Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 22, 1999 08:48pm | #1

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   Upside: looks ........ it's the real McCoy, what some other roofing materials try to emulate. Downside: cost and fire resistance. If installed directly on skip sheathing over the rafters, your attic should stay cooler in the hot summer months. Cedar holds up well here in the Northeast ....... I've seen more than a few roofs that were 40 or 50 years old. I'm not familar with the climate in Iowa ........ a hot humid climate will dramatically shorten the lifespan of a cedar roof. It is important with any roof but especially cedar, to keep it clear of leaves, pine needles, in particular the valleys,.

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   Mad_Dog | Nov 24, 1999 05:30am | #2

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   Great idea. Steeper the better. Hopefully not shaded or
   overlapped by big trees. The cedar can be treated with
   fireproofing. I don't know how this affects the natural
   resistance to decay for longevity purposes, but I would want
   to if it were my roof. Make sure to allow spacing under the
   cedar shakes so the roof can dry out after a good soaking
   (no solid sheathing, such as OSB or plywood) This will save
   you some money toward the expense of the shakes (maybe you
   plan to froe them yourself?) What is there now?

   MD

   xxx

3. 
   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 07:06am | #3

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   Believe it or not, last year around here (Phila.), shakes were cheaper per square than sawn shingles. They definitely give a better roof, especially with 30# strips under every course.

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   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 12:04pm | #4

   *From experience: They are several thousand pounds of expensive firewood sitting on your roof. They are difficult to maintain once they get older because it is tough to find anyone who knows how to walk on them without causing more damage than they went up to fix. Some jurisdictions won't allow them due to the fire hazard. Some insurance companies charge a premium for houses with shakes.In short there are several good looking products out there that are more durable, easier to maintain and aren't the fire hazard. Plus, don't know about IA but in some areas it is tough to find anyone to work on them at all. That is important because some day you aren't going to want to do it yourself and will want to hire someone.Do yourself a favor and use something else.

4. 
   Jim_Allen_ | Jan 04, 2000 11:41pm | #5

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   I would like to hear your comments on roofing a home in Iowa with cedar shake shingles.