How do you treat cedar shingles?

Treat cedar shingles with a water-repellent preservative. Water-repellent preservative (WRP) is a generic term for a clear finish that penetrates the wood to create a protective layer that helps prevent water damage. Applying a layer of WRP can help keep your cedar shingles protected from the elements.

How long does it take for cedar shingles to dry?

2–4 days
After the wood has dried (normally 2–4 days), you can let the wood age naturally or apply an oil-based semitransparent stain. Staining the shingles on a regular basis will help them maintain their color and last longer.

What is the difference between shake and shingles?

Cedar shakes are split off while shingles are sawn smooth on both sides and cut tapered. Lastly, shakes are thicker than shingles. Durability – Generally speaking, cedar shakes are more durable and last longer than shingles because they are thicker and made from premium grade wood.

What is the difference between Red Label and Blue Label cedar shingles?

Number 1 Blue Label is the highest grade of shingles for roofs and sidewalls. These top-grade shingles are 100% clear and 100% edge grain. Number 2 Red Label is a good grade for many applications (commonly sidewalls). Not less than 10″ clear on 16″ shingles, 11″ clear on 18″ shingles, and 16″ clear on 24″ shingles.

Should I treat my cedar shingles?

It is commonly believed that cedar shingles do not need preservative treatment because they are highly durable with their natural oils acting as an effective preservative. However, pressure treated cedar shingles are increasingly available with claims that preservative treatment increases their longevity.

Should cedar shingles be sealed?

No. Never seal your cedar roof. Sealing the roof will lock in moisture that would otherwise naturally evaporate during normal weather conditions. Cedar needs to breathe and thus a water repellant type product, rather than a water proofer is the best route to follow.

Is it better to paint or stain cedar shingles?

First, stain preserves the texture, grain and appearance of the wood better than paint. Second, with stain there is no peeling problem since it soaks into the wood. Finally, in most cases stain is actually easier to apply – at least on shingles.

Do you have to seal cedar shingles?

How long do shake shingles last?

As long as it’s properly installed and with proper maintenance, you can expect to get 30 years of life out of your cedar shake roof. If you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions, you could possibly get up to 50 years out of it.

What is the preferred cut for wood shakes and shingles?

Grade 2: These good-quality shakes or shingles have a flat-grain cut with an allowance for some sapwood. Knots and defects are limited above the clear portion that shows when a shingle is installed. As we noted above, this grade is useful for re-roofing or as a starter course.

What are the different grades of cedar shingles?

Cedar shingles fall into four different categories: Sidewall Select “AB”, Extra “A”, Clear “B”, and 2nd Clear “C”.

What are the different grades of wood shingles?

There are 4 shingle grades:

  • #1 The best grade, taken from the tree’s heartwood, 100% edgegrain with no defects. Used for roofing and sidewalls.
  • #2 Flatgrain with limited sapwood allowed.
  • #3 Can include sapwood and flatgrain.
  • Undercoursing A utility grade for undercoursing of double coursed sidewalls only.