1929 False-Thatch Cottage

This stunning home is a local icon in a suburb outside of Arkon, OH. The original construction of the home was completed in 1929, when the “false thatch” roof design was all the rage. This particular home’s roof features ‘Zook’ shingles, a variation of the False Thatch style in which the gables and eaves are stacked with short shingles instead of being steam-bent. This variation comes from Bill Kramer who roofed for renowned architect R. Harold Zook. This home’s architect, Roy Firestone, used the same “Zook” shingle concept intertwined with the false thatch wave coursing. The roof we tore off is thought to have been previously replaced after a 1947 fire in the home, making the previous roof about 74 years old! Shingles used in our replacement were #1 Grade 16” 5X Western Red Cedar Shingles, which were CCA treated to help deter mold and mildew. Prior to tear-off, pictures of each roof plane were taken to be referenced back to during the installation process in order to match the design as closely as possible to the original. As with all historic homes, we match the design as closely as possible, while still finding ways to improve any design flaws to ensure the absolute longest life possible.

Outdoor Upgrades to Increase Home Property Value

First impressions make a significant difference when it comes to increasing your property value. Roofing materials, the front door, living spaces and more affect how much you can sell your home for and can increase the offers you receive. Making some exterior upgrades can provide excellent ROI and help you be more competitive in the housing market. Keep reading to discover home improvements that increase property value and which ones to consider first.

How to Increase Property Value With Exterior Upgrades

Exterior design plays a significant role in boosting your home's value. From adding character to a plain house exterior to upgrading sophisticated elements to restore elegance and beauty, you can invest in a variety of exterior upgrades to make your home stand out. 

Your home's exterior is the first thing other people notice about your property. Guests, family, friends, passersby and potential buyers note the aspects of your home that have intention and beauty. They also see the elements that are outdated, dirty or broken. A clean, updated exterior is the way to make the best first impression and boost your curb appeal. 

Your curb appeal alone can impact the decision to buy by around 7% on average. Additionally, unique exterior designs could help you sell your home faster and at a higher price. For example, outdoor living areas can increase the chances of a sale and increase the perceived value by 5.3% on average, which can equate to upwards of $200,000. Design elements like patios, fireplaces, lounge areas and pergolas create a feeling of usable, livable and functional space that is extremely attractive to buyers. 

You can also make many minor upgrades to your home to boost curb appeal and potential sales. Modern features and specialty roofing materials can make a big difference in your home. Below, you'll find many more ideas for your home's exterior to increase value. 

Upgrading Your Roof With Specialty Roofing Materials

Roofing replacement can increase your value by more than $15,000, depending on the materials you use. Although there are multiple types of shingle materials on the market, one of the best to consider is custom wood options. Wood shingles offer a plethora of benefits, including:

• Environmental friendliness: Quality wood roofing materials don't release contaminants, making them a green option that can protect your home and the environment. 

• Durability: Wood types like cedar are excellent at holding shape. They can remain straight and flat with minimal shrinking from the weather and natural occurrences. 

• Insulation: This material is excellent for insulating your home, helping you save energy costs while keeping your home at comfortable temperatures.

• Beautiful looks: The natural aesthetic of wood gives it an attractive advantage over other roofing materials. You can use wood to create many looks, including traditional, modern, rustic, refined or contemporary. 

• Weather resistance: Wood has the advantage of being resistant to UV rays, moss, insects and water. Additional treatments can also make them resistant to fires and fungus, letting you or the new homeowners enjoy the beautiful look of the roof for much longer. 

• Flexibility: You can complement your home with a variety of stain and finish options. You can oil, stain and paint wood shingles to achieve the color and style you want for your exterior. 

• Stability: Cedar is an especially strong roofing material that can improve your roof strength with proper installation. 

Cedar shingles and shakes can complement the construction, look, feel and architecture of a home. They offer a timeless and charming beauty that evokes historic architecture. Cedar shakes and shingles have a refined and aesthetic compared to traditional materials, and you can tell the difference between the two materials. 

The power and beauty of cedar shingles and shakes can help your roof last much longer than traditional materials while enhancing the overall look of your exterior. They can make a lasting impression and support your lifestyle while creating a beautiful focal point for friends, family, passersby and potential buyers. 

