While the terms are often used interchangeably, the major difference between a shake and a shingle is really just the thickness. CSD primarily sells cedar shingles.
Cedar shakes, like the “hand split” or sawn shakes used mainly on roofs (and occasionally for siding), are thicker than ½”. Cedar shingles are thinner than ½”, are always sawn rather than “split”, and can also be used on a roof or as siding. The cedar shingles that we carry at CSD are always kiln dried, leading to better finishing on a more stable product, and are mostly used for siding, not roofing.
If that’s still confusing, it doesn’t matter to us what you call it, as our experts will match you with the right product for your real cedar project.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, the major difference between a shake and a shingle is really just the thickness. CSD primarily sells cedar shingles.
Cedar shakes, like the “hand split” or sawn shakes used mainly on roofs (and occasionally for siding), are thicker than ½”. Cedar shingles are thinner than ½”, are always sawn rather than “split”, and can also be used on a roof or as siding. The cedar shingles that we carry at CSD are always kiln dried, leading to better finishing on a more stable product, and are mostly used for siding, not roofing.
If that’s still confusing, it doesn’t matter to us what you call it, as our experts will match you with the right product for your real cedar project.
Cedar shingles, finished and installed correctly, will last for at least several decades as a siding. With proper construction and occasional maintenance, cedar shingles can last well over 100 years on a structure with adequate overhangs, flashing, and finishes. It is not uncommon to see homes in older parts of American cities that have cedar shingle siding lasting over 140 years.
How long will yours last? Let us help you make them last as long as possible!
Each type of finish that you choose will lead to different levels of maintenance, as will the architecture and surroundings of your structure.
Unfinished shingles are often left alone for many years, and possibly power washed (carefully!) whenever one elects to remove surface weathering or contamination. Mild wood cleaners and brighteners may aid in this effort.
Semi-Transparent finishes will require inspection every 3-5 years, and depending on exposure to the elements, some refinishing at a similar interval. In between refinishing, some light cleaning may be necessary in areas where residue or moss accumulate due to moisture.
Solid Color finishes can last from 10 to 30 years, depending on the color of your finish and the exposure to the elements. Semi-annual cleaning to remove residue is common, but solid finishes require the least work and only occasional maintenance or refinishing. Standard siding cleaning practices and products work fine on cedar shingles with solid finishes.
Cedar and other wood siding products are by far the most environmentally friendly of any siding category. Cedar is naturally decay resistant without the addition of any chemicals, as well as being a naturally biodegradable and recyclable product. Life-cycle analysis studies prove cedar to be far superior to steel, concrete, and other composite materials in almost every metric: total energy use, greenhouse gases, air pollution, solid waste, ecological resource impact, and water pollution. (source: www.realcedar.com) Wood is the only major building material that is a naturally renewable resource. In fact, forest areas have increased nearly 20% since 1970, as harvested areas are replanted with saplings at a rate at least three times that of harvest.
All our real cedar shingles come from North American forests – the most sustainably harvested forests in the world!
While the cell structure and relatively low density of cedar fibers (27 lbs/ft3) is a much better insulator than plastic, cement, aluminum, or steel, you will still need to insulate the walls according to your local codes.
Real cedar shingles do not “attract” insects or other pests. Cedar shingles are naturally saturated with decay-resistant and insect-resistant tannins that actively discourage bug infestation.
However, insects behind the shingles or in other parts of a structure may serve as bait for woodpeckers. If woodpeckers find your structure appealing, it’s time to call an insect mitigation expert to eliminate the food source behind the siding. There are also some carpenter bees that can find their way through cedar (and other exterior woods) on their way to the spaces behind. Again, a pest control specialist should be consulted in those rare cases.
Most houses that are sided with cedar shingles don’t experience an increased rate of insects or other pests.
Possibly, but the integrity of the surface behind the new shingles is of utmost importance for solid fastening and a flat plane for best aesthetics. Furthermore, local building codes may require weather resistive barriers, flashing, insulation, etc. In most cases it is recommended to remove old siding and use this opportunity to address your home’s cladding as a complete system to deter the elements. Please consult with a licensed builder or siding contractor who has experience to make that call.
We have a 500 sq ft minimum for factory finishing shingles, though we will waive that minimum (with a fee) for follow-up orders to finish a project. Freight will also factor in on smaller fill-in orders.
It always depends on the environment around your home. Factors like sun, shade, overhangs, precipitation, paving vs groundcover, proper drainage and ventilation, and possibly other factors can affect the performance of cedar and any other siding. Elevations that are protected from the weather may perform differently from elevations on the same home that are more exposed.
We use the general rule of 3-5 years on Semi-Transparent finishes, though we have seen circumstances where the finish lasts far longer due to shade or overhangs.
Solid Color finishes build a film and block UV rays, and typically protect the fiber beneath for far longer than Semi-Transparent stains. Depending on the solid finish you choose, we recommend inspecting your finish and caulking after 7 years or less. Super light (white) and super dark colors may require recoating for aesthetic purposes long before the same step is taken on a medium gray or tan.
Please see our coating warranties here and our recommended maintenance here
Cedar shingles for many applications are a somewhat rough cut on the edges and butt. For most siding applications, a more cleanly cut and square shingle is desired. R&R stands for rejoined (clean parallel edges) and rebutted (a cleanly sawn butt edge). At Cedar Shingles Direct, most of our shingles are R&R, though we do still carry a western red cedar “perfection”, which, ironically, is a bit less perfect.
Of course! Freight to your jobsite or storage is figured into every CSD price quotation.
We accept major credit cards and, in some cases, a check in advance. Our representatives will help you with this and any other transaction details.
We can typically finish and ship a project in around 30 days once the order is placed and deposit is received. Of course, order size, order files, and supply situations may affect lead times dramatically, so we encourage that you give yourself plenty of time for specification and ordering.
Of course! We love to provide samples of the species and colors you’re considering. We will provide up to three free samples to help you decide on a type and color of finish.
Of course! Proper specification and installation are the two main factors in a project that you will love for many years to come. We offer installation instructions here, and our experts welcome your calls and emails for any questions about your Cedar Shingle siding project that we can help you with. Contact us here.
Yes! Please click here for limited warranties on our cedar shingles and finishes.
