Our crews work with both wood shake and asphalt throughout Essex County. The reality of living with each material season after season in NJ weather shapes our recommendations beyond what product brochures capture.
What NJ Weather Does to Wood
Essex County humidity is wood shake's biggest enemy. We see shake roofs in shaded areas of South Orange and Maplewood develop moss within 2-3 years. Without treatment, moss holds moisture against wood, accelerating decay. Homeowners who skip annual treatment face premature replacement at 15-20 years instead of the expected 30-40.
Conversely, wood shake on sun-exposed roofs in open neighborhoods like Livingston and Caldwell ages gracefully and can last the full expected lifespan. Roof orientation and tree coverage are the primary predictors of longevity.
Installation Quality Matters More with Wood
The biggest mistake we see is inadequate spacing. Each shake needs a small gap for expansion and drying. Crews unfamiliar with wood shake install them too tightly, trapping moisture and causing premature splitting. Always verify your contractor has recent wood shake experience.
Underlayment selection is equally critical. We use cedar breather mat beneath all shake installations, creating an air channel that lets wood breathe. This detail can add 10 years to lifespan in NJ's humid climate. Budget contractors often skip this $1-$2/sq ft addition.
Honest Cost of Ownership
A quality asphalt roof in Essex County costs roughly $12,000-$18,000 total over its 25-year life including installation, maintenance, and repairs. A wood shake roof costs $25,000-$40,000 over the same period including higher installation, annual maintenance, and more frequent repairs.
We recommend wood shake only to homeowners who genuinely love the material and accept the ongoing investment. For everyone else, GAF Timberline HDZ in weathered wood or hickory tones comes surprisingly close to wood shake aesthetics at 40% of total cost.
Unless the natural wood aesthetic is non-negotiable, modern architectural asphalt shingles deliver better value for most Essex County homeowners. If you choose wood shake, invest in proper installation details and commit to annual maintenance.