Essential Guide to Wood Cedar Shake Siding

Wood cedar shake siding has been a popular choice for homeowners for centuries, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and lasting durability. Its distinct texture and various deep colors can make any home’s exterior more appealing and friendly-looking. In this article, we shall discuss cedar shakes in detail, including their benefits, how to take care of them and some factors that need consideration during their installation so you can decide whether or not they are perfect for your abode.

What is Wood Cedar Shake Siding?

Cedar shake siding, also known as wood shingles, is an external cladding constructed of cedar shingles that have been machine-cut or hand-split into a tapering form. To provide textured and visual effects, the shingles are overlapped. For many years, homeowners have selected cedar shake siding due to its beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. It stands out from other sidings in terms of appearance and resistance to adverse weather conditions, making it desirable to individuals who want their homes to seem like they were built hundreds of years ago.

Wood Cedar Shake Siding Details

Wood cedar shake siding is a renowned choice of exterior cladding that is classical in nature because it is made of natural beauty and exceptional durability. This kind of siding made from shingles made of cedar has a unique texture that adds warmth to any home as well as creates a character. It is energy efficient due to its insulation properties whereas its decay resistance ensures it serves for long.

Characteristics of Wood Cedar Shake Siding

• Beautiful Nature: They bring out an enriched color variation with their uniqueness.
• Longevity: Can withstand any climatic condition, bugs and also rotting hence giving prolonged protection to the house.
• Heat Loss Resistance: Consists substances which are able to resist loss of heat within the compound walls.
• Biodegradability & sustainability: Use this renewable resource material since it’s eco-friendly.

Types of Cedar Shakes

Hand split Shakes:

These give an irregular rustic look resulting from splitting them unevenly.

Taper sawn Shakes:

Appear in straight lines all over which gives them consistency.

Wood Cedar Shake Siding Types

Wood Cedar Shake Siding Types: A More Detailed Analysis

There are Two major types of cedar shake siding available, each with distinct aesthetic and performance properties. Having an understanding about the difference between these ones can enable you to make an informed decision regarding your house’s exterior.

1. Hand split Cedar Shakes:

The hand split cedar shakes are rusticity at its finest. These shingles result from splitting individual pieces off cedar logs which gives them their irregular looking natural appearance. The process of splitting keeps the wood’s oils intact, thus making it more resistant to weathering agents and long-lasting.

Key Characteristics:

• Distinctive, irregular shape and texture
• Thick and heavy
• Superior insulating properties
• High-end, premium look
• Usually costlier than taper sawn shakes

2. Taper sawn Cedar Shakes:

Compared to hand split shakes, taper sawn cedar shakes have a more uniform look. They are made by cutting tapered shapes out of cedar logs for a neater appearance.

Key Characteristics:

• Same size and shape throughout
• Thin and lightweight compared to hand split shakes
• Simple installation process
• More affordable than hand split shakes
• Can be adapted to various architectural styles

Which type of cedar shake siding is best for you depends on your own preferences, budgetary considerations as well as overall home design. Either way, both options bring excellent durability, aesthetics as well as environmental advantages along with them.

Wood Cedar Shake Siding Cost

There are several factors which determine the price of wood cedar shakes siding, such as type of cedar, grade, dimension, level of installation difficulty and geographical location. However, it is a top choice for some homeowners who are willing to spend on the attractiveness and durability that come with cedar shakes.

Breakdown of Cost

• Materials Cost: The price of cedar shakes differs due to grade, thickness and length. Premium prices are charged for high quality cedars devoid of any defects. For just the material alone expect to pay between $5 and $15 per square foot.
• Installation Cost: Labor charges are typically in the range from $4 to $7 per square foot. Things like roof pitch, removal of existing siding if any as well as finish required can alter labor costs.
• Other Costs: Things like permits, underlayment, flashing and fasteners might increase the overall expenditures.

Total Cost Estimate

Typically, cedar shake siding installation costs between $9 and $22 per square foot. This ranges from $18,000 to $44,000 for a 2,000-square-foot residence. Nonetheless, you must obtain quotes from local contractors in your region in order to receive an accurate estimate of the cost of your job.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Cedar Type: Hand split shakes are usually costlier than taper sawn shakes because they require more labor-intensive processes during their production.
• Cedar Grade: Superior quality cedar with fewer defects is priced higher.
• Project Size: Larger homes necessitate greater amounts of material and labor thereby increasing the overall cost.
• Installation Complexity: Labor intensive projects involving intricate details and or multi-story structures naturally incur higher labor costs.
• Geographic Location: Material and labor prices may significantly vary across regions.

Tips to Save Money

• Seek Substitutes: Research the use of composite shingles as a substitute for cedar shake.
• Compare Prices: Get quotes from various contractors for comparison purposes.
• Do It Yourself: Labor costs can be minimized if you have the knowledge and time to do the siding yourself.
• Take Care of it: Regularly maintaining your cedar shake will add years to its lifespan and keep down expenses in the long run.

Such things may make cedar so expensive at first, but its durable nature, low maintenance requirements and eye-catching look add value to any property.

How to Install Wood Cedar Shake Siding?

