How to Install Cedar Shakes or Wood Shingles on Your Home

Wood shingles give a home that antique look without having to be so old. They are commonly used for roofing shingles as well as siding. Wood shingles or cedar shakes are making a come back in many house designs. They are as easy to install as an asphalt shingle and typically last nearly as long. They are very inexpensive compared to asphalt and cover nearly the same amount as a bundle of asphalt shingles covers. Someone with a little roofing experience can easily install wood shingles themselves. In this article I will discuss several of the techniques that are involved in the installation process.

When starting the first row of shakes, let them hang over the roof at least 1 inch to allow for rain and snow runoff. Always let the fat or thicker end of the shake face down towards the ground. Space each shake ¼ inch from each other to allow for expansion and contraction. When a shake is wet it will expand. If its not properly gaped over time it will crack and split. When the first row is complete, attach another row of shakes over the previous layer. Stagger all the joints so they do not fall over another one below it. This will prevent water from seeping through the joints and penetrating the roof. Nail each shake with a galvanized roofing nail ¼ inch from each edge and ½ inch above where the next shingle will overlap. This way, no nails will be left exposed.

Snap a chalk line 1/3 of the way up the wood shake. This is roughly 4 to 5 inches. Follow the manufactures spec for overlapping procedures. Some roofing hatchets have a gauge on them that position the shake in the correct location. Stagger the joints on the shakes to prevent leakage. After several rows are done you will notice that 3 layers of shakes cover the roof at a time to prevent leaking. Snap lines on each row as you work your way up the rake of the roof.

If you have a valley, you will need to buy galvanized flashing. Work up to the pre-bent water splash with the shakes. Cut the shakes with a utility knife. Flash any pipes or vent penetrations with a rubber fitting boot first. Caulk under the boot with roofing bull. Place the vent down and work around the pipe with each layer of shakes cutting the shakes as necessary.

The ridge is usually a ridge vent of galvanized ridge flashing attach the flashing and bull over any exposed nails with the roofing bull. Work up to the ridge with the shakes. When you get to the last row of shake, glue them on with the roofing bull. This prevents any nails from being exposed.

If you followed the instructions correctly you should have a beautiful looking cedar shake roof that will last for years to come.