Cedar shake shingles offer a timeless, rustic charm and exceptional durability that significantly enhances a home’s curb appeal. Known for their natural beauty, insulating properties, and resistance to harsh weather, they are a popular siding choice, especially in regions like Greater Boston, where classic aesthetics and robust protection are highly valued. Installing cedar shake shingles is a detailed process that requires precision and attention to detail. Greater Boston Contractors provides this step-by-step guide to help you understand the intricacies of professional cedar shake shingle siding installation, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting finish for your home.
What are cedar shake shingles?
Cedar shake shingles are a premium siding material made from cedar wood, renowned for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle distinction between “shakes” and “shingles”:
- Cedar Shingles: Typically sawn on both sides, resulting in a more uniform thickness and a smoother, more refined appearance. They are often thinner than shakes.
- Cedar Shakes: Hand-split or machine-split from cedar logs, giving them a rougher, textured, and more rustic look. They tend to be thicker and have a more varied appearance than shingles.
Both are highly durable and offer excellent insulation. Western Red Cedar is the most common and preferred species due to its natural properties and beautiful color variations. They are available in various lengths (e.g., 16-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch) and widths, and can be applied with different “exposures” (the amount of shingle visible below the overlap).
Tools and materials you’ll need
Professional cedar shake shingle installation requires specific tools and high-quality materials to ensure efficiency, safety, and a superior finish.
- Cedar Shake Shingles: Ordered based on your coverage needs (often sold by the “square,” which covers 100 sq ft). Choose your desired length, thickness (shakes vs. shingles), and grade.
- Weather Resistive Barrier (House Wrap): High-quality, breathable house wrap (e.g., Tyvek, Typar) for moisture protection.
- Furring Strips (Optional but Recommended for Rain Screen): Thin strips of wood (e.g., 1×3 or 1×4) to create an air gap behind the siding.
- Nails: Stainless steel ring-shank nails (1.75 to 2 inches long) are essential to prevent rust stains and ensure strong holding power. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are an alternative but stainless steel is superior.
- Nail Gun (Pneumatic or Cordless): With a siding attachment that prevents over-driving nails.
- Compressor (if using pneumatic nail gun):
- Measuring Tape:
- Chalk Line: For establishing horizontal layout lines.
- Level: Long level (4-foot or 6-foot) for ensuring courses are straight.
- Utility Knife: For cutting house wrap.
- Saws:
- Circular saw: For cross-cutting shingles.
- Miter saw: For precise angle cuts on corners.
- Table saw (optional): For ripping shingles to consistent widths.
- Shingle Hatchet/Shingle Hammer: Specialized tool for trimming and nailing shingles.
- Tin Snips: For cutting flashing.
- Flashing Material: Galvanized steel or aluminum for corners, windows, and doors.
- Caulking Gun and Exterior Grade Sealant/Caulk:
- Scaffolding or Sturdy Ladders: For safe access to elevated areas.
- Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, dust mask/respirator, hearing protection.
- Spacers/Gauge Blocks: To maintain consistent exposure and spacing between shingles.
Prep work before installation
Proper preparation is fundamental to the long-term performance and aesthetic appeal of your cedar shake shingle siding.
- Inspect and Repair Substrate:
- Ensure the sheathing (plywood or OSB) underneath is sound, clean, and dry. Repair any damaged, rotten, or loose sections.
- Address any existing moisture issues. The sheathing must be completely dry before applying the weather barrier.
- Remove Old Siding (If Applicable):
- Carefully remove existing siding, trim, and fixtures. Ensure all old fasteners are removed.
- Properly dispose of all removed materials.
- Install Weather Resistive Barrier (House Wrap):
- Apply a high-quality house wrap over the entire sheathing. Start from the bottom of the wall and work your way up, overlapping each successive course by at least 6 inches horizontally and 12 inches vertically at seams.
- Secure the house wrap with cap nails or staples.
- Ensure proper flashing around all windows and doors using self-adhering flashing tape to prevent water intrusion.
- Install Furring Strips (Rain Screen – Highly Recommended):
- For optimal performance and longevity, especially in humid climates or areas prone to wind-driven rain, install vertical furring strips (e.g., 1×3 or 1×4 pressure-treated lumber) over the house wrap.
