Shingle and chip roofs

Shingle roof and chip roof are traditional wooden roofs that have been used in Estonia for centuries. We offer installation of both roof types for both farmhouses and small structures. We have gained a lot of experience and information over the years and dare to recommend these roofs – a properly installed and maintained wooden roof is beautiful, breathable and surprisingly long-lasting.

Shingle roof or chip roof – what’s the difference?

A shingle is a sawn or split wooden board that is thinner on one edge – a shingle roof is laid tightly with an overlap and has a regular appearance. Chip is a thin, bent wooden slat that gives the roof a softer and more rustic look. Both are suitable for the Estonian climate, the choice depends on the style of the building, the slope of the roof and the desired appearance.

Why choose a shingle roof?

A wooden roof is light – the load on the supporting structure is many times less than on a stone or slate roof. Wood breathes, balances moisture and is ideal for old log houses and heritage-protected buildings. A shingle roof is also an environmentally friendly choice: the material is local, renewable and completely biodegradable at the end of its life.

A well-maintained aspen chip roof can last up to 60 years. The lifespan depends primarily on the slope of the roof, ventilation and regular maintenance.

Material and special work

We mainly use aspen – this is a traditional Estonian chip material that tolerates moisture well and does not require chemical treatment. If desired, we can also use impregnated or pre-treated material.

As a special project, we can create patterns on the roof from pre-treated wood chips – with colored chips, you can create a national ornament on the roof, which will make the building a real attraction.

Installation of a shingle roof

The chips and shingles are installed on the rafters in several layers, with sufficient overlap according to the slope of the roof. Proper ventilation under the rafters is the key to the long life of a wooden roof – it allows the roof to dry quickly after rain. We install roofs by hand, following traditional working methods and modern requirements.

In restoration work on buildings under heritage protection, we follow the instructions of the Eesti Muinsuskaitseamet and coordinate solutions with the board if necessary.

Depending on the material, slope and maintenance, 30–60 years. A chipboard roof can last up to 60 years with good maintenance.

Wooden roofs are more sensitive than stone roofs, but the risk can be mitigated by impregnation, a proper chimney cap, and a spark arrester. Insurance companies usually accept wooden roofs.

The steeper the better – preferably at least 30 degrees, then the water will drain quickly and the roof will dry. For flatter roofs, we assess the suitability on a site-by-site basis.

Yes. It is often enough to replace the worn layer and repair the scratch. We evaluate the condition during the scene and propose a more economical solution.

Contact the OÜ Erielement team – we will evaluate the object, help you choose the material, and prepare a personalized quote including installation.


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