Cedar shingle siding is a time-honored exterior finish that combines rustic charm with exceptional durability. When installed correctly, cedar shingles not only enhance a home’s curb appeal but also provide long-term protection against the elements. This article offers a detailed, step-by-step guide to professional cedar shingle installation, drawing from expert recommendations and best practices to ensure a high-quality result.
Overview of Cedar Shingle Siding
Cedar shingle siding is crafted from cedar wood, a material known for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect infestation. Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used species due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The distinction between cedar shingles and cedar shakes is subtle but important:
- Cedar Shingles are sawn on both sides, resulting in a uniform thickness and a smoother, more refined appearance.
- Cedar Shakes are hand-split or machine-split from cedar logs, offering a rougher, textured, and more rustic look. They are generally thicker than shingles and have a more varied appearance.
Both types of cedar shingles provide excellent insulation and can be applied with varying exposures—meaning the visible portion of each shingle. For example, 16-inch-long shingles should be installed with about five-inch exposures to achieve triple coverage, ensuring proper overlap and protection against water intrusion.
Preparing for Installation
Before beginning the installation process, it is crucial to properly prepare the surface and gather the necessary tools and materials.
Surface Preparation
The foundation for a successful cedar shingle installation begins with the surface preparation. The exterior walls must be covered with a water-resistant barrier such as roofing felt or building wrap. This barrier acts as the first line of defense against moisture and should be installed without creases or overlaps that could compromise its effectiveness.
Self-adhesive flashing tape should be applied to corners, windows, and doors to block out moisture and air. Special care should be taken to ensure that the flashing tape is properly adhered and not damaged during the installation of the shingles.
Tools and Materials
Professional cedar shingle installation requires specific tools and high-quality materials. Essential tools include:
- Staple gun or hammer
- Measuring tape
- Surform tool
- Block plane
- Chalk line
- Drill
- Flat pry bar
- Level
- Story pole
- Table saw or circular saw
- Caulking gun
- Utility knife
- T-bevel
- Tin snips
- Ladders or scaffolding
- Paintbrush
Materials required for the installation include:
- Cedar shingles
- Cedar wood trim
- Stainless-steel or galvanized nails or staples
- Caulk
- Primer and paint or sealer
- Roofing felt or building wrap
- Flashing
- Self-stick flashing tape
- 3-inch screws
- 1x4 boards
- 1x2 boards
- Scrap wood
Cedar shingles are typically sold by the "square," which covers 100 square feet. When ordering, consider the desired length, thickness (shakes vs. shingles), and grade. It is also recommended to order extra material to account for waste and potential miscalculations.
Installation Process
The installation of cedar shingle siding is a labor-intensive process that requires attention to detail and precision. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the installation process.
Step 1: Install the Weather Resistive Barrier
Begin by applying a high-quality, breathable house wrap (such as Tyvek or Typar) over the sheathing. This creates a water-resistant barrier beneath the shingles. The house wrap should be installed with proper overlaps and secured with staples or nails to prevent it from shifting during the shingle installation.
Self-stick flashing tape should be applied to corners, windows, and doors to prevent water intrusion. Ensure that the flashing tape is adhered securely and that there are no gaps or overlaps that could compromise its effectiveness.
Step 2: Install Furring Strips (Optional but Recommended)
Furring strips are thin strips of wood (such as 1x3 or 1x4) that are installed over the house wrap to create an air gap between the shingles and the wall. This gap, known as a rain screen, allows for ventilation and helps prevent moisture buildup behind the siding.
Furring strips are typically installed vertically or horizontally, depending on the design of the home. They should be spaced evenly to ensure a consistent gap and should be secured with nails or screws.
Step 3: Layout and Marking
Before installing the first row of shingles, it is important to layout and mark the wall to ensure consistent exposure and proper alignment. Use a chalk line to mark the horizontal courses and a story pole to maintain vertical alignment.
