If your roof needs replacement, there are a lot of roofing materials you can choose from. One of them that has always been a favorite of homeowners is wood shakes. Known for their natural beauty, rustic charm, and ability to enhance curb appeal, wood shakes have been a popular choice for decades.
However, despite their aesthetic appeal, wood shake roofs can come with several issues. Some include high maintenance needs, susceptibility to fire, and vulnerability to weather damage.
If you love the look of wood shakes but want a more durable and low-maintenance alternative, you have several excellent options.
In this blog post, we’ll explore three of the best alternatives to wood shake roofing systems:
- Asphalt shingles
- Metal roofs
- Stone-coated steel roofs
Each of these materials offers several advantages while delivering durability and style.
The Downsides of Wood Shake Roofing Systems
So, what went wrong with natural wood shake roofs? Why aren’t you seeing this roofing material as much as you used to? As we said, despite their high aesthetic appeal, wood shake roofs fall short in other areas. Let’s take a look at them.
High Maintenance
One of the major problems with a wood shake roof is it requires frequent maintenance. Yes, routine checkups are essential for every roofing system. However, this need increases a lot if you have a wood shake roof. A natural cedar shake roof needs regular maintenance not only in terms of cleaning and inspections but also sealing and treatments to prevent moisture retention, mold, and rot.
Weather Vulnerability
Wood is generally a strong material. Cedar and redwood (common materials used in wood shake roofing) are very durable but they tend to face problems in the long run. The material may expand and contract with changing temperatures, which can lead to warping, cracking, and premature wear.
Higher Installation and Repair Costs
Sure, they look beautiful, but wood shake roof installation comes with a hefty price tag both upfront and down the road. The initial installation is higher than most other roofing materials, often costing two times more than standard asphalt shingles.
The ongoing costs are equally important to consider. Over the life of your roof, you’ll need to budget for regular maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and treatments. When damage occurs, repairs can be expensive since individual shakes need to be carefully matched and replaced by specialists.
What’s particularly challenging is finding qualified contractors for repairs and maintenance, as wood shake expertise is specialized and often comes at a premium.
Pest Attraction
Though the wood used to manufacture roof shakes is usually treated to repel termites and other insects, natural wood shakes still remain vulnerable. As you know, many pests feed on cellulose that is found in wood. Termites, carpenter ants, and other insects can infest wood shake roofs, leading to structural issues and expensive repairs.
Fire Risk
Wood shake roofs can catch fire easily. While you can apply special fire-resistant treatments to the wood, these roofs are still more likely to burn than metal, tile, or asphalt shingles. This is especially concerning in areas prone to wildfires or where homes are close together.
Even with fire-resistant treatments, two problems remain:
- The treatments wear off over time
- The wood itself is still fundamentally combustible
Many insurance companies see wood shake roofs as a higher risk, which can affect your homeowner’s insurance rates.
3 Alternatives To Wood Shake Roofs
Given the challenges we talked about above, many homeowners are opting for alternative roofing materials that provide durability, longevity, and a similar aesthetic. Here is more about these options:
Asphalt Shingles – The Affordable and Versatile Choice
One great alternative to wood shake roofing systems is asphalt shingles. Now you might be thinking, how are traditional asphalt shingles a match to wood shakes? Well, asphalt shingles have seen several improvements over the years. New options like architectural and luxury asphalt shingles are not only cost-effective but are much more durable than traditional shingles. Plus, if you love the look of wood shakes, these new asphalt shingles come in various styles and can mimic the appearance of wood shakes, all at a fraction of the cost.
Benefits Of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Cost Less:
Asphalt shingles stand out as one of the most economical roofing choices for homeowners. You’ll typically spend 40% to 50% less on installation compared to wood shake roofs. A standard 2,000-square-foot roof might cost $8,000 to $15,000 with asphalt shingles, while wood shake could run $15,000 to $30,000.
Durability:
Modern architectural shingles are built to last. With proper installation and regular basic maintenance, you can expect 25 to 35 years of reliable protection for your home. Many manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning back this up with comprehensive warranties.
Weather Resistance:
When installed correctly, asphalt shingles create a solid defense against harsh weather. Most quality shingles are rated for winds up to 110 to 130 mph (some even 160 mph), can handle significant hail impact, and create a watertight barrier against heavy rain. Many modern shingles include algae-resistant granules that prevent black streaks on your roof.
Variety of Styles:
As discussed above, asphalt shingles can now mimic the look of premium cedar shake roofs. But that’s not all. The design options for asphalt shingles have expanded dramatically. You can choose from a wide spectrum of colors, from classic grays and browns to bold blues and reds.