How to Modernize the Exterior of Your Home for Value

A home exterior makeover can be simple or extravagant. Small changes, like upgrading your front door, can significantly impact your overall look. Beyond replacing your roofing materials with cedar shingles or shakes, here are some additional exterior upgrades that can increase your home's value:

• Front door: Although changing your door can enhance your style, a simple paint change can make a big difference. Pops of color, like red, can create an excellent visual that captures the eyes. Other choices, like matte black, silver or gold, can create a sophisticated change that reflects your tastes and increases your value.

• Driveway: You may not consider the wear and tear of your driveway, but this exterior piece takes a beating every day. Cracks and small potholes can deteriorate your home's aesthetic by giving it an aged or outdated appearance. Power washing the space can reduce the dirt and buildup in the cracks, and resealing your driveway can give you a fresh look that offers an appealing invitation for incoming cars. 

• Lighting: Soft lighting can create a romantic and intriguing look. Stylish looks can amplify the daytime aesthetic and make your home more desirable at night. They also add practical ways to get to and from your home's entrance safely, creating an easier transition to your home. Adding lights around your landscape can also highlight unique plant life and show your refined taste for greenery.

• Landscaping: Planting flowers, starting a garden or adding unique pavement patterns can enhance your overall look. Bright pops of color from plants can make your home look more vibrant, and unique pavement paths can create a welcoming and exciting visual for visitors and guests.

• Siding: You can get creative with siding to give your home a new, modern look. Cement siding is very durable and can support your home over the long run while requiring minimal maintenance. Adding accent sections with different colors allows you to mix and match multiple styles to add a unique element to your home. 

• Paint: Updating the doors, exterior walls and siding can give you a renewed finish. Fresh paint can cover the age spots like cracks and chips from years of love at your home. Getting creative with trim color can allow you to use additional color pops that stand out on the street and complement the rest of your property. 

Request a Quote for Cedar Shingles

At Custom Shingles, we understand the importance of updating your home to increase your property value. We know one of the best upgrades you can make is to replace your current roof with cedar shingles. The artisans at Custom Shingles create stunning, high-quality products that can make your home stand out. We treat each project like a work of art and feel confident we can give you a look you'll love. Contact us for more information about cedar shingles and how they can boost your home's value. 

Cedar Shingle vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofs

If you're preparing to get a new roof on your home, cedar and asphalt shingles are two of the most popular options. Read through our guide below to learn more about the differences between these roofing types, the pros and cons, and which is the best option for your needs!

Cedar Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles

Cedar and asphalt shingles have some relatively significant differences between them. Cedar shake roofs are, as the name implies, made from wood. Asphalt shingles are composed of materials such as asphalt and fiberglass.

Cedar shingles and shakes are highly durable, lasting up to 30 or more years with regular maintenance. They easily withstand weather, impacts, insects and wind. If you reside in an area prone to wildfires, you should use treated cedar shakes to help make them less susceptible to fire. Cedar shake roofs also often cost more than asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingles come in numerous colors, making them more customizable. They have high energy efficiency and hold up against wind and strong impacts. However, these shingles can be susceptible to cracking and mildew and usually need replacing within 20 years.

Different Types of Cedar Wood Roofing

Cedar roofs are made from real wood and are often one of the most aesthetically pleasing roof types. With that said, there are many different kinds of cedar roofing options, making it important to define them all so that you know what to look for:

• Shingles: Shingles are the most common type of roofing on homes. They are usually thinner than a traditional shake and are sawn from a block of wood, giving a very uniform appearance.

• Shakes: Shakes are split on one or both sides instead of sawn and are frequently made by hand, giving them a more rustic look. This definition applies to all shakes except taper-sawn shakes, which are also sawn on both sides.

Cedar wood roofing comes in several different material kinds. Choices can include:

Western Red

Western red cedar is an abundant type of wood, making it one of the more popular materials for cedar shingles and shakes. The grain is straight, and this wood type works well for split shingles and shakes. Western red cedar has a unique appearance and is naturally resistant to decay.

