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Though cedar shakes often get confused with shingles, there are a few key differences between wood shakes and wood shingles. For one, cedar shingle prices are lower, although shingles are less durable than wood shakes. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles (shingles range from about 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick, compared to 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for shakes). Wood shakes are handmade, while shingles are usually machine-made. Also, wood shakes work better on steeper roofs than shingles do. While the cost of cedar shingles is more budget-friendly, there are many great reasons to choose shakes.

A roof pitch multiplier is an accurate way to calculate roof square footage, and it’s handy for purchasing the correct amount of materials. To determine your roof pitch multiplier, you'll need to calculate the roof slope, square it, and add it to 144. Next, find the square root of the total and divide it by 12. The answer is your roof pitch multiplier. Once you know the roof pitch multiplier, multiply it by the total square feet of your building to determine the total roof surface area.

As with any roofing material, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider before installing roll roofing. On the plus side, roll roofing is budget-friendly, lightweight, and comparatively easy to install. It is also ideal for low-sloped roofs and lasts around 10 years. The cons of roll roofing, however, include its low durability compared to roofing materials, restricted color choices, and low ROI.

Pros:

• Low-cost

• Lightweight

• Cut to size

• Easy and quick installation 

• Designed for low-sloped roofs

• Waterproofs your roof for an average of 10 years

• Easy to purchase and transport

Cons:

• Less durable than asphalt shingles

• More prone to cracks and tears

• Short life span

• Not as many color or style choices

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as shingles, wood, or clay tiles

• Not preferred for a higher home resale value

Roof underlayment usually lasts as long as the roofing material that covers it, as it’s not directly exposed to the elements. In most cases, roofing companies will replace the underlayment each time they install a new roof. In some cases, particularly with slate, clay, or certain metal roofs that can last 50 to 100 years, your underlayment may require replacement within that timeframe, especially if you start to notice roof leaks.