- Space these strips typically 16 or 24 inches on center. These create a crucial air gap (rain screen) between the house wrap and the back of the shingles, allowing moisture to drain and air to circulate, which helps shingles dry faster and prevents rot.
- Establish Layout Lines:
- Determine your desired “exposure” (the visible part of each shingle course). This depends on the shingle length and your aesthetic preference (e.g., 5 inches for 16-inch shingles, 7.5 inches for 24-inch shingles).
- Use a level and chalk line to mark horizontal lines across the wall, indicating the top edge of each course. This ensures perfectly straight rows. Start from the bottom, working upwards.
Installation process
Installing cedar shake shingles is a methodical process that builds layer upon layer.
Starter Course
The starter course is critical as it provides the foundation for the entire siding system.
- Extend Beyond Foundation: The bottom edge of the starter course should extend slightly (e.g., 1-2 inches) below the top of the foundation or foundation trim to create a drip edge.
- Double Layer: The starter course is typically doubled. The first layer is a row of shingles installed with a minimal exposure (e.g., 2-3 inches), covering the sheathing below the primary exposure line.
- Second Layer: The second layer of the starter course is installed directly on top of the first, with the butt end (bottom edge) aligned with the desired full exposure line. This double layer provides extra thickness and a strong base.
- Stagger Joints: Crucially, ensure the vertical joints (side-to-side gaps) of the second layer do not align with the joints of the first layer directly underneath. There should be at least 1.5 inches of offset to prevent water penetration.
Overlapping Technique
The overlapping technique is key to water shedding and structural integrity.
- Left-to-Right or Right-to-Left: Work consistently in one direction across the wall for each course.
- Stagger Joints: As you install each shingle, ensure that its vertical joint does not align with the joint of the shingle directly below it, and also avoids alignment with the joint in the course immediately above it. Maintain at least 1.5 inches of offset between joints in adjacent courses, and ideally 2 inches or more. This prevents water from flowing directly through the siding.
- Reveal: Maintain a consistent exposure (the visible part of the shingle) for each course, using your pre-marked chalk lines as guides.
- Shingle Fit: Shingles should not be installed tightly against each other. Leave a small gap (e.g., 1/8 to 1/4 inch) between adjacent shingles to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to moisture changes.
Nailing Pattern and Spacing
Proper nailing ensures the shingles are securely fastened without cracking them or creating weaknesses.
- Nail Type: Always use stainless steel ring-shank nails. These resist rust and provide superior holding power due to the rings on the shank. Hot-dipped galvanized nails are a lesser alternative.
- Number of Nails: Use two nails per shingle, regardless of width.
- Nail Placement:
- Place nails approximately 3/4 to 1 inch in from each side edge of the shingle.
- Place nails approximately 1 inch above the butt line of the next course. This ensures the nail head will be covered by the overlapping shingle above it, preventing water intrusion and creating a clean look. Never nail through the exposed part of the shingle.
- Nailing Depth: Drive nails flush with the shingle surface, but do not overdrive them, as this can crack the shingle or reduce its holding power. A siding nail gun with a depth adjustment is ideal.
- No Face Nailing: Shingles should never be “face nailed” (nails visible on the exposed surface), except in specific trim areas where the nail head will be hidden or caulked/painted.
Tips to prevent common mistakes
Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure a more professional and durable cedar shake shingle installation.
- Inadequate Surface Preparation: Not cleaning the sheathing, failing to install a house wrap, or not repairing damaged substrate will lead to moisture problems and premature siding failure.
- Improper Nailing:
- Using electro-galvanized or bright common nails: These will rust and stain the cedar.
- Overdriving nails: Causes splitting and reduces holding power.
- Underdriving nails: Leaves nail heads exposed, allowing water penetration.
- Nailing too close to the edge: Can cause splitting.
- Nailing in the exposed area: Leads to leaks and visible fasteners.
- Incorrect Exposure: Inconsistent exposure results in an uneven, unprofessional appearance.
- Failing to Stagger Joints: Stacking joints directly above each other creates a channel for water to penetrate the wall.
