Cedar Roof Techniques

About Cedar Roofing

• Cedar roofing is generally referred to in terms of shakes and shingles. The terminology goes back to the days when these cedar materials were constructed differently than they are today. Back then, shakes were made from blocks of wood. Shingles were chipped off layers, with a chisel and froe. Shakes had a more rough-hewn and rustic appearance, while shingles looked smoother and were more refined. Today, the rustic look of shakes is often enhanced with machine-made grooves.

Cedar Shingle Installation Techniques

• Wood sheathing is generally laid under the shingles to allow secure fastening of the units to the roof. Generally, 1-by-4 inch boards are attached to coincide with the weather-exposure area of the shingles. Usually, a 5 1/2-inch section of the shingle face is left exposed. Each course, or row, of shingles is laid with the joints not aligning, similar to the technique used to lay bricks. Two nails fasten the shingles to the sheathing below, placed ¾ inch from the edges and 1 1/2 inches above the exposure line of the shingles. Joints between shingles should be between ¼ and 3/8 inch wide, according to the WatkinsSawmills website.

Cedar Shake Installation Techniques

• Wood sheathing is also placed under shakes as it is under shingles. A felt underlayment material is laid under the upper part of the shake in between the courses or rows. Nails are set in similarly to the shingle installation technique. However, the spacing between adjacent shakes should be between 3/8 and 5/8 inch.

Maintenance Techniques for Cedar Roofing

• Mold can retain dirt and moisture that can deteriorate the wood and cause loosening of the shakes or shingles. A zinc or copper napthanate solution applied to cedar roofs can retard surface growth of mold, according to the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau website. Many types of sealers on the market contain ingredients that can harm cedar roofing. Cedar needs to breathe. Products that completely waterproof your cedar materials can prevent the flow of air and moisture and should not be used. Water repellents formulated specifically for cedar shakes and shingles can be used, as can paraffin oil.