Faux Slate Vs. Wood Shake Roofing Shingles

Wood shake shingles are rough-cut and installed to give a natural rustic appearance.

Faux slate roofing shingles are a fairly new product. For those who like the look of slate, they are a cheaper option that is much easier to install than real slate. Wood shake roofing shingles have been around for a very long time. They are a long-lasting roofing option, but there are definite drawbacks that homeowners should consider. Does this Spark an idea?

Print this article

Expense
- The cost of faux slate is much cheaper than real slate.
  
  The cost of having faux slate roofing shingles installed is approximately $7.00 to $9.00 per square foot of roof. A natural wood shake roof costs between $6.00 and $9.00 per square foot. The price can be higher or lower, depending on the type of roof construction. For instance, the estimated cost of a faux slate roof installed on a 1,000 square foot house with a gable roof is between $9,723 and $12,154. The estimate for the same size house with a hip roof is between $9,957 and $12,447. Having wood shakes installed on the same size house with a gable roof will cost between $8,082 and $10,102, whereas a hip roof may cost $8,316 to $10,395. On a roof where new sheathing is necessary, the cost is higher. Costs also vary based on geographic location and shingle quality.
Durability
- Low-quality roofing nails, even those that are galvanized, may need to be replaced before the wood shakes deteriorate.
  
  A faux slate roof is expected to last about 50 years. Some manufacturers warranty their product for 50 years or more. However, faux slate has only been in use for a little over 20 years and how long these products will really last has not yet been proven. Wood shakes can be expected to last 20 to 50 years. It is possible for the wood shakes to outlast the nails. The use of high-quality nails made from stainless steel is recommended for wood shake installation.
Appearance
- There are asphalt faux slate shingles and some made of rubber with a natural stone coating.
  
  Faux slate shingles are generally made from recycled plastic, polymers and rubber but this varies depending on the manufacturer. Some products look very much like real slate from a distance. They are available in black, various shades of gray, terra cotta, red, purple and green. There is no need to apply sealants or preservatives to faux slate. Wood shakes are made from cedar trees by splitting the individual shakes from the logs. The splitting, as opposed to cutting with a saw, gives shakes their rough texture. They are a rich, cedar color when first installed and fade to gray or silver over time. Most types of wood shakes require cleaning and an application of linseed oil every three to five years to keep them from becoming dry and brittle.
Fire Resistance
- There are faux shake shingles available.
  
  Faux slate shingles can have a class A, B, or C fire resistance rating with class A being the most resistant and C the least. Wood shakes are flammable. They are not treated with any sort of flame retardant. This can pose a considerable hazard, especially in hot dry climates or wooded areas that are predisposed to wild fires. Many insurance providers charge extra to insure a home with wood shake shingles. While they are slightly cheaper than faux slate, the increase in home owner’s insurance costs may cancel out that difference.