I’m about to tear down my existing split level and replace with a larger custom designed modular home in its place. I won’t have enough, but in the interest of saving some money and being “green”, I’m considering powerwashing the cedar shingles (old paint and some mildew in some places, but otherwise good condition), removing them, and re-using on the new home in select areas. They have about a 12″ profile now, and I’d look to do between a 5-7″ profile later.
Is this do-able, worth it, or am I crazy?
Thanks.
John
Replies
Have you experimented with removing them.
Not yet. I'll try a discrete spot sometime this weekend.
It depends.
I pulled off a bunch of the so called "sidewall shakes" recently. These were the red cedar grooved kind, popular in the 50s and early 60s. I was amazed at how well they held together. I reused at least 50% of them. Could have reused more, except that I only wanted to go up about 4 ft. The ones I had to hook out with the shingle ripper tended to get damaged.
If the paint is no good, sometimes you can flip them and use the other side.
I think it depends somewhat on the hold and type of nails. I am pulling some off on another house where not a one comes off whole.
It's just a cost/benefit thing. Do not undervalue your labor.