- Installing Shingles Too Tight: Cedar expands and contracts. Without proper spacing, shingles will buckle or crack.
- Ignoring Flashing: Improper or missing flashing around openings is a major cause of water intrusion.
- Poor Ventilation: Not creating a rain screen or ensuring proper attic ventilation can trap moisture behind the siding, leading to rot.
- Rushing the Job: Cedar shake installation is a craft. Patience and attention to detail are paramount.
Pros and cons of cedar shingles
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages helps homeowners make an informed decision about cedar shake shingles for their Chappaqua or Greater Boston home.
Pros:
- Natural Beauty: Unmatched aesthetic appeal with a warm, rustic, and classic look that blends well with many architectural styles.
- Durability: Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation due to oils in the wood. Can last for decades with proper maintenance.
- Insulation: Provides good thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to reduce energy bills.
- Wind Resistance: When properly installed, cedar shakes can withstand high winds.
- Environmentally Friendly: A renewable and biodegradable resource, especially when sourced from sustainably managed forests.
- Versatility: Can be stained or painted to achieve various looks, though many prefer the natural weathered silver-gray patina.
Cons:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than vinyl or fiber cement siding in terms of material and installation labor.
- Maintenance: Requires periodic maintenance (cleaning, re-staining/sealing, and inspection for damage) to preserve its longevity and appearance, especially if you wish to maintain its original color. If left to weather naturally, maintenance is less frequent but still required.
- Fire Rating: While some cedar products are treated, untreated cedar is combustible, often requiring specific fire-rated underlayments or building code considerations.
- Installation Complexity: Requires skilled labor and meticulous attention to detail during installation, which can increase labor costs.
- Vulnerability to Moisture: While naturally resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture without proper drying (e.g., poor ventilation, shaded areas) can still lead to mildew or rot over time.
Maintenance advice for longevity
To maximize the lifespan and preserve the beauty of your cedar shake shingle siding, consistent maintenance is key.
- Regular Cleaning:
- Annual Wash: Annually (or bi-annually), wash the siding with a garden hose or a low-pressure power washer (below 1500 psi) to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew. Use a soft brush and a mild, oxygen-bleach-based deck/siding cleaner if needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing, which can damage the wood.
- Address Mildew/Algae: If mildew or algae appear (often in shaded, damp areas), treat promptly with an appropriate cleaner to prevent wood degradation.
- Inspection:
- Annual Check: Perform a thorough visual inspection of your siding annually, preferably in spring or fall.
- Look For: Loose or missing shingles, cracks, signs of rot (soft spots), insect activity, or damaged flashing around windows/doors.
- Repair Promptly: Replace or repair damaged shingles or flashing immediately to prevent water intrusion.
- Staining or Sealing (for Color Preservation):
- Frequency: If you want to maintain the original color or a specific stained look, cedar shingles typically need to be re-stained or re-sealed every 3-7 years, depending on the product, exposure to sun/weather, and climate.
- Preparation: Always clean the siding thoroughly and ensure it’s completely dry before applying any new finish.
- Product Choice: Use high-quality, breathable, oil-based stains or clear sealers specifically designed for cedar. Avoid film-forming paints that can trap moisture.
- Maintain Proper Drainage:
- Gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and direct rainwater away from the siding and foundation.
- Landscaping: Trim shrubs, trees, and other vegetation away from the siding to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup against the wood. Avoid planting directly adjacent to the siding.
- Ventilation: Ensure your attic and wall cavities are properly ventilated to prevent condensation buildup that can affect the back of the siding.
By understanding the installation process, choosing the right materials, and committing to proper maintenance, your cedar shake shingle siding will not only enhance your home’s aesthetic for decades but also provide superior protection against the elements.
Considering the timeless beauty and unmatched durability of cedar shake shingles for your Greater Boston home? Don’t trust your siding installation to just anyone! Greater Boston Contractors specializes in expert cedar shake shingle siding installation, ensuring meticulous preparation, flawless application, and a long-lasting finish that protects and beautifies your property for years to come. Contact us today for a consultation and a detailed estimate!