Hey all. We are getting the cedar shakes replaced on our house (2nd floor). I asked and got great advice on using a breather a month back, so I figure one more question can’t hurt.
How important is it to dip (a.k.a finish all sides) prior to install? Given that we don’t have pre-stained materials (long story- not relevant for my question), I was opting for dipping prior to install, and then touch up work after the shakes went up. However, this seems like a bunch of extra work (isn’t everything), and given that we have 40 bundles, it will take up a lot of space to lay them all out to dry (which does pose some co-codination problems).
I was wondering how much of an advantage pre-dipping provides relative to applying stain/finish after the shakes are up. I recognize only the exposed faces will get a finish coat if done after install, but from a scheduling/ease standpoint is the trade-off worth it? [BTW we are planning on using a clear finish]
I am willing to deal with the extra cost/effort to do it right, but my (uneducated) thought was that the cedar was pretty durable on its own, an the pre-dip vs. the stain when up might be overkill.
Thanks in advance for your thoughful responses.
Replies
it will be a beeyotch to coat in the crevices after install.
i wouldn't imagine touch-up would be necessary later if they are dipped thoroughly first...
if space is the big problem, either layer them on stacked chicken wire with lathe spacers for air flow or "shelve" them, bookcase-style, raised on coat hanger wire.
Thanks. The chicken wire/hangers ideas are great! I was imaginging clothes lines with the sahkes clipped all over the yard (my wife would of killed me).
Jees........what would she do if the roof leaked in a few years?
Most likely I'd be drawn and quartered. That's why I replace my roof every year. LOL
"That's why I replace my roof every year"
Wow.......she must really be a terror. :-)
Shakes or shingles?
Siding or roofing?
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Shakes. Siding. Thanks.
to keep on qualifying you as Piffin startedwhat exposure, 2nd story or down to ground, good eaves / overhangs and are we to surmise it is your house? labor of love versus vagaries of profit & effiency
thick butts or 1 /2" - #1s or 2s
is clear to let them go au natural or are you hoping they look like new in five yrs?
7 " exposure, 2nd story only, good overhangs, my house, hiring out the work, love based (but am an economist), think 1/2", #1s, like the look of wood-- not foolish enough to think they'll look new forever.
Think I've hit your questions.
For heavy shakes and on siding, I think I would just spray and brush in after they are applied.It would have more practical advantage on a roof to repel water and on roofs they will swell and shrink more with moisture, possibly exposing bare wood, and the water absorbtion/drying process would make them cup more.But on siding they are going to be much more stable.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks!
with Piffin on this
the dipping / back priming process is more for cedar shingles
your shakes will breathe much better
you're probably hep to this but stick w/ oil base stains please ( vs. water )
Thanks. Thanks also for the reminder on the oil. Planning on it, but never hurts to be told again.
Work is starting next week. I'll let you guys know how it all goes.
To Everyone: Thanks again for all the great advice for this project.