Eastern White

If you'd like a dense material with a fine grain, eastern white cedar is an excellent choice. Shingles or shakes made from this material are easy to customize through paint, stain and bleach.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar

Alaskan yellow cedar is a durable choice for shakes and shingles because of its structure. Contrary to its name, it is not a species of Cedar, but is instead from the Cypress family. It contains tannins and oils that naturally prevent decay and mold. Together, these features help reduce the need for cedar shake roof maintenance and provide a long-lasting roof. Another interesting feature of this material is how it will change from pale yellow to gray over time.

Different Types of Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofing comes in three main types. You can choose between these when deciding on your roofing needs. The options include:

• Three-tab: Three-tab shingles are flat and — as the name implies — have three tabs per strip.

• Dimensional: These shingles have a more random pattern. You can also purchase them to resemble wood shakes. Dimensional shingles are the most common kind of asphalt shingles today.

• Luxury: Luxury shingles are the longest-lasting of all the asphalt choices. Their appearance resembles slate, making them the most expensive of the three options.

Generally, asphalt roofing is easier to install than cedar shakes or shingles, which lowers the overall cost of the process and makes it more budget-friendly. This roofing option is an excellent choice if you want specific colors, shapes and styles unavailable in cedar. Asphalt also naturally reduces the risk of fire.

Disadvantages of Wood Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles

While these roofing types offer several benefits, they also have cons to consider when choosing between them. Disadvantages associated with cedar shakes or shingles include:

• There is a potential for moisture problems, especially in wetter climates.

• Cedar is more flammable than asphalt, especially if it is untreated.

• It is a more expensive roofing material and requires more labor for installation.

Asphalt also has some negatives to consider, such as:

• It is more prone to algae formation in shady areas, leading to staining and structural issues.

• Asphalt shingles are more likely to blow away during strong winds.

• The top layer can start to erode over time due to hail and other bad weather.

• Asphalt is a poor choice for flat roofs because it wears out faster.

What Is the Best Type of Shingles for Roofing?

When it comes to picking shingles, the best choice for your home often depends on your preferences and budget. With that said, cedar shakes and shingles are usually the best long-term investment because they offer many benefits, including:

• Aesthetically pleasing look: If you want a roof that stands out and makes your home look better, cedar shakes or shingles are superior to asphalt. Cedar shingles have a rustic appearance and look different from each other, which is appealing to many homeowners.

• Easier maintenance: While both cedar and asphalt require the same level of general care, cedar shingles can last longer when they are well-kept.

• Increased property value: Cedar shingles and shakes are unique and premium products that many home buyers prefer when in the market for a new place to live. These shingles help raise your property value due to their popular features and durability.

• Enhanced energy efficiency: While insulation is crucial for your home's energy efficiency, the material you choose for your roof also plays a significant role. Cedar is one of the best choices for preventing hot or cold air from escaping your home, helping control your utility costs.

• Eco-friendly material: Cedar shakes and shingles are made from wood, a natural material that is usually recyclable or biodegradable. Asphalt shingles are a one-and-done product, meaning they must be thrown away after their life span on a roof is up.

Although both a cedar and an asphalt roof can be a good investment when you take care of it well, cedar roofs offer the most benefits and are often the choice of many homeowners.

Learn More About Our Cedar Shingles

At Custom Shingles, we offer custom cedar and other wood shakes and shingles that elevate your home into a work of art. You can trust us to help you with design and roof assessment. Our team has decades of experience with wood shingles and shakes, making us a reliable provider and partner.

We are more than willing to help you determine which roofing option from our selection is right for your home. Whether you want western red cedar shakes or Alaskan yellow shingles, trust us for high-quality products. Contact a representative for a free estimate today!

How Cedar Shakes Are Made

Cedar shakes are one of the most aesthetically pleasing roofing options. It comes in multiple faces and painted finishes for a broad range of options, depending on the style you want to achieve. Natural and synthetic materials offer different possibilities for homeowners to get the look of wood with an artistic, handcrafted appearance. 

What Are Cedar Shakes?

