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...