Installing cedar wood shake siding on your home will improve its appearance as well as provide good insulation and lastingness. This guide will help with the fundamental steps involved in this project.

Preparation:

• opt for the suitable cedar shakes: Choose which kind either hand split or taper sawn, grade and dimensions that suit your home style and wallet size.
• Assemble necessary tools: Hammer, nails, tape measure, chalk line, saw, safety goggles and gloves.
• Prepare the wall: Make sure that it’s clean and dry without any obstacles. Put water-resistant barrier and ventilation to ensure sufficient air circulation.

Installation:

1. Outfit beginning course:

Start by fastening a starting row at the bottom of the wall so as to come up with a level base for the first line of shakes.

2. Arrange courses:

Followed by, use chalk lines to mark where successive rows will go ensuring that there is an appropriate overlap and staggered jointing.

3. Attach shakes:

Attach each shake using nails or staples allowing some expansion and contraction. Keep shake’s visible part at a constant level known as exposure.

4. Fix corner pieces:

These could be mitered shakes or cut existing shakes which would enable smart corners that seem professional in nature.

5. Deal with openings:

Cut shingles carefully and put them around windows and doors making sure that you have good flashing and sealing systems in place.

6. Finish off and protect:

Cover cedar wood with high quality preservatives or stains, which highlight its natural beauty while protecting it against weather conditions.

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.

Tips for Success

• Ventilation: To check the growth of moisture and decay of wood, ensure proper ventilation.
• Flashing: Be sure that windows, doors and other openings are properly installed with flashing to resist water intrusion in construction.
• Nail placement: Do not nail at near ends of shakes; they may split.
• Staggered joints: Offset the joints in every row for enhanced visual appeal and better resistance against water penetration.
• Professional help: For intricate projects or if you don’t have any experience, it’s worth considering hiring an installer who specializes in such work.

By following these steps and paying attention to details, you can successfully install cedar shake wood siding that will increase your property value and bring character into it forever.

How to Repair Wood Cedar Shake Siding?

Check the Damage:

Evaluate the extent of damage before you begin repairs.

The most common issues include:

• Loose or damaged shakes, which may be substituted with new ones.
• little cracks can often be filled with wood putty while bigger ones may need the shake to be replaced
• In case the condition is severe, it might require removal and replacement of that spot

Materials and Tools:

1. Cedar Shake Replacements
2. A hammer
3. Nails/Staples
4. Saw,
5. Wood Putty,
6. Caulk,
7. Goggles for Safety reasons.

Steps for Repairing:

1. Put Safety First:

Use a stable ladder and put on the correct safety attire.

2. Remove bad shakes:

Take off any damaged or lost shakes carefully.

3. Make Replacement Shakes Ready:

You may need to cut the replacements shakes so that they can fit into space.

4. Put in New Shakes:

Slide in the new shake and secure it with nails or staples. Ensure that it overlaps properly with the next shake.

5. Mend Small Damages:

For small cracks or splits, use wood putty to mend it. Let the putty dry up completely before applying paint or stain on it.

6. Use Caulk and Sealants:

To keep water from getting inside again, use sealant to close all gaps around where you have fixed it.

7. Finish Up:

If necessary, match up the color of your replacement shakes with your already existing sidings by staining or painting them.

Tips:

• Match the Shakes: In case you need to replace any shakes, find those that closely resemble the existing ones in terms of color, texture and thickness.
• Work in Sections: For larger repair jobs, it is better to work sections at a time so as not to become overwhelmed.
• Professional Help: If you have extensive damage or feel uncertain about repairing, hire a professional roofer or siding contractor.
• Remember: By keeping up regular inspections and maintenance, cedar shake sidings will not suffer from severe damages.

Advantages of Wood Cedar Shake Siding

Siding made of red wood shake has numerous advantages such as attractive appearance, long life and ecological compatibility.

Some advantages are as follow:

1. Natural Beauty:

These wooden plaques with different shades look nice on the external facades of every house; they make it cozy and unique.

2. Durability:

Cedar plank cannot be easily destroyed by fungi, bacteria or insects thus securing a home for years.

3. Insulation:

The overlapping strips help in (managing) room temperatures because cedar shakes have thermal insulating capacity which reduces electricity bills.

4. Environmental Friendliness:

Being a renewable source that can decompose in soil and water, makes this an environment conscious material.

5. Increased Property Value:

Due to its ageless appeal and endurance, cedar shakes are often associated with high-cost properties.

6. Low Maintenance:

Although regular washing and resealing is recommended for these shingles they need less looking after as compared to other types of sidings.

The selection of wood cedar shake siding means that you not only purchase a beautiful appearance but also enjoy the returns this decision will bring you as well as take part in sustainable lifestyle.

Conclusion:

In short, wood cedar shakes are visually appealing, long-lasting, and environmentally benign. It is a good alternative for homeowners who desire a classic external style that is also long-lasting, with its own appeal and weather protection. Although it may have greater initial expenditures, the long-term benefits, such as increased property value and lower upkeep, generally make it more cost effective. You may assess whether cedar shakes are appropriate for your home based on these characteristics, which include kind, installation, and upkeep.

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