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 than cedar shakes, which limits their variety. On the plus side, cedar shingles are usually two-faced, which means that each piece has two designs. The “face” that looks more beautiful is usually the one that is exposed to the outside elements.

Cedar shakes, meanwhile, are somewhat less uniform because they vary in shape and width in small amounts. While this gives them more leeway when it comes to aesthetic design, shakes are also relatively heavier than cedar shingles, which means that weight is an important consideration when using them as a siding material. Some shakes may also require sanding and polishing before they can be used to remove excess grain content.

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, which is actually part of the cypress family tree and thrives in the west coast mountains of the US and Canada), or Easter White Cedar (native to the Great Lakes regions, areas of northeast USA and southeastern Canada).

Aside from being naturally attractive, cedar shake siding offers several other distinct benefits. For instance, cedar shakes are bio-degradable, durable, impact resistant, and possess excellent thermal insulation properties. Cedar shakes or shingles also come with a wide range of design options that can increase your home's curb appeal. Indeed, if you want long-lasting protection and a corresponding increase in real estate value, you certainly can’t go wrong with cedar shake siding

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