The Wood Side: The Advantages of Wood Siding

Wood siding adds depth and style to any home. It lends a simple yet elegant touch, and can be manufactured from cedar, pine, fir, or spruce. When it comes to durability and rot resistance, quality cedar shake siding is the common choice, especially because of its rich character, grain, and texture. Homeowners who have decided to use cedar wood siding can opt for cedar shingle (sawn) or shake (split), and either way, will not be disappointed by the material’s natural beauty. Despite its pros, shingles command a premium price, which is a bit...

As Good Wood Should: Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance

Just like any other roofing system, a cedar shake roof requires periodic maintenance. However, cedar shakes require special attention. Some recommend high-pressure washing or “powerwashing” the cedar roof, albeit it can damage the latter if not applied properly. As much as possible, a professional should assess the roofing system on a case-to-case basis if it qualifies for powerwashing. The assessment entails factors such as the age of the roof, gallons sprayed per minute, and pressure per square inch. Moreover, if the cedar roof retains...

A Guide to Properly Replacing and Installing Durable Cedar Shingles

An article on the-review.com published last August 30, 2013 offers tips to homeowners looking to swap their siding. The article strongly recommends inspecting the structure and looking for signs of damage before going through with the procedure. The article also offers tips on finding the right contractor for the job. Siding serves as a covering for the exterior of a home, so naturally it would take damage from the elements. It's important for householders to maintain upkeep of...

Adding a Touch of Nature with Help from Classic Cedar Shingle Siding

You don't have to be a college student or professor to appreciate classic cedar shingle siding though. The cladding is a great way to imbue a traditional look upon any home while providing a tasteful means to protect the outer walls. Shingle siding is also great as an insulator, and can improve a home's ability to retain heat during cold seasons. According to the creator of the brown shingle book, living in a house adorned with unpainted wooden shingles a hundred years ago was a...

Cedar Shake Siding Materials: Providing More Curb Appeal to Homes

Whenever you see homes with wooden shake sidings, you may get a feeling of deja vu that may be hard to ignore. After all, homes with wooden sidings have been built in various parts of the world for centuries now. However, according to an article by Brice Particelli on HomeAdvisor.com, people normally think of the warm smell of cedar closets whenever they think of cedar. Yet cedar is more than just what your closet is made of. Look around you and you might see see cedar shake siding...

Tips to Help You Choose a Roofing Contractor

Searching for contractors to help you repair or replace your roof can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are many ways to sift through a number of roofing companies until you finally find the most reliable one. Here are some practical tips to help you with your research: 1. Look into the company details and history or track record. Check the address, tax ID, business registration/license, and liability insurance of a contractor, among other credentials. Confirm the credibility of the contractor by consulting relevant local boards and...

Cedar Shake Roof Materials: Providing Many Benefits for Homeowners

Wooden shake or shingle roofs may be more expensive and difficult to install than other roofing materials. However, they have remained the top choice of homeowners who want durable roofs that can withstand harsh weather conditions. At the same time, wood roofs provide the aesthetic appeal not found in other types of roofing materials. In fact, in spite of their relatively higher costs, many architects and building contractors prefer wood roofs because of their beauty and natural...

Why Should You Install Cedar Shingles for Your Roofing and Siding

Asphalt roofing shingles may be inexpensive, but they may also not be the most energy-efficient materials available. Millions of asphalt shingles end up in landfills each year, while those made from cedar can be recycled or reused. Indeed, installing cedar shingles for your siding and roofing can be the best thing you can do for your home as well as for the environment. Cedar roofing and siding shingles are resilient to extreme weather conditions, due in large part to their higher...

Western Red Cedar Shake Siding: A Green Siding Material worth Choosing

The idea of using wood siding, instead of PVC or other materials, is understandable because wood is a natural insulating material. In addition, many building contractors prefer to work with wood because it is simpler, more flexible, and easier to repair than other siding materials. Ordinary wooden planks may be adequate for any household’s siding needs, but people should consider using high-quality cedar shakes siding from trusted sources like WoodRoof.com. Simply put, shakes are...