Cedar shakes refer to wood roofing with pieces that vary in size and thickness for a charming and rustic look. The appearance replicates the traditional mallet-cut or ax shingles from the Colonial era when this style first gained popularity as the standard across the country. The material's durability offers some natural resistance to moisture, insects and wind with other benefits, including insulating properties that help maintain a steady temperature throughout your home during each season.

How to Make Cedar Shakes

Creating cedar shakes with natural materials involves rounds of wood. Artisans use tools and machinery to split the wood into smaller sections. Techniques such as flipping the shake block end over end after each divide keep the thickness consistent from piece to piece. 

During the installation process, roofers prepare the surface with layers of protection. For example, a ventilation matrix allows rain to dry evenly, with the wood shapes remaining consistent over time. An underlayment of shingles goes on first, with rows of shakes lining up and overlapping in a mix of widths for an appealing style. 

FAQS About Cedar Shakes

Learn more about cedar shakes with these common questions and answers:

• How are trees made into cedar shakes? Most cedar shakes come from splitting wood rounds into smaller pieces. Using power saws and other tools creates a tailored appearance or semi-textured look. Typically, the wood shakes have a sawn side and a hand-split side.

• What's the difference between cedar shakes and shingles? Despite popular belief, that actual difference between shakes and shingles is the way they are installed. Shakes are installed at a larger exposure, with felt underlayment between the courses. Shakes are usually thicker, and often have a a hand split surface texture.

• How long should cedar shakes last? Properly installed and maintained cedar shakes typically provide about 30 years of use. If you live in an area with the right conditions and invest in high-quality materials, the materials could offer more longevity. In these cases, this type of roof could last around 50 years.

• How do you maintain a cedar shake roof? Scheduling protective treatments every one to three years ensures the best cedar roofing maintenance. This preventive service maintains the wood's consistent shape. Some water and fire repellents, algaecides and fungicides offer more preservation.

Buy From a Trusted Wood Roofing Manufacturer

Cedar shakes provide a beautiful look for country cottages, ranch-style houses, villas in the hills or mountains and other homes. Trust the artisans at Custom Shingles to create a high-quality and stunning roof for you. Features from well-favored magazines such as Architectural Digest and Country Living provide our company with well-favored recognition in the roofing industry. 

To get started, contact us for an estimate today!

Guide to Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials

Choosing a roofing material is a big decision. Most homeowners want a material that enhances their home and creates the look they want. However, protecting your home from fire damage is also a vital factor. 

Fire-resistant roofing materials reduce the time it takes for a fire to spread. Whether you live in an area prone to wildfires or elsewhere, fires can arise quickly and unexpectedly. Investing in a fire-resistant roof can keep you, your home and your loved ones safe. 

Difference Between Fireproof and Fire-Resistant

Fireproof and fire-resistant materials reduce the likelihood of fire spreading to other areas. Although people often use the words interchangeably, they are slightly different. 

• Fireproof: Every material and object can experience heat damage, meaning nothing can be entirely immune to fire. Instead, fireproof describes materials treated with a reliable fire retardant.

• Fire-resistant: Fire-resistant materials can withstand heat to some degree and help prevent the spread of flames. Three classes describe how fire-resistant a material is — Class A, Class B and Class C. While anything can become fire-resistant with the treatment of a quality fire retardant, some materials, such as brick, are less likely to catch fire even if left untreated.

To make the distinction easier, think of "fireproof" as a verb. It is the action of making an object less likely to spread flame. You can make any object or material fire-resistant by fireproofing it. Whether a material is labeled "fireproof" or "fire-resistant," you can feel secure that a professional has treated it to make it safer. 

Benefits of a Resistant Roof

Although roof shingles are not fireproof, professionals can make them fire-resistant and safe for your home. Fire-resistant roofing systems have many benefits, including: 

• Additional durability: Many fire-resistant treatments act as a preservative for roofing materials, helping them last longer.

• Reduced pest presence: Some chemicals can make your roof unappealing for small pests, such as woodpeckers, that could otherwise plague your shingles.

• Fire prevention: Fire-resistant roofing systems can significantly slow the spread of fire, providing first responders more time to reach the scene.

