Searching for a roofing material that has both a rich and natural look and density and practicality? White cedar shakes give exactly that. Due to their traditional construction and the manner they accommodate the aging process, they create a timeless look in a home. They appeal to the aesthetical sense as they are lovely to have, apart from that they are an excellent form of insulation that helps to regulate the temperatures within the house. Weather resistant & renewable, white cedar shakes are ideal for anyone who wants a beautiful roof that is also practical. You can count on us: We are here to sort all your roofing concerns as we unravel on how these shakes can change the look of your house. In this blog you will Explore white cedar shake : their costs, types, benefits installation, and maintenance tips and much more
What are white cedar shakes?
White cedar shakes are famous for being among the best in terms of quality and longevity, they provide an ageless look to any home. These shingles originate from Eastern White Cedar trees which are well known for being resistant against rot, bugs and moist conditions. By being installed properly and taken care of, white cedar shakes can not only improve your property’s curb appeal but also make it last longer.
white cedar shakes details:
Eastern White Cedar trees are the source of white cedar shakes. These shakes are renowned for their great endurance, appeal, and resistance to rot. They have a classic aspect and add to the appeal of a property. They also insulate the property, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which helps to conserve energy in houses. Even if they require minimal maintenance, regular checks are necessary to prevent them from decaying or becoming distorted due to weathering by cleaning any dirt on them. White cedar shakes, if properly maintained, will safeguard your home for years while also adding to its aesthetic value.
Some aspects that make white cedar helpful include its material makeup, which contains enough oils and tannins to function as natural repellents against various environmental agents, giving it a longer life lifetime than other materials. Although they seem extremely similar, the red cedar shakes are distinguished by their softer feel.
However, one must know that the two terms “shake” and “shingle” are somewhat similar but the former is relatively thicker and the manufacturing process is somewhat different. Although both are usually produced from cedar the shingles are thicker and hand-splatted provided a roughen look. Shingles are usually thinner and are cut by machines to achieve better quality that resembles that of hand cut shingles.
Key Characteristics: Durability, natural beauty, insulation, resistance to decay and insects.
Types: Standard shakes, thick shakes, double shakes, laminated shakes, hand-split shakes, machine-split shakes, and sawed shakes.
white cedar shakes types:
White cedar shingles are commonly used for roofing due to its strength, attractiveness, and natural insulating properties. They are made from Eastern White Cedar trees, which are noted for their durability, rot resistance, and insect resistance.
There are several types of white cedar shakes, each with its own distinct characteristics and advantages.
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Hand-Split Shakes
Description: Cedar shakes that have been split from a block using one’s hand.
Characteristics:
- Rough, textured surface.
- Irregular, rustic appearance.
- Thick and sturdy.
Common Uses: The housing constructions, cottages, and other buildings which strive to get the appearance of a traditional construction material used for log houses.
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Taper-Sawn Shakes
Description: Shakes that are cut on both sides so as to get a sanded look.
Characteristics:
- Whereas in hand-split one can get varying and irregular thickness.
- Shorter but with a smoother surface than shingles while still being somewhat thicker.
- It is a product of merging the characteristics of shingles and shakes; more specifically, shingles’ smoothness and shakes’ thickness.
Common Uses: Houses that need both the shabby chic and the luxurious look.
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Scribed and double-sawn jambs and solid, resown shakes.
Description: Thicker shakes, split by hand and resown to provide a thicker back, less wavering to the face.
Characteristics:
- Extremely robust and heavy-duty.
- Heel/toe lug pattern and heavily sipped tread.
- It gives an appearance of drama, and has a rich feel.
Common Uses: Commercial structures, those which require powerful and expressive roofing: large estates.
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Medium Shakes
Description: Lacks the viscosity of truly mid-range shakes, but isn’t as thin as many shakes made with vice.
Characteristics:
- A compromise between the thicker shake and the thinner shingle product.
- Provides average amount of surface irregularity and shade.
- Ideal for the classical, contemporary and modern architectural design.
Common Uses: Single family homes or applying to small or medium sized buildings specialties.
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Jumbo Shakes
Description: Very long to begin with and then very thick to gulp down.
Characteristics:
- Very thick giving texture and depth to the mixture.
- The author says that it contributes to making the clothes have a rather enigmatic and striking appearance.
- Higher durability as a result of the increased size of the joints.
Common Uses: Technologically advanced houses, buildings which need a strong and aggressive design.
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Fancy-cut Shakes
Description: Shakes could be cross cut into ornamental form like fish scale, diamond or an octagon.
Characteristics:
- Contributes specific patterns and enhancing appearances to such fabric products as furniture and curtains.
- It is mostly used for the decorative purposes rather than the actual roofs.
- That can come in different shapes and sizes.
Common Uses: Victorian homes, architectural details, fancy fronts, and ends.
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Pre-stained or Pre-finished Shakes
Description: Shakes used in the construction that has been stained or varnished before being used on the construction site.
