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 only be fixed with the careful application of preservatives. Some wood panels that have been treated with “fire-retardant” preservatives may even lose their coveted protective layer if the house has a history of extensively using heat sources (such as fireplaces and oil lamps). Professional roofers can work around this by introducing additional wood layers to the roofing system, something that an ordinary homeowner can't possibly know of from the get-go.

Cedar shakes can also be a bit picky when it comes to the selection of fastening materials. Experts recommend galvanized steel staples or nails to provide the best “grip” without damaging the wood material. When it comes to roof flashings, cedar shakes may need to incorporate a few metal plates to protect the wood from concentrated levels of rainwater and melted snow, which can soak even the strongest cedar shakes with dangerous levels of moisture.

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 red cedar. The lovely reddish brown bark and wood distinguishes red cedar from other trees, making it quite the stylish option for roof shakes. Interestingly, red cedar shakes transform into lovely shades of gray as they age.

According to a study by Portland State University, Native American tribes where the first ones to appreciate red cedar's fine-grained surface and rot-resistant qualities. These tribes used the wood to create various objects such as wooden storage boxes, canoes, houses, ceremonial head dresses, and even coffins. These days, Western red cedar is used for various purposes other than roofing. For instance, you’ll find that red cedar is also used for building siding, fence posts, deck flooring, blinds, shutters, gazebos, and sheds.