The Best Spacing Between Cedar Shingles for Siding

About Cedar Shingle Siding

• Cedar shingles for siding have been used for hundreds of years because they offer an attractive and durable siding material for homes. Cedar contains natural oils that protect the wood from insects and rotting. It has good thermal and acoustic properties and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Proper installation will help to preserve the cedar shingles and protect your home. The best spacing for cedar shingles is determined by the moisture content in the material and the weather conditions at the time of installation. Warm temperatures cause the wood materials to expand, while cold temperatures cause them to contract. This natural process should be taken into consideration when installing cedar shingle siding.

Natural Cedar Shingle Spacing

• Some companies offer natural, or unseasoned, cedar shingles that contain 20 to 25 percent moisture. These require a longer acclimation period on-site before installation to allow the higher moisture content to stabilize. Spacing for this type of shingle is 1/16-inch apart as recommended by the SBCCedar website.

Kiln-Dried Cedar Shingle Spacing

• Kiln-dried and factory-stained shingles contain 10 to 12 percent moisture. They are processed to remove some of the moisture for more reliable dimensions and uniform finishing. Kiln-dried shingles are often preferred due to their stability, paintability and overall performance, according to the WesternRedCedarLumberAssociation website. They are considered the most ready-to-use shingles. These shingles require a 1/8- to 1/4-inch spacing for best results. Either nails or staples can be used for installation, but they must be rust-resistant to prevent staining of the shingles.

Vertical Spacing

• Cedar shingle siding is generally spaced vertically to overlap with about five inches of exposure -- or the amount of shingle facing that is seen, according to the MaibecCedarSingles installation guide website. This number may vary on walls and around windows by 1/8 to 1/4 inch, as needed. To determine the number of courses, or rows of shingle, measure the height of the wall from its lowest point above the foundation and add one inch for shingles to extend beyond the foundation edge. Divide the height of the wall by five inches, or whatever the amount of the exposure desired.