Characteristics:
- Available in various colors.
- Better strength and resistance to environmental factors.
- Similarity of color or surface between the roof and any project carried on it.
Common Uses: Specific appearances and protection that homes desire.
Maintenance and Considerations
- Weather Resistance: White cedar shingles are naturally resistant to rot and insects, but they still need regular attention to prevent mildew and mold.
- Aging: Over time, shakes weather down to a silvery-gray patina that many people find appealing. Preservatives and finishes can be used to retain the original color.
- Installation: Correct application is vital for a long lasting and high performing cedar roof. Shakes are often unevenly shaped or have different thicknesses that require professional installation.
- Cost: The cost of white cedar shingles depends on its type, thickness, and finish. Hand-hewn or decorative patterns are more costly.
white cedar shakes cost:
White cedar shakes can cost around $4–$12 per sq. ft. However, the number is just an approximate estimate and can vary significantly depending on a range of factors that include:
- Shake types: Different types of white cedar shakes such as regular, thick or hand split will have different prices.
- Grade: High quality cedar shakes with minimum defects will be more expensive.
- Thickness: More bucks are normally coughed up for thicker shakes than those which are thin.
- Region: Pricing may also differ due to transportation and availability based on geographical location.
- Installation: Remember that labor expenses for professional installation could add a lot in overall costs.
Additional Costs
Additional charges other than the price of shakes alone include:
- Underlayment: A waterproofing membrane for your roof deck.
- Flashing: Metal accessories used to seal around chimneys, vents and other openings in the roofing system.
- Ventilation: Roof health is influenced by proper ventilation that could result to additional expenses too.
- Permits and inspections: In other cases there may also be permits and inspections required at local level hence incurring extra costs.
| Type of Shake | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Standard Shakes | $3-$5 |
| Thick Shakes | $4-$7 |
| Double Shakes | $5-$9 |
| Laminated Shakes | $6-$10 |
| Hand-Split Shakes | $7-$12 |
| Machine-Split Shakes | $4-$6 |
| Sawed Shakes | $3-$5 |
How to install white cedar shakes?
Learn how to install white cedar shakes with our detailed guide. Discover step-by-step instructions, essential tools, and expert tips for a durable and beautiful cedar shake roof.”
Tools and materials
- Cedar shakes
- Nails for roofing
- Sealant
- Hammer
- Use measuring tape
- Line chalks
- Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses, ladder)
- Roofing felt or underlayment
Preparation
- Remove old shingles: When replacing a current roof, be sure to remove all old shingles, nails as well as any debris.
- Inspect the roof deck: Damages or rot should be checked so that any repairs may be made as necessary.
- Install underlayment: Place roofing felt or underlayment to protect the deck of the roof and add waterproofing.
Installation
- Determine starter course: This is the first row of shakes that should have lower installation level compared to subsequent rows.
- Nail starter course: Use roofing nails in attaching starter courses onto the deck of a roof.
- Install second course: Ensure that you overlap the second row with its first one while allowing for proper exposure (the space among shakes).
- Continue laying courses: In each row, stagger shakes so that they create attractive visuals while ensuring proper water flow.
- Nail shakes: Each shake must be nailed through into the deck of a roof with roofing nails.
- Use Sealant: if the shakes are getting damaged by hammering nails you can use little sealant.
- Cut and install final row: The last line might need some cutting in order to fit with edges of roofs.
Recommendations for Success
- Use the right protective equipment such as a ladder, gloves, and glasses.
- Find an assistant to make the installation easier and safer.
- For difficult roof shapes or if you are unsure about your skills, it may be worth considering hiring a roofer with experience.
- Maintain ventilation so that dampness does not take hold.
- Regularly examine your roof for any signs of damage or weariness.
Maintenance
- Clean your roof on a regular basis and remove garbage in order to prevent moss from growing on it.
- Damaged shakes need replacement once observed during inspection exercise.
- Roof resealing should be done every 5-7 years to sustain its water resistance qualities.
- By doing this you will be able to successfully install red cedar shakes which will offer you beauty and long lastingness.
Extra hints:
- Use a line marker in order to indicate the location of shakes before you fasten them down with nails.
- Ensure that the nails are pushed through shakes and into the roof deck.
- Coat the nail heads with roofing cement to keep them from leaking.
- Stagger the nails across each row for firmer shakes.
- Inspect your roof for any damage following a storm or heavy rain.
How to repair white cedar shakes?
Our step-by-step guide will show how one can repair damaged white cedar shakes. Find out the problems, learn how to replace broken shingles and restore your roof’s beauty and protection.
Steps:
- You need to be inspecting the roof on a regular basis. Through this, you can easily notice any damage before it deteriorates.
- Take out damaged shakes. Make sure you use a pry bar or a hammer when taking them out one at a time.
- Create and cut new shakes. First get new ones that are located in areas that had the damaged shakes and suit them as desired.