Homes Look Better and Last Longer with Quality Cedar Shingle Siding

Few exteriors have the same warmth, beauty and natural appeal of cedar siding. Most homeowners prefer this type of siding because it is very attractive and blends in perfectly with most backgrounds. Cedar has been used in buildings for ages and it is therefore regarded as the traditional siding material of choice. Cedar has a unique grain pattern that gives it a beautiful look and also makes it much more resilient. While cedar shingles siding offers exceptional weather resistance,...

Wooden You Try It: The Many Virtues of a Classic Cedar Shake Roof

In areas where the risk of wildfire damage is rather low, cedar wood shingles can prove to be an irresistible option. Cedar wood resists rot quite well thanks to its natural oils, which act as preservatives. Interestingly, cedar resists termite infestation up to a certain extent. In any case, property owners would do well to hire professional roofers to install high-quality cedar shake roof, householders should remember to enlist skilled roofers to install the shingles. Folks worried...

Why Experts Recommend Cedar Siding

Siding is an additional structural component that serves as a reinforcement for the existing wall of a building, particularly a house. Like roofing does to the decking, siding protects the inner wall from the effects of the elements. Choosing the right siding material is crucial to keep your home well-protected and insulated. To achieve this purpose, cedar is one of the best materials you can use. Low Density Interestingly, the cellular structure of cedar is open, making the wood less dense and light. Like common insulating materials...

Cedar Shingles and Shakes—Some Factors that Can Influence Your Choice

The sheer number of siding options that are currently available in the market makes choosing really difficult. However, if you've already made up your mind to have cedar siding installed, you'll find it easier to pick the type if you are aware of the different grades, styles, and finishes of quality cedar shingles. Some suppliers like WoodRoof.com provide a list of all the features of cedar that you need to know to make an informed decision. Cedar shake or shingles usually come...

Choose Energy-Efficient & Appealing Cedar Shake Shingles for Your Home

The color of your roof can affect attic temperatures by as much as 20 to 40 degrees. Light colored shingles reflect sunlight (which helps homes in warmer climates stay cool), whereas dark colored shingles absorb heat (which helps homes in colder climates stay warm). Experts also suggest coordinating the color of your roofing shingles with the colors of the home's other structural elements. Aside from helping your home retain more heat, dark colored shingles also help snow and ice...

Quality Cedar Shingle Siding Protects Your Home Against the Elements

Climate change results in stronger storms and temperature extremes that today's homes are not designed to withstand. This is where reliable cedar shingle siding offered by companies like WoodRoof.com comes into play. While many homes are already equipped with siding, the kind of material used can make all the difference. Cedar is known to be very tough and can withstand wind speeds of up to 245 mph, which is equivalent to the force of some of the strongest hurricanes on record;...

Harvesting Western Red Cedar to Create Lightweight Cedar Shake Siding

The availability of quality cedar wood siding will also depend on the number of trees that can be harvested every year. WRCEA says that less than one percent of the total stock of Western red cedar is harvested every year. Clearcut harvesting has already been phased out in the Western red cedar forests along Canada's west coast in favor of variable retention, which keeps some flora and fauna intact for forest preservation. While Western red cedar is known for its natural protective...

Wood is, and Always will be, the Best! Benefits of Cedar Shake Siding

The Redbeacon.com website further posts four reasons why you should consider wood. Since it seems to fit the bill in almost every category, cedar, redwood, and pine are thus suitable candidates for a reliable siding system. Special wood preservatives can boost the beauty and durability of wood sidings even further by enhancing their warm and natural look and offering protection against moisture and mold. Some construction retailers like WoodRoof.com capitalize on these features...

Investing the Right Amount of TLC in Your Durable Cedar Shake Roof

Shell Busey, in a recent article that was featured on Canada.com, advises caution on the kind of TLC you give your biodegradable cedar shake roof. Roof cleaning products and methods remain largely unregulated, and the use of improper cleaning products and methods could damage your cedar shake roofing. In fact, even the act of pressure washing could inflict irreversible damage. However, this doesn't rule out the option of power washing, as it's a necessity for every roof. Just...

Getting One with Nature: Things to Keep in Mind when Installing a Cedar Shake Roof System

Shakes and shingles are usually made from redwood, pine, or cedar. Among them, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is reputed to be one of the best roofing materials around, offering decent durability, flexibility, and resistance against the cold. Despite the name, this type of cedar is also found in British Columbia, Washington, and California. The rarity of the material means that only a few reputable companies and online retailers like WoodRoof.com can offer them and install them for interested...

