Im looking for some information concerning installation of cedar roof shakes. I have an up coming job… 4 square remove and replace existing cedar shakes with new on a 3 pitch. My client has numerous signifincant leaks, partially due to water impact from an upper shed dormer. I suspect that the shakes may have been installed directly over sheathing or over asphalt shinges with no air space for “breathing”, resulting in their deterioration. I recently witnessed the progress of a cedar shake applicaton, and they used a roll of what I would call “frieze” (similiar to ridge vent material) over asphalt felt. What is this material called, and where can i get some? Are eve vents required with this material for airflow from eve to ridge? My intention is to cover the entire roof area with Ice and Water, (especially around the 3 skylights) install the breathable “frieze” and then shingle. When i order a square of 18″ shakes, what exposure is assumed… six inch? Also, what are the going rates to install per square? I witnessed an “ol timer” using a framing nail gun, though i couldnt see the point because they were so slow, but which is the better method, hand nailing or pnuematic? Anyone ever use stainless nails? Looks like my Estwing shinglers hammer will be getting a workout :).
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What you're after is "Cedar Breather" made by Benjamin Obdyke. I've never used it. I prefer to use a 1x3 for each course installed over felt or ice & water shield. With this process, I use a metal drip edge at the eaves and shingle mould or metal drip edge at the rake, installed with a gap so air can enter. The 1x3's are installed in short lengths with a gap between them so air can circulate. I use a paslode Impulse nailer with galv nails. Stainless would be better.
Typically, 18" shingles have a 7 1/2" max exposure. If you type on http://www.cedarbureau.org, you will have a whole manual at your disposal. They also have a helpful person that can answer any of your questions. Just call them if you have questions after reading the manual. There is also a web site for "Cedar Breather", the product you're after. They also will have information and an 800 number to call. Hope this helps!
First problem is that the minimum pitch for shakes is 4/12.
But you say 18" so you must mean shingles instead of shakes?????????
Installation procedures are different for both
Excellence is its own reward!
like Piffin says minimum pitch for shakes 4 / 12 and even then I think that is so they can sell more of the buggers give wood a chance a go for a 6 / 12 or more or you just give the beautiful material a bad name
your first job is to talk the client out of using them
you could put them up for looks and wash them down w/ bleach & water every couple of years but know that the cedar is a facade and your ice & water is the roof
In my opinion cedar shakes should only be used in a cold roof, skip-sheathed design, fully woven with felt paper, at a slope within the Cedar Bureau's recommendation, with good sun exposure on all faces, and never under needle-dropping pine trees.
You are right Micro but I want to wait on commenting to installation until I am sure what he is installing. This has got to be one of the most confusing things in roofing for folks. I can't count how many times a customer called me to quote one when my site visit to estimate showed it was the other.
Excellence is its own reward!
well John, unfortuantely there are already cedar shingles installed and the customer is set on installing cedar back on the house. The house is a log home. At least two thirds of this 11x43 3/12 pitch roof is over an exterior porch with three skylights. The other third, however is right over a table with evidence of severe leaks. To partially solve his problem, i suggested diverting the water from the upper shed dormer, in addition to replacing all of the shakes. And, yes, the shingles are impractical on a 3 pitch, however, i cant change the pitch and im left holding the bag. Thank God for ice and water! haha.
I can accept cedar shingles on a three twelve unless there is also a lot of ice buildup.
You've got the right idea. I&W plus cedar breather.
Excellence is its own reward!
Thanks for the correction piffin..haha...ya i meant shingles. shakes dont come 18"
I have used either a narrow crown stapler with 1 1/2" staples or even a 1/4 crown 1" staple bote worked great be sure to use plenty of nails :)