Roofing Materials
Wood Shingles and Shakes — A Premium Specialty Roofing Material
Wood shingles and shakes offer a natural aesthetic that no manufactured material fully replicates. They are also the most maintenance-intensive roofing option available and the least forgiving of installation errors — particularly in Southeast NC's coastal climate. Roof Methods installs wood roofing as a specialty product for homeowners who understand what the material requires.
Cedar is the dominant species used for residential wood roofing — western red cedar specifically, valued for its natural oils that provide inherent resistance to moisture and decay. Wood shingles are machine-sawn on both faces for a smooth, uniform appearance. Wood shakes are hand-split or sawn to produce a thicker, rougher-textured profile with a more rustic look. In coastal Brunswick County, wood roofing requires an honest conversation before installation. The combination of humidity, salt air, UV intensity, and seasonal storm exposure that defines this climate accelerates wood deterioration significantly compared to drier inland markets. Without consistent maintenance — annual cleaning, preservative treatment every three to five years, and prompt repair of cracked or missing pieces — a cedar shake roof in this environment can fail in 15 years or less. With proper maintenance and quality installation, it can last 30 or more years and deliver an aesthetic no other material matches. Roof Methods installs wood roofing for homeowners who want the natural look and are prepared for the maintenance commitment it requires. We do not install it without that conversation first.
Quick Specs
| Species | Western red cedar (primary); treated alternatives available |
| Shingles vs shakes | Shingles: machine-sawn, smooth, uniform. Shakes: hand-split or sawn, thicker, textured |
| Typical lifespan (coastal NC) | 15–30 years depending on maintenance, grade, and installation quality |
| Fire rating (untreated) | Class C — fire-retardant treatment required in many NC jurisdictions, upgrades to Class A or B |
| Fasteners (within 15 miles of coast) | Stainless steel Type 316 required per NC Residential Code |
| Maintenance requirement | Annual cleaning, preservative treatment every 3–5 years, prompt repair of damage |
| HOA/insurance | Some HOAs and insurers restrict or prohibit — verify before specifying |
Why Choose Wood Shingles & Shakes
Natural aesthetic unmatched by any manufactured material
Cedar shake and shingle roofing has a texture, depth, and natural weathering character that synthetic alternatives replicate but do not fully match. For homeowners where architectural authenticity is the priority — historic reproductions, premium custom builds, or properties where the wood aesthetic is part of the design intent — no other material delivers the same result.
Natural insulating properties
Cedar has a natural insulating value approximately twice that of asphalt shingles. In a market with significant summer heat load, this translates to measurable attic temperature reduction compared to standard asphalt, though proper ventilation remains the primary driver of attic performance regardless of roofing material.
Premium grade cedar is dimensionally stable
Premium heartwood cedar — sourced from the dense inner core of old-growth trees — contains significantly higher natural oil content than sapwood-grade material. Heartwood grade cedar installed with proper ventilation spacing, quality underlayment, and stainless steel fasteners performs substantially better in coastal conditions than lower-grade material. Specification grade matters more with wood than any other roofing material.
How Roof Methods Installs Wood Shingles & Shakes
What to expect from our process and standards for this material.
Wood Shake Installation
Roof Methods installs hand-split and sawn wood shakes using premium heartwood cedar where specified. Coastal installations use stainless steel Type 316 fasteners as required by NC Residential Code for properties within 15 miles of salt water. Proper underlayment selection and ventilation spacing are critical to performance in this climate — we do not cut corners on either.
Wood Shingle Installation
Wood shingles provide a smoother, more uniform appearance than shakes. Machine-sawn on both faces, they are thinner and lay flatter than shakes. Installation requirements for coastal NC are the same — heartwood grade cedar, stainless steel fasteners, and appropriate underlayment. We evaluate each project individually for suitability before committing to installation.
Fire Retardant Treatment
Untreated cedar carries a Class C fire rating — the lowest classification. Fire retardant pressure treatment upgrades the rating to Class A or B, which is required in some NC jurisdictions and by some insurers. Some HOAs also require treated wood roofing. Roof Methods installs fire-retardant treated cedar where required or specified.
Our Simple Process
We make getting your roof repaired or replaced as easy as possible. Here's how we work with homeowners in Leland, NC.
Free Inspection
We start with a thorough roof inspection to assess your needs and identify any issues.
Detailed Estimate
You receive a transparent, itemized estimate with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Scheduled Work
We work around your schedule and complete the job efficiently with minimal disruption.
Quality Guarantee
Final walkthrough and warranty documentation. Your satisfaction is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about wood shingles & shakes roofing.
What Our Customers Say
“These guys are amazing! Had my roof done in a day. They did amazing clean up job as well. I totally recommend them to anyone who needs work done on their roof! 10 out of 5 stars if I could!”
Ashley G.
“This company came out after the hail storm and got me approved through insurance for a new roof. Josh came and talked to me and walked me through everything — he also got my neighbors approved. The project manager Brian was here before the job started and left after everyone left to ensure everything was just right.”
William R.
“Josh completed an inspection of my roof due to last week's snow and indicated that my roof was in very good shape and wasn't in need of anything urgent. He just pointed to a couple things to keep an eye on in the future rather than try to sell me on anything. True professional in my opinion.”
Brian P.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Kolbe, James, Brian, and Dalton and they have all been very helpful and informative. The roof installation was just completed today and looks wonderful — completed in 5½ hours and they cleaned up so well that you wouldn't even know they were here.”
Samantha N.