Cedar shake shingles add to a house’s natural charm, improving durability and insulation. Installation demands preparation, beginning with a sound roof deck and water-resistant underlayment to prevent damage from moisture. Mark the layout lines for proper location prior to nailing the initial row of shakes.
Nail the subsequent rows properly, leaving room for expansion. Trimming shakes to fit around edges and adding ridge caps finish the frame. Add flashing on top to seal gaps and prevent leaks. Lastly, a final inspection check is performed to ensure everything is secure. With these instructions for installing cedar shake roofing, you can have a durable and weather-tight roof. For professional roofing services, consider hiring experts to ensure long-lasting protection and quality installation.
Materials and Tools Needed
- Cedar shakes
- Roofing underlayment or felt
- Nails (galvanized is best)
- Hammer or nail gun
- Roofing adhesive
- Chalk line
- Measuring tape
- Roof flashing
- Roof ladder and safety harness
- Circular saw (to cut shakes)
9 Steps To Install Cedar Shake Roofing
Replacing your roofing with cedar shakes can provide a rustic, organic appearance to your home in addition to superior durability and insulation. Follow these steps to install the cedar shakes effectively.:
1. Prepare the Roof Deck
Before the installation of the cedar shakes, see that the roof deck is dry, clean, and in a good condition. Repair the rotted or damaged areas. You may also need to install a layer of plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) if the existing deck is not suitable.
2. Install Roofing Felt or Underlayment
Cover the roof deck with roofing felt or underlayment as a moisture barrier. The barrier keeps water out of the deck. Overlap each row of felt at least 4 inches, and nail it down. Use galvanized nails exclusively to prevent rust.
3. Mark the Shingle Layout
With the chalk line, create horizontal guidelines where each row of shakes will be aligned. Make sure the lines are straight and level, from the eaves to the ridge. In a cold area, put up shakes only when the temperature is above freezing to prevent cracking.
4. Install the Starter Row
Start installing your cedar shakes at the eaves. It is the first row, and it must be nailed through the wide end of each shake. The shakes need to overlap one another slightly so water will pass over them, not under. Ensure that the pitch of the roof is steep enough so that cedar shakes will work as expected. They perform optimally on roofs that are pitched 4/12 or more.
Start the first complete row above the starter course. Fasten each shake onto the roof deck with galvanized nails, positioning them at the top of each shake. Place a little space between shakes for expansion and water run-off. Consider treating the shakes with a preservative before installation to maximize their lifespan and rot resistance.
5. Install Additional Courses
Keep laying courses of cedar shingles up the roof along the chalk lines you drew previously. Each new course should overlap the previous one, with the top edge tucked under the bottom edge of the row above.
6. Cut Shakes to Fit
As you get to the ridge or edges of the roof, you may have to cut shakes to size. Trim the shakes using a circular saw or hand saw. Be careful to cut precisely so that the roof appears tidy and the shakes fit well.
7. Install Ridge Cap
After the major roofing area has been covered, add a ridge cap at the top of the roof. The ridge cap is usually constructed from specially shaped cedar shakes, which are nailed along the ridge for a tight seal.
8. Flashing and Finishing Touches
Flash around roof obstructions such as chimneys, vents, and skylights to prevent water entry. You may also have to apply roofing adhesive on seams to provide additional waterproofing.
9. Check the Roof
After installing all the shakes, ensure each shake is well attached and that the shingles overlap where necessary. Check for any gaps or areas needing sealing. With the right preparation and installation, your cedar shake roof will not only be beautiful but also provide your home with outstanding protection for years.
Conclusion
Cedar shake roof installation involves some crucial steps to ensure durability and weather resistance. A solid roof deck, well-installed underlayment from the base, and layout lines ensure straight rows. Securely fastening shakes prevents water damage, and cutting pieces to fit edges provides a smooth finish. Ridge caps strengthen the roof peak, and flashing prevents leaks.
A final inspection ensures the roof is secure and weather-resistant. These instructions guarantee the successful installation of cedar shake roofing for durability and protection. We can also help you out with this installation to save you time and effort. Precision Roofing, a trusted local roofing contractor, provides professional installation, guaranteeing quality. Reach out to us for dependable cedar shake roofing installation and services.