- Put up the new shakes. After nailing them down with roofing nails, put up the new ones.
- Calk over the nails. You need to do this so that water would not penetrate into your roof through those openings made by bent nails.
- Re-inspect your roof after repair works. The aim here is to make sure that there were no faults committed during repair processes.
Additional tips:
- If you lack the know-how to repair roof damage, hiring a professional roofer may be preferable to you.
- When making repairs it is necessary to use good quality shakes made of white cedar.
- You should also replace damaged flashing and underlayment while repairing your roof.
How to prevent damage to white cedar shakes:
- Ensure that there is no debris or dirt on your roof.
- Cut branches from trees near your house
- Check regularly if any part of the roof has started rotting
- Repair any damage immediately after seeing them.
If these suggestions are followed, then roofs can be better protected against the elements and their longevity will be increased.
Advantages of white cedar shakes
White cedar shakes are loved by many people and is a preferred choice for roofing materials due to their numerous advantages. Some of the pronounced benefits of white cedar shakes include:
- Durability: These are extremely long-lasting roofs; proper care and maintenance will see them go for about five decades.
- Beauty: They possess natural beauty which adds charm to any home and comes in different colors and styles.
- Natural insulation: They offer perfect insulation since they can keep your house cool in summer and warm during winter.
- Easy installation: They are relatively easy to install. Either a professional roofer or an experienced homeowner can put them up.
- Low maintenance: Little effort is needed to maintain white cedar shakes; this entails check-ups for good condition regularly and cleaning when necessary.
- Sustainability: White cedar shakes are a sustainable roofing material. These are gathered and recycled once they have been used.
- Increased property value: A house with white cedar shake roofing may be more valuable than one with asphalt shingles.
- Reduced energy costs: Using less energy in your home can lower your utility bills while keeping you cool in the hot summer and warm in the winter thanks to white cedar shakes that insulate your home.
How long white cedar shakes last?
White cedar shakes have a life span of between 30 and 50 years, but this is just an approximate estimate since its actual durability depends on various factors such as:
Quality: The best kind of cedar shakes with just a few blemishes last the longest.
Installation: It should be properly installed for long term performance including having proper ventilation and underlayment.
Weather: Destructive weather conditions such as heavy snowfalls, strong winds or sunlight can make the rotting process faster than it normally occurs.
Conservation: Periodic examinations, washing as well as sealing are essential to shielding them from destructions thereby prolonging their lives.
Therefore, considering these issues and practicing good care you will definitely increase the lifespan of your white cedar shake roof to a significant extent.
Why white cedar shakes are Important?
There are a number of reasons why white cedar shakes should be considered as an option for roofing lets discover them one by one:
Durability: White cedar shakes have stood the test of time and can last for many years even when taken care of in harsh weather conditions
Natural beauty: The distinct appearance makes them the best choice for those who want their home exterior to look old-fashioned and elegant.
Insulation: white shed roofing is considered to be the best at insulation because it helps to regulate room temperatures.
Sustainability: white Cedar shakes are environmental friendly since they come from renewable sources.
Less Maintenance: Compared to other types of roofing materials, cedar shingles do not require much attention.
Property Value: A white shake roof will enhance a house’s aesthetic value thus increasing its worth.
All these make white cedar shakes a popular choice among homeowners looking for good looks, durability and eco-consciousness.
Conclusion
In terms of being visually beautiful, strong and conserving the environment, white cedar shakes are an attractive mixture. They have timeless allure and do not rot or attract insects hence highly sought by house owners that prefer environmentally friendly roofing. While it may require regular maintenance unlike other types of roofs; purchasing white cedar shakes can pay off as a good investment for homeowners in adding value to their homes and increasing the overall aesthetics. By knowing different varieties, methods for installing them and maintenance tips, homeowners can choose wisely, take advantage of the many benefits provided by this special kind of roofing material.
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FAQs
How long do white cedar shakes last?
Being durable, white cedar shakes can last about thirty to fifty years when well taken care of. Their lifespan relies much on issues like the manner in which they were installed as well as climate and maintenance.
What are the benefits of white cedar shakes?
The benefits offered by white cedar shakes are numerous, including natural beauty, durability, insulation, sustainability and low maintenance. They improve a home’s curb appeal while providing lasting safety.
How much do white cedar shakes cost?
White cedar shakes normally range from four to twelve dollars per square foot but this figure can vary due to such factors as type, grade, thicknesses region and installation. Other expenses include underlayment flashing and labor.
How do I maintain white cedar shakes?
Your white cedar shake lasts longer with timely upkeep. Regularly inspect for damage to remove debris and consider re-staining every 5-7 years for moisture protection from UV rays.
Are white cedar shakes environmentally friendly?
Yes, they are eco-friendly since they are made from renewable resources and offer good insulation that promotes energy efficiency reducing environmental impacts.