The exposure refers to the visible portion of each shingle. For cedar shingles, the exposure should be slightly less than one-third of the total length of the shingle. For example, 16-inch-long shingles should be installed with about five-inch exposures. This ensures triple coverage, meaning three layers of shingles cover the wall, providing additional protection against water intrusion.
Step 4: Install the First Course
The first course of shingles should be installed at the bottom of the wall, with the narrow end facing downward. This course sets the tone for the rest of the installation and should be installed with care to ensure proper alignment and exposure.
Shingles should be installed with overlapping joints to prevent water from seeping through the gaps. Each shingle should overlap the one below it by at least half its width. The joints between the shingles should be staggered by at least 1.5 inches in any three courses to prevent water from flowing directly through the seams.
Step 5: Continue Installing Shingles
After the first course is installed, continue installing the shingles in a consistent pattern. Each course should be aligned with the chalk line and story pole to ensure a uniform appearance.
Shingles should be nailed with stainless steel ring-shank nails (1.75 to 2 inches long) to prevent rust stains and ensure strong holding power. Nails should be placed in the narrow part of the shingle, avoiding the exposed area where water can penetrate. Face nailing—where nails are visible on the exposed surface—should be avoided unless in specific trim areas where the nail head will be hidden or caulked/painted.
It is important to avoid overdriving or underdriving the nails. Overdriving can cause splitting and reduce the holding power, while underdriving leaves the nail heads exposed, allowing water to penetrate.
Step 6: Install Trim and Flashing
Once the main body of the shingles is installed, trim and flashing should be added around windows, doors, and corners. Trim should be cut to fit the openings and secured with nails or screws. Flashing should be applied to prevent water from entering around these areas.
Self-stick flashing tape should be used to seal the edges of the trim and flashing. This tape adheres securely to the cedar and provides an additional layer of protection against moisture intrusion.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
After the shingles and trim are installed, any gaps or seams should be caulked with a high-quality caulk to prevent water from seeping through. The caulk should be applied evenly and smoothed with a caulk gun or a putty knife.
Finally, the shingles should be primed and sealed with a high-quality, breathable sealer or stain. This not only enhances the appearance of the shingles but also provides protection against UV damage, rot, and insect infestation.
Maintenance and Longevity
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of cedar shingle siding. The following tips can help maintain the appearance and performance of the shingles:
- Clean the siding regularly to remove dirt, debris, and mildew.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are clean and direct rainwater away from the siding and foundation.
- Trim shrubs, trees, and other vegetation away from the siding to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
- Maintain proper attic and wall cavity ventilation to prevent condensation buildup that can affect the back of the siding.
- Inspect the shingles annually for signs of damage, such as rot, warping, or cracking.
- Reapply sealer or stain as needed to maintain the appearance and protect against the elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can compromise the quality and durability of cedar shingle installation. These include:
- Inadequate surface preparation, such as not cleaning the sheathing or failing to install a house wrap.
- Improper nailing, including using electro-galvanized or bright common nails, overdriving or underdriving nails, or nailing too close to the edge.
- Incorrect exposure, which can result in an uneven, unprofessional appearance.
- Failing to stagger joints, which can create a channel for water to penetrate the wall.
- Installing shingles too tight, which can cause buckling or cracking due to cedar's natural expansion and contraction.
- Ignoring flashing, which can lead to water intrusion around windows, doors, and corners.
- Poor ventilation, which can trap moisture behind the siding and lead to rot.
Conclusion
Cedar shingle siding offers a timeless, rustic charm and exceptional durability that significantly enhances a home’s curb appeal. When installed correctly, cedar shingles provide long-term protection against the elements and can be a beautiful addition to any home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, homeowners and professionals can ensure a high-quality installation that will last for decades. Proper maintenance and attention to detail are essential to preserving the appearance and performance of cedar shingle siding. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, cedar shingle siding can be a rewarding project that adds both value and beauty to any home.