Low Maintenance:
Asphalt shingles also require maintenance, but not as much. Basic maintenance typically involves occasional cleaning to remove debris and checking for damaged shingles after severe storms.
Considerations:
While asphalt shingles are an excellent alternative, they may not be as long-lasting as some premium materials like metal or stone-coated steel. Additionally, lower-quality shingles may be prone to damage from extreme weather conditions.
Metal Roofs – A Long-Lasting and Stylish Alternative
Metal roofs are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to wood shake due to their superior durability, energy efficiency, and sleek appearance. If you are looking for a replacement and you have a flexible budget, a metal roof should be your first choice, especially if you live in areas with harsh weather conditions like Wisconsin.
Benefits of Metal Roofs
Exceptional Longevity:
Metal roofs can last for 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. Their lifespan far exceeds that of traditional wood shakes, making them a long-term investment for homeowners.
Durability Against Weather:
Metal can withstand strong winds, heavy snow, and hail better than many other materials. It also resists rust and corrosion when properly coated, ensuring long-lasting performance in various climates.
Energy Efficiency:
Metal roofs reflect solar heat, reducing cooling costs in the summer. Many metal roofing options also support insulation, which contributes to better indoor temperature control.
Eco-Friendly:
Many metal roofing materials are made from recycled content and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Some steel and aluminum roofs use 100% recycled content. This reduces environmental impact and contributes to sustainable building practices.
Variety of Styles:
Metal roofs come in multiple finishes and can even be designed to mimic the appearance of wood shakes. Homeowners can enjoy the visual appeal of natural wood while benefiting from metal’s superior durability and longevity.
Considerations:
The main drawback of metal roofs is the higher initial cost compared to asphalt shingles. However, their longevity and energy savings often offset this expense over time. Additionally, some homeowners may find metal roofs noisier during heavy rain, but proper insulation can minimize this issue.
Stone-Coated Steel – The Best of Both Worlds
While metal roofs have countless benefits, what you might miss is the look of wood shakes. For this, we have stone-coated steel roofs. This wood shake alternative is for homeowners who want the durability of metal with the aesthetic appeal of wood shake. This advanced roofing option combines a steel core with a stone-coated exterior, offering the best of both worlds in terms of strength and style.
Benefits of Stone-Coated Steel Roofs
Durability:
Stone-coated steel roofs are built to last, with a lifespan of 50 years or more. It resists cracking, curling, and warping, making it a highly durable choice compared to traditional wood shake roofs.
Fire and Pest Resistance:
Unlike wood shakes, stone-coated steel does not attract pests and is completely fire-resistant. This makes it an ideal option for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, worry-free roofing material.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Manufacturers offer stone-coated steel roofs in designs that closely resemble wood shakes, giving homeowners the classic look they desire without the drawbacks of real wood. It also comes in a variety of colors and textures to match different architectural styles.
Low Maintenance:
This roofing option requires very little upkeep compared to wood shake and asphalt shingles. Occasional cleaning and inspections are usually enough to maintain its longevity and appearance.
Energy Efficiency:
Stone-coated steel helps regulate indoor temperatures by reflecting solar heat, making it an energy-efficient choice. This can lead to lower cooling costs during the summer months, adding to overall savings.
Considerations:
Stone-coated steel roofs tend to be more expensive than asphalt shingles but provide greater longevity and are more durable. The weight of stone-coated steel can also be heavier than other metal roofs, so it’s essential to make sure your home’s structure can support it.
Also Read: 3 Best Stone-Coated Metal Roofing Manufacturers (2025)
Choosing the Best Roofing Alternative for Your Home
Each of these alternatives—asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and stone-coated steel—offers distinct advantages over traditional wood shakes. The right choice for your home depends on your priorities.
If you want an affordable and widely available option that still provides a wood-like look, asphalt shingles are a great choice.
If longevity, fire resistance, and energy efficiency are your top concerns, a metal roof is an excellent investment.
If you’re seeking the perfect balance of durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance, stone-coated steel is the ideal solution.
Call Us To Schedule Your Roof Replacement Today!
Wood shake roofing systems have their appeal, but the drawbacks make them a less-than-ideal option for many homeowners. With alternatives like asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and stone-coated steel, you can achieve the classic look of wood shake without compromising on durability, safety, or maintenance. If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to us at Prestige Roofing LLC—your trusted experts in high-quality, long-lasting roofing solutions. Contact at (920) 791-0414.