Cedar shakes and shingles glossary
These terms and their definitions provide a comprehensive understanding of cedar shakes and shingles, their aging process, and the strategies to preserve their natural color and curb appeal.
Cedar shakes and shingles
Cedar shakes are wooden roofing materials typically hand-split from cedar logs, creating a rustic and textured appearance. Cedar shingles, on the other hand, are machine-cut and offer a smoother, more uniform look. Both are made from cedar wood and are popular choices for roofing due to their natural beauty and durability.
Curb appeal
Curb appeal is a crucial aspect of a property's exterior appearance, encompassing its visual attractiveness when viewed from the street or curb. It includes the overall aesthetics, landscaping, and architectural elements that make a property visually appealing.
Cedar’s natural color
Cedar's natural color refers to the warm, rich wood tones that cedar shakes and shingles exhibit when they are initially installed. This original color is a primary reason why homeowners choose cedar roofing for its aesthetic appeal. Cedar’s color change refers to the fact that over time, cedar shakes and shingles undergo a natural color change as they age and are exposed to various environmental factors. This transition typically results in the development of a beautiful silvery-gray patina, which adds character and charm to the wood. Balancing color preservation with longevity: This means finding the right equilibrium between maintaining the original color of cedar shakes and shingles and ensuring their functionality and durability. It involves regular inspections and maintenance to achieve this balance.
Sunlight and UV exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun play a significant role in the color change process of cedar shakes and shingles. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can accelerate the wood's aging, causing it to shift from its original color to the sought-after silvery-gray hue. To minimize the impact of direct sunlight and UV exposure on cedar shakes and shingles, homeowners can consider installing roofing in shaded areas or using overhangs. These strategies help reduce the wood’s exposure to harsh sunlight.
Rainfall and moisture
Moisture, including rainfall and humidity, can impact the rate of color change in cedar shakes and shingles. In regions with frequent or heavy rainfall, cedar may weather more rapidly and develop its aged appearance more quickly. Moisture management: Implementing moisture control measures helps reduce the effects of rain and humidity on cedar shakes and shingles. By managing moisture levels, homeowners can slow down the wood’s aging process.
Air quality
The quality of the air in a specific area can influence how cedar roofing ages and changes in color. Locations near industrial areas with high levels of air pollution may experience accelerated or altered color changes. Protection from Pollution: Protecting cedar from airborne pollutants, especially in industrial areas, can help preserve the wood's original color. This involves measures to reduce exposure to pollutants.
Sealing and coating
Sealing and coating refer to protective treatments applied to cedar roofing to slow down the aging process and preserve the wood's original color. These treatments act as a barrier against UV exposure, moisture, and pollutants.
Cleaning & rejuvenation
Regular cleaning involves the periodic removal of debris, moss, and pollutants that can accelerate the color change process of cedar roofing. Proper cleaning helps maintain the wood's original appearance. Rejuvenation options: These are methods for restoring the original color of cedar shakes and shingles that have already aged significantly. These options may include pressure washing at a very low setting to remove accumulated dirt and shake replacement to restore the wood’s appearance and functionality. Regular inspections: These periodic checks and assessments of cedar shakes and shingles identify issues early and maintain color preservation. Homeowners and professionals inspect the roofing to ensure it remains in good condition.
Exposure
Exposure is the distance between one row (or course) of shingles and another. Each kind of shake or shingle has its own required exposure. Exposures on sidewalls shingles may be greater than roofing shingles, because they do not face the same impact from weather as a roof,
Sidewall
This refers to the siding of a home that either shakes or shingles are placed.
Fastener
This is the generic term for either nails or staples that are used to secure or fasten shingles to the sheathing of a home. While screws are also fasteners, they are not acceptable for cedar shingle installaiton.
Types of shingle manufacturing
Band-sawn shingles are cut with a large metal band saw that leaves minimal saw marks. Marks that are left are called “checks” and come from imperfections in the teeth of the band saw.
Circular-sawn shingles are cut with a circular blade. This blade leaves saw marks (called “kerf”) called that have a circular look to them. Many folks will want the circular texture as opposed to a sanded or smooth band-sawn texture to add architectural interest.
Taper-sawn simply means that a block of wood is sawn to a large shingle.
Re-sawn, hand-split shakes begin by being split on both sides. However, most of the time, hand-split shakes are then sawn through the back to create a smooth, tapered appearance. This helps with appearance at installation. Hand-split shakes are typically called “hand-split and re-sawn shakes.”
Kiln-dried
Shakes and shingles can be dried down to about 7% moisture through a dry kiln. Kiln-drying is not quite as hot as other kilns, and can take between 1 to two weeks at 160-180 degrees farenheit.
5x
This term is specific for 16” shingles. 5X means that 5 butts (or bottom ends) of the shingles, when stacked on end, should amount to 2 inches. It is important to know that this measurement takes place when freshly cut at the mill, since shingles naturally dry and shrink after being cut.
Perfection
This is an older term for a 18” shingle. Sometimes called “perfs”, these shingles are a very common roofing shingle. Since they are slightly thicker and longer than a 16” shingle, they will typically last an additional 10 years.
Royal
This is an older term for a 24” shingle. These are less common roofing shingles, due to their size and cost, but they are very common for a grooved sidewall shingle.
Medium shakes
This is a industry term for Hand-Split shakes that have a 1/2” butt. They are usually 24” but may be 18”
Heavy shakes
This is an industry term for hand-split shakes that have a 3/4” butt. They are usually 24” but may be 18”
No. 1 vs No. 2 product
Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar are graded with the same rules. No. 1 product typically is of vertical grains, No. 2 has flat grains, and No. 3 may have knots or other defects. No. 2 can be used on a roof, but No. 1 are preferred.
Bureau vs non-Bureau
The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau is an organization over a century old that establishes the grading rules and installation guidelines for cedar shakes and shingles. Their membership comprises mills and manufacturers, treaters, wholesalers, and installers. There is no obligation to be a cedar shake and shingle bureau member, but there are many benefits, such as external 3rd-party inspectors that ensure a high level of quality.
Grading rules for Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern White Cedar
While Western Red Cedar shingles are graded No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, etc., Eastern White shingles are grade A, B, C. In addition, there can be mixed grades of shingles such as AB. Most Eastern White Cedar shingles for sidewall use are AB grade, meaning that they may have some knots and imperfections above a certain exposure line. Learn more by comparing species and grades of cedar.
Vertical grain
When looking at the butt end of a cedar shingle, grains that go straight up and down are called “vertical grain.” This is highly desired when the shake or shingle is directly exposed to the elements. The reason is that each grain offers a higher level of protection against decay, insects, etc.
Flat Grain
When looking at the buttt end of a cedar shingle, grains that are horizontal are called “flat grain.” Flat grains are less resistant to decay from sun and rain, but they can look and function phenomenally well on a sidewall.
Clear
Clarity refers to the number of knots in a cedar shingle. While Western Red Shingles in #1 grade are expected to be 100% clear, lower grades may not be. Eastern white shingles in the higher grades may be referred to as “extra clear,” when there are not even hints of knots or discoloration in the surface of the shingle.
What is a square?
A “square” is a term meaning 100 square feet. When dealing with roofing western red cedar shingles are sold by the square. This helps give a frame of reference for exatly how much cedar is needed for a job. Typically a contractor is able to give the precise quantity required in square (25), even if the exposure that will be used will exceed what is allowed in a roof.