• Increased roofing options: Popular roofing materials that create unique looks, like wood or synthetic thatch, can receive a fire-resistant treatment that makes them perfect for protecting your home while making it stand out.

Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials

Most roofing materials can be treated with a fire-retardant that protects them and helps prevent fire spread. Furthermore, while many materials can be fire-resistant, some have a higher class ranking than others. These materials are less likely to catch and spread flame by nature, making them an excellent addition to your home. 

Metal

Metal is one of the most fireproof roofing materials since it does not combust under fire, and few fires are hot enough to melt it. Every metal has a different design quality, so you should always ensure yours has a Class A rating. 

Metal roofing systems can last 40 to 70 years, making them an excellent investment for the long run. They're also non-corrosive and lightweight, making them a suitable option for many homeowners. 

Concrete

Concrete and clay are also very resistant to flame, though they are popular roofing materials only in some areas. These roofing systems can give your home a Mediterranean look, but they can be expensive and need more frequent replacing. Clay and concrete tiles are also heavier than many others, and your home may require additional structural support to bear the extra weight. 

Slate

Slate is a type of rock, making these shingles naturally fire-resistant. This material can be expensive to install, though it can give an elegant touch to historic and modern homes. This material is also heavy. As with concrete or clay, your home may need additional support for this type of shingle. However, these systems are very durable and have a natural beauty that appeals to many homeowners. 

Treated Wood

Treated wood is also an excellent choice for homeowners. These roofing systems are highly customizable, and a fire-resistant treatment can help them protect your home from fires. You may need to re-treat some wood shingles, but the beautiful and natural looks you can achieve for your home make this material a versatile option for many homeowners. 

How to Fireproof Wood Roofing

Like many other materials, you can fireproof wood roofing with the correct application of treatments. While many areas have different requirements and codes for shingle fire treatment, copper arsenate (CCA) is a commonly accepted fire treatment. This combination of chromium, arsenic and copper leaves a green residue and essentially acts as a preservative. 

Certi-GUARD is a labeling process to determine whether cedar shingles meet the requirements for a fire-resistant class. Class C shingles receive a blue label and Class B shingles receive a red label. Although individual shingles cannot achieve a Class A rating, a component roofing system that uses Class B shingles and fire-retardant underlayment can earn a Class A label. 

At Custom Shingles, we create fireproof wood shingles by applying different treatments to our lumber, making them better able to protect your home. We ensure our wood shingles are CCA-treated and offer Certi-GUARD shingles to keep your home safe from fires. 

Why Fire-Resistant Roofing Is Important

Your roof is very exposed to natural elements. Many external factors can affect your home even when your family practices fire safety and feel that you live in a safe location. For example, those who live in areas where wildfires are common face the possibility of an ember sparking a fire in their home. Wildfires spread quickly and cause detrimental damage to anything in their path, including neighborhoods and individual homes. 

Even those who live in urban areas or otherwise don't face the possibility of a wildfire can still see other fire hazards. Fireworks, barbecue embers, chimney sparks and lighting strikes can ignite a flame that threatens your home. Another home in your neighborhood could also catch fire, leading the embers to fly towards your house. 

How flammable your shingles are will vary depending on what class of material they're made of and what fireproofing treatments they've received. A fire-resistant roof can help protect your home from devastating damage and help reduce the likelihood of the fire spreading to other homes and structures. 

Request a Quote From Custom Shingles for Your Roofing Material Needs

Custom Shingles is a reliable team of premier roofing specialists. We help create timeless trends that homeowners love and want to make your home project a work of art. 

Wood shingles have superior longevity, making them one of the best roofing materials for homeowners. Our wood shingles can last 30 to 80 years, giving you a look you love for a lifetime with minimal repairs and touchups. 

Contact us for more information about how we can give your home a stunning look you'll love.

Smurf Roof

Blue Storybook Style Roof

This blue or “Smurf” colored roof was completed by our team and Huber and Associates a few years back, and is composed of our steam-bent cedar shingles. This style of roofing is often referred to as Mushroom or Fairytale, and is characterized by its steep slopes, rolled edges and wave coursing throughout. The bright blue color was chosen to match the original roof color from when the home was first built in the 1920s. We had such a blast completing this project!

