Zook Shingles
One of the more well-known contributors to the undulating roof design was architect R. Harold Zook. His homes were built in the 1920s to the late 1940s, and can be found throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. He designed mainly Cotswold and Tudor style cottages, each full of character and well thought-out details. The designs included many natural elements such as exposed wood beams, stone, iron and brick, and he often incorporated his signature spider web design into the iron work or stained glass windows.
A key feature on many Zook houses is the undulating wood roof designed to look like thatch and stacked “Zook Shingles”. The undulating design is created by cutting and installing shingles in a wave pattern with the “Zook Shingles” on eaves and gables layered and steam-bent to give the whole roof a subtle flow. Today, this shingle design is still referred “Zook Shingles” and is a concept we use often.
Throughout the years, we have had the opportunity to re-roof several of these homes that showcase both styles, including his own home and studio he built in 1924:
Each Zook House is truly a unique piece of art and a beautiful representation of the era’s craftsmanship.
Inspecting Your Cedar Roof
Before you start evaluating your cedar shake roof's condition, you should probably know the age of your home and how long you've had your roof. This information can help you figure out which components you'll need to repair or replace. It's also helpful to take notes or even pictures of any damage you find.
Restoring a Cottage Roof in Shaker Heights, Ohio
Exotic Shingles
Over the summer, we installed Ipe Shingles on this home located in The Bahamas. Ipe Shingles are one of the exotic hardwood species we work with, and because of their ability to withstand the elements, they are commonly used for decking or flooring. Ipe or Brazilian Walnut is a specialty hardwood from the forests of Central and South America and is noted for its unbelievable strength and durability, making it a stellar choice for this Caribbean home prone to hurricanes. The wood is extremely dense and hard to bore into, making it naturally bug, insect, and even fire resistant. Ipe is medium to dark brown in color with red, black and gold highlights throughout that fade into a silvery gray over time. Check out the pictures from the project below: