Cedar Shake Shingles: Benefits, Types, Installation and Tips

There are so many problems that any home owner faces at one time or the other with his or her home and roofing problems are among the common ones. Well, as your finest solution provider, we are always ready to embrace your questions with all the basic information to improve your home. In the end of this guide, you will not just know what cedar shake shingles is, but you will also know how much it can protect your house from expensive damages. Well, there you have it folks sit back, grab a cup of joe and come along with us as we plunge into the topic of Cedar Shake Roofing. You’ll get informed about its significance, how it’s done, how much it costs, kinds of it, when you’re likely to require a replacement, why it is beneficial, and how long it should last.

Cedar shake shingles have always been an emblematic roofing and siding material for their natural look, strength, and ecological adaptability. Cedar is a renewable resource that makes these shakes timeless in style with high-end appeal to any house. These shingles are weatherproofed and will last long, thus protecting your property while maintaining its value. Find out the advantages of cedar shake shingles, how to maintain them and install them to decide if they are ideal for your home renovation project.

What is cedar shake shingles?

 

Cedar shakes Roofing  are traditional roofing and siding materials that are made up of long-lasting cedarwood. These tiles are famous for their very unique, old-fashioned look, which is achieved by either being hand-split or sawn. The ones made using hand split technique have a rough appearance while the sawn ones are smooth with all edges uniform.

Natural beauty, resilience and eco-friendliness make cedar shakes highly valued. Proper maintenance ensures decades of wear from these weather-resistant shingles. Nonetheless, they require more intensive care compared to other roofing materials and demand a higher installation cost in general.

Cedar shake shingle details

Cedar shake  are a trendy option for homeowners looking for a natural rugged look. These shingles are made from cedar wood thus offering a distinctive character that can add value to the exterior of any home. Furthermore, there are two types which include hand split and sawn ones meaning that cedar shakes have multiple choices that can suit different styles or tastes.

Outside their appearance, what makes cedar shingle stands out is its resilience as well as weather resistance. Nonetheless, you have to maintain them regularly in order for them to keep looking good for years to come. The installation process and overall lifespan of your cedar shake roof or siding will be influenced by various factors such as climate, roof pitch and one’s desired aesthetic looks.

Types of cedar shake shingles

Cedar shake shingles which are well-known for their natural beauty as well as good durability. There are two main types: hand-split shakes and sawn shakes. Each type comes with its own unique features which may affect how your roof or siding looks like.

• Hand-Split Cedar Shakes

Hand-split cedar Shakes are made from cedar logs by splitting them manually. Rough surface texture with irregular shape is achieved when the wood is split by hand. This labor-intensive process results in some of the most charming shingles available on the market today which give a home more personality.

Advantages:

1. One-off natural look
2. Extraordinarily durable
3. Resistance against harsh weather elements

Disadvantages:

1. More expensive due to manual intensive method
2. Less uniform in size and shape
3. Sawn Cedar Shakes

 

• Sawn cedar shakes

Sawn cedar shakes are created by cutting down cedar logs into thin regular pieces, rather than splitting them by hand. In comparison to hand-splitting shakes, this method results in smoother surfaces that appear more even throughout. However, sawn shakes still maintain the inherent attractiveness of cedars although not having the same rustic appeal.

Advantages:

1. Same size and form always
2. Cheap compared with hand–split shakes
3. Easy installation

Disadvantages:

1. Less durable than hand-split shakes
2. May not have the same rustic appeal

 Choosing the Right type

Deciding between hand-split and sawn cedar shakes is based on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall style of your home. The following factors should be taken into consideration:

• Aesthetic: For that genuine rustic and traditional appearance, go for hand-split shakes. On the other hand, perhaps you prefer a more modern or simplified look with sawn shakes?
• Budget: Hand-split shakes are typically costlier than sawn ones because of their labor-intensive production process.
• Climate: What type of weather conditions do you experience most in your area? Harsh climates make people in many places choose hand-split shakes due to their high level of durability.
• Roof pitch: Additionally, this option may depend on how steeply pitched your roof is. Steeper roofs call for hand-split shakes as opposed to any other kind.

By evaluating these issues thoughtfully, you can select the most appropriate kind of cedar shake shingle that will improve the attractiveness of your residence from outside and provide its protection against natural elements.

Cedar Shake Shingles Cost

Cedar shake shingles are a prestigious kind of roofing material loved for their beauty and durability. However, they also come at a higher price compared to traditional asphalt shingles. Here is an overview of cedar shake shingle cost:

Factors Influencing Cedar Shake Shingle Costs

Several factors affect the total cost of cedar shake shingles:

• The species of cedar wood: Different kinds of cedar have different prices. The one most commonly preferred by many people is Western Red Cedar as it is reasonably priced.
• The grade of shingles: Cost varies depending on the quality and manufacturing method used. High quality shingles are expensive than low quality ones.
• Roof pitch: For this reason, higher labor and material requirements increase the costs involved.
• Size of the roof: In general, you should expect to pay more if your house has larger roofs.
• Labor costs: Installation for cedar shakes necessitates greater amount of human effort compared to other forms although this result in high labor expenses.

Cost Per Square Foot

Prices for cedar shake shingles usually range between $6 and $15 per square foot, inclusive of materials and installation. On average however, these figures are significantly higher than those for asphalt shingles which go between $3 and $5 per square foot.

Note: These figures represent average amounts which may still slightly vary depending on the above-mentioned factors.

 

Caution: This price guide is a general estimate. You will need to get quotes from local roofing contractors to know how much it may cost you.

How to install cedar shake shingles?

Tools and Materials Required

1. Cedar Shake Shingles
2. Underlayment
3. Roofing Nails or Staples
4. Roofing Starter Strip
5. Hammer or Staple Gun
6. Measuring Tape
7. Chalk Line
8. Safety Equipment (Ladder, Gloves, Safety Harness)

1. Preparation:

• Take off the old roofing material if required.
• Inspect the roof deck for damage and repair where necessary.
• Cover with underlayment to prevent water damage.

2. Starter Course:

Firstly, install the starter strip along the bottom edge of the roof for a level base for the first row of shingles.

3. Shingle Installation:

• Starting from down up put on shingles that will overlap each other so as to have effective water run-off.
• Fasten roofing nails or staples through spaced shingles firmly keeping them secured correctly.
• Offset joints between rows so as not allow moisture into them.
• Cut as needed around objects like chimneys and vents

Maintain correct exposure of the shingle visible part in order to achieve expected looks by maintaining proper shingle exposure (the visible part of the shingle) .

• Additional Tips

• Put on the right safety gears for example a ladder, gloves and a fall arrest system.
• Observe rules given by local authorities regarding construction and use of materials.
• If you have complex work or your project is big, you may hire an experienced roof expert.
• Air must be allowed to move freely in order to get rid of any form of wetness.
• Don’t forget to check your roofing often for destruction and tear.

If you’re not sure of your DIY skills, it’s better to call a professional .They have the experience and techniques to do it right.

How to repair cedar shake shingles

To repair cedar shake shingles one has to be diligent and careful. Though it is possible to do it yourself for minor repairs, bigger or complicated problems may need a specialist’s help.

Gears and Materials

1. New cedar shakes
2. Roofing nails or staples
3. Hammer or staple gun
4. Shingle ripper (optional)
5. Safety equipment (ladder, gloves, safety harness)

Steps to Repair

1. Determine how much the damage is: Assess how bad the problem is. Normally hairline cracks or even missing shingles can be fixed while severe damages might make one replace the entire roof.
2. Be safe first: Safety should always come first. Put on appropriate protective clothing such as safety harness when working at heights.
3. Remove damaged shingles: Carefully remove the damaged single(s) either with your bare hands or using a shingle ripper. Be cautious not to spoil other adjacent shingles.
4. Clear Area: Clear debris in the area and ensure that the underlying roof deck is in good shape.
5. Put in New Shingles: Cut the replacement shingle if necessary, so that it fits well into place then put it down making sure that it overlaps properly with the previous row which was laid down. Use roofing nails or staples to secure it.
6. Look alike: Keep an eye out for what would suit your new wooden rooftop according to its look and feel.
7. Seal and Protect: To safeguard your cedar wood shingles and ensure they match the rest of the roof, apply a wood preservative or stain to the new shingles. For added protection, use roofing cement and sealant around the edges of the shingles. This will secure the repair and prevent water infiltration, preserving the integrity and appearance of your cedar roof.

Tips for Repair

1. Work in Dry Weather: Do not repair shakes made out of cedar during or soon after rains have stopped.
2. Check for Underlying Issues: When fixing a damaged shingle, you may be hiding an even bigger problem like water damage or rotting roof deck.
3. Professional Help: Consult an experienced roofer when there is extensive damage or if you are uncertain about how to do the repair.
4. Remember: Cedar shake shingles are weather sensitive materials requiring regular checks and care. Early identification and correction of minor problems can prevent more serious ones later.

How to maintain cedar shake shingles

Indeed, cedar shake shingles are a beautiful and long-lasting roofing material; however, they need to be maintained on a regular basis.

Here’s an outline of important care tips:

1.Regular Inspection & Cleaning

•  Inspect often: Look at your roof for signs of damage such as missing or broken shingles, curled edges, or moss growth at least twice per year.
• Get Rid or Debris: In order to avoid water retention and rotting remove leaves, branches among other things.
• You can Clean Delicately: Use a soft brush and water for dirt and algae removal while avoiding power washing since it may result in damaging the shingles.

2.Protective Treatments

• Water Repellent: Apply water repellent every 2-3 years that will protect against moisture penetration.
• Fire Retardant: Consider fire-retardant treatment as an additional protection mostly in those regions which have high vulnerability to wild fires.
• Professional Treatments: Engage a professional roofer for custom-made treatments targeting specific issues like moss or mildew

Additional Tips

• Trimming Trees: Trim regularly overhanging branches to avoid injury from falling debris
• Maintenance of Gutters: Ensure the gutters are kept clean to prevent backups and ice dams.
• Ventilation: Make sure that there is proper attic ventilation to reduce the accumulation of moisture.
• Roof Cleaning by Professionals: Think about hiring a professional roof cleaning service in case you have stubborn moss or algae.

Moss Problems and Their solutions

• Growing Moss: Promptly get rid of any moss to avoid further damage. Consider a moss-killing product or expert application.
• Shingles Curling Upward: Prevent water infiltration by replacing curled shingles.
• Decaying Shingles: Replace shingles demonstrating signs of decay to prevent more harm.

Remember: Take care of your cedar shake roof properly so as not only lengthen its lifespan but also keep up its good looks. It is advisable for one who has reservations about how to go on with any roof maintenance practices to consult an experienced roofer instead.

Advantages of cedar shake shingles

Cedar shake shingles are undoubtedly beautiful, durable and eco-friendly. Below are some of their advantages:

1.Aesthetic Attraction 

• Cedar shakes have the natural aspect that makes houses look more appealing.
• Diversity: They come in split and sawn designs giving you an array of options to choose from.
• Aging Well: Over time, cedar shingles turn silver which is stunning making them acquire character on your roof.

2.Resistance to Elements 

• Resistance to Weather: Cedar doesn’t rot, decompose or get damp easily hence it serves for many years.
• Wind Resistant: Properly installed shakes will not be blown away by strong winds during bad weather conditions.
• Fire Resistance: It cannot be said to be fireproof; however, cedar has naturally occurring properties that are fire retardant.

3.Ecological Benefits

• A renewable resource: Cedar is a sustainable material that can be restored.
• Efficiency in energy use: This implies that cedar acts as a very good insulator ensuring reduced costs of heating and cooling.
• Biodegradable: It means cedar is natural; it decays without harming the environment.

4.Increased Property Value

• Curb Appeal: The aesthetic appeal of cedar shakes can significantly increase your home’s value.
• Longevity: A durable cedar roof can add to your home’s overall value and appeal to potential buyers.

5.Comfort and Indoor Air Quality

• Insulation: Cedar’s natural insulating properties help regulate indoor temperature.
• Pleasant Scent: Cedar emits a fresh, woodsy aroma that can improve indoor air quality.

Although many advantages are associated with cedar shake shingles, their higher cost and maintenance demands must be weighed against those of other roofing materials.

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