Wood is Good: The Benefits of Cedar Shake Siding

While there are many homeowners who are quick to consider vinyl, stucco, or stone for their home’s siding, that doesn’t mean that wood can’t hold a candle to these materials! In truth, there are various reasons why cedar shake siding is better than the others in some respects. First off, cedar shakes have a rustic, natural aesthetic that the other siding materials can only mimic in varying degrees. Emphasis needs to be placed on the word “natural” because, secondly, cedar shakes are environment-friendly. Not only are they recyclable and (relatively)...

Why Homeowners Should Choose Wooden Shake Roofing

Many materials have been developed specifically to serve as building materials due to their robust quality. Materials such as cement, steel, and even fiberglass make for very strong and long-lasting construction components, and many modern buildings are built using these. However, once in a while, natural components made from wood make for fine materials as well. The roof is one part of the house that is constantly subjected to the elements, and homeowners will definitely want a superior material over their heads to protect themselves. Wooden...

Looking for the Warning Signs of Cedar Shingle Deterioration

Cedar shingles can provide your home with more than just visual pizzazz; they can also strengthen it with their natural ability to adapt to weather conditions. Getting them installed through a contractor who can set them up for you at a modest sum can stretch their value. However, while cedar shingles are rated to last many years, there are clues which can point to the need to replace them sooner. Seeing the shingles curled or cupped shingles are part and parcel of the wood’s natural aging and brought about as a result of exposure to the...

What Should You Do to Take Proper Care of Your Shingles?

There are many aesthetic advantages to having cedar shingles installed on the roof of your humble abode. For one, they have natural oils that help preserve their appearance and structure; a good thing, considering certain patterns work well with the house’s overall look. However, since they may degrade over certain periods of time, you will need to use a host of measures to keep them intact. You can start by stripping all organic debris, especially in the aftermath of a rainstorm. Items such as tree branches are capable of growing molds...

A Quick Guide to Shake Quality: The Grain Doesn't Lie

Wood grain tells a lot of things about the wood itself. Reading how the wood grew is an important skill woodworkers try to learn. Lumber like cedar can be cut in one of three ways: along the grain, across the grain, or at an angle of 45 degrees. Cutting across the grain—called edge grain—is considered to be the most durable of the three cuts of wood. You can see shakes cut perpendicular to the grain by looking for the tight, straight pattern. The tight structure helps keep the grain more stable during changes in moisture content. For shakes...

All About Cutting Shakes: No Two Shakes are the Same

Have you noticed that cedar shakes don't always look uniform? It's a sign that the splitting was done by hand; to be more accurate, it was done by froe (or shake ax) and mallet. Splitting a block of cedar is as easy as chopping firewood. The grain makes it easy for a block to be split, helping the blade cut all the way to the other side. Add the fact that cedar used for roofs or sidings are naturally resistant to decay and pests and you have a ready-to-use material. However, you need a good hand to cut shakes at a certain thickness. Then...

Understanding Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Cedar wood is a material of choice for homeowners who are looking for a natural-looking roof. If you're one of them, take time to learn more about cedar before deciding to have your roofing replaced. Knowing the nature and qualities of your chosen roofing material will give you an idea of how it should be installed; or whether or not it suits your home's architecture. Cedar wood can be cut into shake or shingle depending on the homeowner's preference. Cedar wood shake is categorized or distinguished from cedar shingle by its rough and raw...

Why Install Cedar Siding on Your Home

With all the threats of nature emerging as a result of climate change, no home is safe with bare exterior walls. A home needs siding to ward off the elements and prolong the life of its main wall structure. Not just a shield, this cladding material should be visually appealing to increase the home's value. This is where cedar siding, a wood siding known for its natural beauty, comes into play. Cedar siding is wood, and is cut out of huge trees, giving it unparalleled natural texture. Other siding materials may imitate its look; but only true...

Shakes or Shingles: Which is the Best for Sidings?

People who prefer to have their homes built using cedar have the dilemma of choosing between shakes or shingles. Technically speaking, these two are more or less the same, save for a few cosmetic and manufacturing differences. However, there are some circumstances wherein one is preferable over the other, especially when they're intended to be used as a siding material. Cedar shingles are made by sawing both sides of the wood and ensuring a thin butt at the same time. This means that shingles are generally more uniform in shape and design...

