So you want cedar shake shingles installation. Sure, they’re a bit more expensive than some other materials, but they have natural beauty and durability that make them the ideal material for covering your roof. However, there are things you need to be aware of before you start your cedar shake shingles installation. Here’s what you need to know:
First off, if you don’t have an existing roof, it’s going to be necessary to get some cedar underlayment or a membrane to put over the shake. You can buy premade mixes or do it yourself with some tar paper, cork and sand. Just make sure that the underlayment is long enough so that when you go to install the shake, it covers a good portion of your roof. You don’t want any gaps between the shingles and the roof.
Next, you’ll want to find a good location to install the shake. It must be as flat as possible. If you put it on top of a slope, it will not last very long because it has nowhere to root. Most shake roofs are at least 5 feet wide, so go ahead and get it measured to fit. When you get it in the ground, you can put the first row up, ensuring its level. Then you can go ahead and set up the rest of the shingles.
Cedar shake shingles are fairly unstable. They’re heavier than most shakes, and when they’re wet, they can really move around. Make sure you position the row so that the center is slightly higher than the rest. If you don’t do this, the row might move away from where you’re standing while you’re walking on it. This could be dangerous, especially if you have small children around. So, stay safe.
Another issue you’ll run into with cedar shingles is that the nails often have to be hammered in tightly, or else they’ll break off. Nails that have been hammered in too much might cause the shingles to move away from their intended position, leaving some of the shingles damaged. That’s why it’s so important to nail the nails securely. Make sure you buy quality nails.
The last issue you’ll run into is that you can end up with some ugly holes if you over-dry the shingles. When you dry cedar shingles, you may find that some of them split. Don’t worry; you can prevent this by keeping the shake damp to dry. Please keep it in an area where it will still be somewhat moist, though. Too much moisture can cause the shake to become unstable and slide down your roof.
Over-drying isn’t the only problem with cedar shingles. Exposure to chemicals can also damage them. Make sure you don’t use any paint, adhesives, or other products on the shake. If you must, wear a dust mask to keep yourself safe. While there are many chemicals used in the production of cedar shakes, the producers don’t recommend using any of them on the cedar shake itself.
If you follow these tips for cedar shingles installation, you can expect them to last for years. Cedar shake roofs are durable and resistant to both rain and sun damage. They look great and can help increase the value of your home. Choose cedar for your next roof project, and you can rest assured that it will last for years to come.
Before you do anything when installing cedar shingles, you need to make sure the ground is prepared correctly. Before you dig the shake into the ground, please test it out first by laying a flashlight on it. The flashlight will reveal any areas where it may be vulnerable to sinking or shifting. If you find this to be the case, remove the flashlight and move on to the next section of the shake.
After you’ve finished installing the shingles, you can then go back outdoors and enjoy them. You may notice that they have an earthy scent to them, especially if they are from cedar. Cedar shingles provide plenty of protection from the sun and the rain. This will mean less work when it comes time to apply sunscreen. If you want to keep cedar shake shingles looking nice, you should regularly clean them using a mild detergent.
When you decide to install cedar shake shingles yourself, it is important to follow the instructions closely. If you don’t, you will likely damage the material. Be careful when working in the area since you don’t want the shingles to become damaged while you’re working. If you need help with the installation, you can get it from a home improvement professional or search the Internet for videos or pictures. It’s also a good idea to consult an expert roofer before starting on a cedar shingle installation because they can let you know if the cedar shingles are suited to your climate or not.