QA

Question: Does A Cedar Shingle Roof Require Cedar Breathers Detail Drawing

What is cedar breather?

Cedar Breather® is the solution for preserving the beauty and life of wood roofing. As a fire-resistant underlayment for wood shingles and shakes, Cedar Breather provides space for a continuous airflow between the solid roof deck and the shingles.

Do you gap cedar shingles?

The basic idea is that the shingles should be installed with 1/4- to 3/8-in spacing between neighbors; this gap is called a “key.” We’re doing a 5-in exposure, which means the bottom 5 in of the the shingle will be visible, while the top 13 in will be under higher courses.

What goes under cedar shingles?

Felt underlayment/tar paper: Felt materials are a traditional underlayment option for cedar shingles made from a base of natural materials like wood cellulose or synthetics like fiberglass and coated with a protective asphalt coating to repel moisture and debris.

What is under cedar shake roof?

Under the Cedar Shakes are furring strips. Furring strips are 4” wide boards that are spaced apart several inches, to hold up cedar shakes while allowing them to breathe.

Can you install wet cedar shingles?

I also contacted the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau and found that the shingles are dry as packaged, and will expand when they get wet. They have to be installed as recommended on the box. Just to be sure, I even wet a 6″ shingle for 24 hours and measured a 1/16″ increase in width, so they are right!May 29, 2008.

How long does it take cedar shingles to dry?

After the wood has dried (normally 2–4 days), you can let the wood age naturally or apply an oil-based semitransparent stain. Staining the shingles on a regular basis will help them maintain their color and last longer.

Can you leave cedar untreated?

If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color. However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural tone for good.

What is better red or white cedar shingles?

Overall, red cedar shingles are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than white cedar shingles. This is partly due to the red shingles’ unique cellular composition that results in the capturing of small pockets of air and improves insulation capabilities.

What is the minimum pitch for cedar shingles?

The minimum roof pitch for shingles is 14 degrees and the minimum pitch for shakes is 20 degrees with a gauge of 190mm. At these low pitches (14-22 degrees), care must be taken and a water impermeable, vapour permeable underlay MUST be used underneath, with a ventilated space between the membrane and the shingles.

How much is a cedar shingle roof?

The average roofing installation price for a cedar shingle roof costs anywhere between $7,649 to $11,474 on an 1,800 sq. ft home. You can expect to pay $4.50 to $9.00 per sq. foot or $450 to $900 per square for wood shingles when installed on a standard sized single story home.

How do you finish the peak of a cedar shake roof?

Lay down a layer of shingles with a second layer over the top until the shingles meet at a single, straight peak. Cover all of the nail heads with roofing cement. Cover the length of the cedar shingle roof peak that the new layers of shingles have made. This creates a waterproof seal over this rough roof peak.

Does a cedar shake roof require underlayment?

Shakes should never have underlayment installed except where an ice barrier is required over solid sheathing. Instead, interlayment is required. Interlayment consists of an 18-inch-wide strip of 30-pound black felt installed between courses of shakes.

What is the lifespan of a cedar shake roof?

But how long will your cedar shake roof actually last? As long as it’s properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get 30 years of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions, you could possibly get up to 50 years out of it.

Are cedar shake roofs good?

Cedar wood roofs are energy efficient and provide natural insulation up to two times that of asphalt shingles. This allows you to save money on your energy bills by conserving your home’s heating and cooling costs. Cedar shake roofs are also recyclable and eco friendly.

Can you put cedar shakes over siding?

With some knowledge and skill, shakes can also be applied over existing siding. from Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau Exterior and Interior Wall Manual. The shakes or shingles can be applied directly over the existing siding; however, rain screen application is necessary over brick, stucco, and foam sheathing.

Which side of cedar shingle faces out?

Are cedar shingles one sided, and if so, which side faces out? Cedar shingles have 2 (faces) sides and the best looking face is installed exposed to the weather. The face you like best is the one that should be installed exposed to the weather.

How often do cedar shingles need to be replaced?

White cedar shingles should be replaced roughly every 20 years. There are natural and dipped shingles.

How long do untreated cedar shingles last?

Cedar shingles should be treated about every 5-7 years. If they’re left untreated, they will begin to soften and discolor after a certain number of years depending on the climate of where you live.

How do you maintain a cedar roof?

Cedar needs to breathe, and therefore needs to be kept clean. Do not allow leaves, branches or other debris to build up on the roof. Both surface areas and keyways (spaces between shakes and shingles) need to be kept clear. Ensure ventilation is available, year round.

Why do cedar shingles turn black?

There are two main causes of the darkening of cedar siding: tannin stains, and mildew stains. If the darkening is caused by mildew, the bleach will immediately clear it up. If the stain is caused by tannin, the bleach will have no effect.

How do you clean cedar shake shingles?

The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution no stronger than one-part bleach to three parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.