A client wants us to install handsplit shingles , somtimes called shakes. these are rough to the weather and smooth on the back side. He is wondering if we should install a beather fabric behind the shingles or just use 30# felt. The lumber yard guy told him to use the fabric , but I think that the rough texture of these shingles will allow enough air to circulate as is. Has anyone had any experience with this application?
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If the backside is indeed sawn-then you will lack air movement if you don't use the "breather".
Only the top section of the smoother side will be contacting the wall.
Resawn backs will lie snug to the 30# felt but the only way enough wter would penetrate that far is if they ran a sprinler on it round the clock
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breather is better but they have been done for hundreds of years without it. The larger gaps do let air up and in to let it dry from backside, and siding does not get nearly as much water penetration aas roofing to begin with. I would install hand split shakes on side walls with no breather and never lose a moments sleep.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Jay
Since you're near the water the chances for wind driven moisture to get under the shakes is pretty good, so I'd go with the 30# and the breather. Cheap insurance over the long haul.
Geoff
skip the breather on a sidewall, it will vent itself, also, stuff grows in the breather fabric.... even on a roof ur better off installing 1x4 battens to positively vent
those split shakes are usually red cedar, so use Stainless Steel staples for the install