, the perfection sometimes refered to as the "baby royal". Because of its shortened length this shingle is typically set at a maximum exposure of just 5 1/2 inches which creates three complete layers of wood protection. This roof cokpleted looks very similar to the 24" royal. It has always been a very popular choice for Southern Connecticut, the Hamptons, and the surrounding New England states.
Handsplit Shakes
Handsplit shakes have split faces and sawn backs. They come in standard lengths of both 24” (standard 10” exposure) and 18” (standard 7 ½” exposure). The completed shake roof creates an inviting rustic appearance with a unique charm that can transform any home. NOTE: Any estimate should be clear as to the thickness of wood being quoted. Heavy Handsplits have a ¾” butt and Medium Handsplits have a ½” butt.
Tapersawn Shakes
Tapersawn cedar shakes are a hybrid of shingles and split shakes. Like a shingle, both faces are sawn, as are the edges, giving the Tapersawn a smooth appearance. Thicker than shingles the tapersawn shake comes in length of 24” (set at 10” exposure) and 18” (set at 7 ½” exposure). Thick, proud and uniform in appearance this roof makes quite the statement. NOTE: Any estimate should be clear as to the thickness of wood being quoted. Tapersawns come standard with 7/8” and 5/8” butt.
Composite Wood Choice
See the Enviroshake tab for more information.
Shake and Shingle Wood Roofs Provide Layers Of Protection
Properly installed and maintained a wood shake or shingle roof offers superior protection against Mother Nature’s persistence. A shake roof using 24” length shakes set at a maximum exposure (10”) creates two plus complete layers of wood. Felt paper woven between the courses of shakes creates a third complete layer of protection commonly referred to as the diaper. A shake roof (Handsplits and Tapersawns) using 18” length shakes set at its maximum exposure (7 ½”) also creates two plus complete layers of wood. Felt paper woven between the courses of shakes creates a third complete layer of protection. A shingle roof whether it be the 24” Royal set at its maximum exposure (7 ½”) or the 18” length Perfection set at its maximum exposure (5 ½”) creates three complete layers of wood. Shingle roofs do not require felt paper woven between the courses. Note: Wood exposures can be shortened creating extra layers of protection not to mention increasing the cost of both material and labor necessary to do so.
All Wood Is Not Created Equal
Each wood roof product is graded according to the cut and number of defects. Wood shingles are thinner then shakes and come in Grades 1, 2, and 3. Hand-split shakes have two grades which include premium and Grade 1. Keep in mind, up to 20% of wood shakes can be flat grain, which is more vulnerable to curling. Taper-sawn shakes are just as thick as hand-split shakes and are sawn smooth on both sides. They come in three grades which include premium and Grades 1 and 2. The Cedar Roof Company uses all premium and Grade 1 cedar for installation work. All wood is bureau inspected and of the highest quality. Lower grade non-inspected wood can save you in price but will cost you greatly in quality and performance.
The Selection Process
Choosing the right cedar roof depends primarily on your own individual taste. Viewing wood samples (available upon request) and locally completed roofs will help you discover what type of shake or shingle works best for your roof and home. An evaluation of your present roof or roofing project can be scheduled and a detailed estimate provided.