Leave Cedar Shake Installation to Reliable Roofers

Homes may use asphalt or composite shingles for their rooftops, but there are many homeowners who still stand by good old wood. Experts recommend cedar shakes or shingles for those who want a rustic and natural feel for their roofing systems, specifically because these wood-based materials offer the best in terms of aesthetics and function. However, it is also advisable to engage reliable roofers for such installation, rather than opting for a weekend DIY project. The task is not simple because wood is very vulnerable to moisture, and can...

Good Wood: Choosing the Right Cedar Shingles

Traditional American homes typically have cedar shingles topping them off. The sheer variety of cedar trees yield a wide range of cedar shakes and shingles. This makes picking the right shingle siding quite challenging to the uninitiated. Fortunately, a few hints can change all that. One of the most popular choices for a cedar shingle is red cedar, which is widely treasured for its exquisitely tight grain texture and exceptional durability. Red cedar also weathers quite well and in time takes on a darker look that gives added character to any...

Good Wood: The Benefits of Cedar Roof Shingles

With all this talk about synthetic materials and roofing membranes, you're probably unaware of the benefits of using all-natural roofing materials like cedar shingles. Although you might think that wood is less durable than plastic or metal, modern construction techniques can produce cedar roofs that are just as tough and versatile, albeit without the cons of other purportedly “superior” materials. Cedar shingles, after all, are installed in at least three layers to provide optimum protection against the elements. One of the primary benefits...

Getting to Know Western Red Cedar

Cedar shake roofs instantly add a classic and elegant touch to any colonial-style home, making them a favorite among many American homeowners. Consumers have several choices when it comes to this elegant roofing material. Among these variants, Western red cedar (scientific name: Thuja plicata) scores highly in terms of beauty and durability. The Western red cedar is an enormous tree that grows mostly in cool, moist areas of the Pacific Northwest region such as Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Hence, this material is also referred to as Pacific...

Wrapping Your Home with Cedar Shake Siding

The clothes you wear every day can speak volumes about your personality. Yet everyday clothing also has to be functional instead of just merely fashionable or eye-catching. The same can be said about your chosen siding material. Siding can be made of vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, metal, and wood. If you want a natural material that’s quite durable and elegant to boot, you might want to go for cedar shake or shingle siding. The best kinds are made of: Western Red Cedar, which typically grows west of the Rocky Mountains; Alaska Yellow Cedar,...

Differentiating between Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Western Red Cedar is the most widely used wood in America. It's used in pencils, poles, fences, cabinets, interior finish, and cooperage. However, it's most popular use is for roof shingles and shakes. Due to its durability, cut, and many color varieties, cedar wood is a highly preferred roofing material option. Both cedar shingles and shakes are widely used on commercial and residential structures alike. Cedar shingles Cedar shingles generally come in uniform thickness, appearance, and width (except for custom orders). They come in two...

Basic Facts About Staining Your Cedar Siding

Cedar siding needs to be stained to protect and preserve the wood and enhance its natural beauty. Stains for cedar siding range from deep stains that protect the material from harmful UV rays, to clear coats that showcase its natural color. Here are some details you need to know if you're having your cedar siding stained. Additional protection Staining helps the wood become more resistant to weather, insects, and other conditions. Keeping moisture to a minimum is the key to preserving wood products, and stains do a great job in this regard....

How to Maintain and Restore Cedar Siding

The use of cedar siding in your home exterior is an excellent way to protect it from the elements since the material is naturally durable and can withstand heavy storms. However, despite its durability, cedar is bound to fade, making your home look old and worn. Here are some helpful tips to restore it to its original state. First, cover the areas below the part where you plan to restore by placing tarps and dropcloths over plants, glass and other fixtures. Apply an even coating of paint stripper to your cedar siding and leave it on as per...

Treatments for Prolonging Cedar Shake Life

For hundreds of years, cedar has been one of the most used types of wooden roofing, thanks to the material's inherent durability and elegance. Today, there are many wood roofing treatments that you can apply to even further this durability, as well as reinforce its resistance to rot and weather damage. You can find many commercial chemical products in your local store that can be used to treat your cedar shake roof against fungus that can cause decay. For extra safety, be sure that the chemical that you use is specifically for cedar shake,...