Cedar shake shingles are a good choice for any home, especially in the northern parts of the United States, where mild winters can wreak havoc on other types of roofing. Shake shingles are made by combining wood shingles, usually low maintenance, with asphalt shingles, which are better for tougher climates and more durable. They are also available in a variety of styles to meet your specific roof needs and preferences. Cedar shingles are also known as ceanothus and cedar shakes, although other names are used in the industry. Regardless of the name, they are usually the same product but come in different shapes and sizes.
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when choosing cedar shake shingles is durability. Durability is determined not only by the quality of the shingles themselves but by how they are installed. Lifespan varies from as long as 20 years up to almost 80 years, depending largely on several factors: roofing quality, installer experience, and whether the shingles are treated with oil or water repellent. Also, asphalt shingles may last longer than their cedar counterparts, but they are more susceptible to wind damage, wear and tear, and other environmental contaminants.
Asphalt cedar shake shingles are less resistant to wind and weather damage, but they are the best choice for hot climates. They also look attractive, and most homeowners find them easy to maintain. Asphalt shingles are a good choice for driveways, walkways, landscaping, and replacing damaged portions of a roof. However, they are no longer the preferred material for installing a cedar shake shingling roof due to lower life expectancy and greater susceptibility to wind and weather damage.
On a related note, some homeowners prefer asphalt over cedar shake shingles, primarily because they do not require periodic maintenance and installation. However, asphalt shingles require some upkeep, such as regular cleaning, which may be vulnerable to algae growth. Also, asphalt shingles are susceptible to flaking and can easily be damaged by high winds. Asphalt shingles are also not as energy efficient as cedar shake shingles.
Cedar shake siding has many advantages over asphalt shingles. For example, they have a higher resale value and increase the curb appeal of a property. Cedar shingles are also long-lasting and strong, requiring little repair and maintenance. Furthermore, they offer a higher resale value since they are durable and beautiful. Finally, cedar shingles are more stable than asphalt shingles, especially when the underlying soil is moist. Asphalt, on the other hand, dries out and weakens in a short period of time.
The key to properly installing cedar shingles is first to prepare the roof surface. To prevent mold and mildew formation on the roof, it is important to pre-heat the roofing materials before installation. Asphalt and clay roofs warp and weaken when exposed to extreme temperatures, so the same drying process should be used when preparing the roof to install cedar shingles. Asphalt shingles come in two different varieties, oil-based and water-based, and both varieties require different drying processes.
Before cedar shingles are installed, it is important to ensure no underground gas, electric, or mains utilities near the property. A qualified and licensed electrician must also ensure that all utilities are turned off before cedar shake siding is applied. It is also recommended that a professional home inspector give the property a thorough inspection before being submitted to the contractor for approval to proceed with the installation. Any home inspections done by professionals must take into account the possibility of leaks under the house. In this case, it is a good idea to seek a second or even a third professional’s services to confirm that everything is running smoothly.
Once the shakes have been applied, a further cleaning process is necessary to remove any debris left from the installation. For the initial cleaning process, a high-pressure air compressor will do the job. Any debris like broken nails, staples, or shingles can easily be removed using this powerful tool. After the initial cleaning has been completed, the cedar shingles can be allowed to cure in the sun for several days. They will then be painted and allowed to dry completely before being finally installed. With a little bit of time and patience, cedar shingles panels will last a lifetime.