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) safe for burning, they are also created with as little energy and labor as possible. This means their production puts less stress on the environment. In addition to that, cedar shakes don’t produce a lot of pollutants, at least compared to other materials like vinyl.

There is also the fact that cedar shakes can be treated with various wood preservatives to give them protection against fire, moisture, and pests—an added bonus that complements their already-notable durability and versatility. Finally, cedar shakes are natural insulators, thanks to their microscopic air pockets that trap heat. Moreover, they are relatively easy to repair or replace. Homeowners can definitely use cedar shakes to earn great energy savings while having sturdy and long-lasting siding.

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 shakes made from cedar might not strike some people as tough roofing components, yet the material can be surprisingly hardy. When treated with chemicals, cedar roofing can resist fire and be reasonably waterproof as well.

Homeowners should consider cedar roofing, not just for its improved durability, but also for its beauty. Wooden shakes are a timeless classic, and will give any home a warm and inviting look. It also helps that wooden shakes have superior insulation properties to prevent excess heat from entering or escaping the house. The next time you are deciding on what type of roof to install, you might want to give wooden shakes a chance. You will be pleasantly surprised with what wood has to offer.

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 elements. Poor installation of shingles may be evident if the curls occurred within a short time after the project, especially when a cursory inspection of the surface yields a clear view of the underlayment.

Sometimes, cracks may appear among the shingles themselves. If your area’s been battered by inclement weather, take note that the cracks may have formed as a result of the shingles frequently contracting and expanding. Hail damage may also trigger the cracks and open up the interior to water damage.

Replacing a whole square of shingles that have gone past their prime will be necessary to keep up the appearance of the house. Choosing the same variety can retain the aesthetics like nothing happened.

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 that affect the cedar’s structure over time. Water-based elements such as ice, snow, and rainwater must be cleared away as well. A thorough inspection of the insulation is also needed to find moist areas that will also eat away at the cedar; these could result in possible leaks in your sidings.

A contractor may help in the maintenance of your sidings. For instance, a cursory check of your walls may reveal sidings that are too severely affected by molds, which will warrant immediate removal before they affect adjacent sidings. It is also recommended that your sidings undergo a power wash every couple of years; the water streams are capable of scraping out germs from the siding without affecting them entirely.

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 and shingles, edge grain signifies topnotch quality. A pack of premium grade shakes must all be edge grain pieces, while Grade #1 shakes can have a maximum of 20 percent flat grain shakes. Flat grain means the lumber was cut along the grain. These shakes are more prone to splitting since external force can be applied along the grain.

Flat grain shakes have a heartwood pattern that usually marks the center line for the shake. Getting a mix of edge and flat grain shakes is more affordable than pure edge grain. However, if you're anything but concerned about the cost, go for the premium grade. 

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 again, even with a stable grip and control, shakes don't always come out level. One end of the shake can be thicker than the other by a few inches, with general thickness ranging between 0.5 to 2 inches. You can even expect some loose wood fibers along the sides of the shake, supporting the fact that it was cut by hand.

As a result of the varying thickness, cedar shakes may leave some parts of the roof exposed to wind and rain. That's why shakes are usually installed in no less than two layers and felt backing becomes necessary. More layers gives the cedar roof more chances of keeping the elements out of the home.