Photo Credits: Zillow and Custom Shingles

How to Paint Wood Shingles

Many homeowners want to give their houses a new look as they age. If you don't need a new roof yet but want to refresh the appearance, one choice is to paint or stain your cedar shingles. Repainting old cedar shingles requires patience and diligence, but the stunning result can transform your home.

Can You Paint Cedar Shingle Siding and Roofing? 

You can paint most types of cedar shingle siding and roofing with a couple of exceptions. If the shingles have already been stained, you can't paint them, as the paint won't stick to the surface. Badly mildewed shingles that you can't get clean also won't take paint well, as the paint will sit on the surface without absorbing. 

Once you have applied paint to shingles, you can't stain over them. Painted shingles may also begin to peel after a few years, so you will need to scrape off the paint and reapply it. 

How to Paint Wood Shingles

Painting your cedar shingles begins with cleaning off the shingles. You must wash them thoroughly to get rid of accumulated dirt and mildew. Combine one part bleach and three parts water, then use the solution to scrub the shingles. Let it sit for 15 minutes before washing off. Shingles can air dry, which may take up to two weeks. The following steps are: 

1. Get rid of any debris on the shingles by using a dry paintbrush.

2. Sand protrusions off the shingles, but resist the urge to sand down the shingles until they're completely smooth.

3. Put stain-blocking primer on the shingles using a paintbrush, making sure to apply an even coat. You can also use a sprayer.

4. Paint the shingles using the right type of paint. Acrylic latex exterior paint makes a long-lasting choice.

As you paint, go back and forth over the shingles to apply an even coat. Tackle one small section at a time to ensure you get enough paint on the surface. Remember, you shouldn't paint on scorching days. Save painting for days when the temperature has been mild — 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit— for several days in a row. 

Restoring Old Wood Roofs With Cedar Shingles From Custom Shingles

Custom Shingles sells unique roofing materials for special roofing projects. We can install wood shingles you can paint, stain, or leave plain. Get in touch with us today to learn more about old wood roof replacements. 

Guide to Wood Burning for Wood Roofs

Holding a wood plank up to an open flame sounds like a great way to start a fire. However, it's also a great way to provide greater protection to the wood and make a roof look elegant and sophisticated. Learn more about this technique, first practiced more than two centuries ago, and the potential benefits it offers. 

What Is Shou Sugi Ban?

Shou sugi ban involves charring the outer layer of wood of a plank. The method began in the 18th century when Japanese builders discovered that holding a flame to wood and slightly charring it helped better protect the wood against the elements.

Benefits of Wood Roof Shingle Charring

What does burning the surface of wood do? It sparks many advantages, including: 

• Discouraging insects from burrowing into the wood because the element that attracts them, lignin, is eliminated.

• Holding up better against snow and rain as the technique essentially makes the wood waterproof.

• Providing a unique appearance that appeals to viewers, a little different and darker than non-charred wood.

Does Burning Wood Make it Stronger?

Yes, charring wood makes the wood stronger. When you burn wood, the timber's grains become fused tighter together, making the wood more durable. Of course, the quality of the charring job contributes to that longevity. The craftsperson must know what they're doing or the results will be less impressive. The best wood type for burning has open-celled timbers, and softer wood generally works better than hardwood.

Does Burning Wood Make it Last Longer?

Charring also makes the wood last longer. Wood burned by an experienced craftsperson can last for decades, doubling the lifespan of timber that hasn't been charred. You can apply char oil to the wood to give it even greater sturdiness. Taking care of your charred wood is the best way to extend its lifespan. 

Char depth contributes to the longevity of the wood, too. The deeper the burn goes, the longer the wood will last. When you have a deeper char layer, erosion will take longer to reach beneath the char and fester to cause damage. 

Specialty Wood Shingles From Custom Shingles

Using charred wood shingles gives your home or business a unique appearance. You'll appreciate the product's long lifespan and outstanding durability. 

Contact our team at Custom Shingles to get information on our specialty roofing materials. Fill out our contact form or call (877) 323-3553 today!