How To Install Cedar Shingles On A Hip Roof?

Installing cedar shingles on a hip roof is not just aesthetically pleasing but also adds more to the safety of your house against extreme weather conditions. Make sure to wear gloves before starting the shingle roof installation. Create a barrier against water damage by installing flashing around the ridges, vents, edges, and chimney. Starting from one side, align the first shingle with the roof edge and match it with the roof’s angle. Secure them by adding the nails to the center for more stability. Install each subsequent shingle parallel to the first and continue until the roof is covered.

What Are Cedar Shingles?

Cedar shingles are thin, flat pieces of cedar wood, often tapered in shape. Due to their durability, they resist rotting, insects, and extreme weather conditions.

What Is a Hip Roof?

A hip roof has slopes on all four sides that meet a ridge or a point. This design is stable, with excellent drainage and resistance to strong winds.

Installing the Shingles Guide on a Hip Roof 

• Put on heavy-duty gloves and position your ladder safely against the side of your house.
• Begin with installing flashing around ridges, edges, vents, and chimney areas using a hammer and roofing nails. This will create a barrier against water damage.
• Begin on one side of your roof. Align the bottom edge of the first shingle so it’s flush with the roof edge.  
• Use a utility knife to cut the side of the shingle to match the roof’s angle. Start from either the left or right end.
• Place the shingle on the roof. Step down the ladder and insert two nails through the corners and a third one in the middle of the center. If you live in a windy area, professional roofing company always suggest adding an extra nail in the center for more security.
• Place the second shingle parallel to the first shingle. Fasten it in the same way.
• Continue to line the bottom of your roof with shingles. Use a utility knife to cut the last shingle of each row.
• Continue to add rows of shingles and layer upon layer.
• Ensure each new row overlaps the row below it by about 2/3 of the shingle’s length. This provides proper coverage and protection.
• Ensure that every shingle falls into the center of the two shingles below it in an alternating pattern.
• When you reach the top row, secure the shingles by nailing them and applying roofing cement.
• Complete your roof by applying ridge cap shingles to the peaks. This will seal the roof and provide extra protection against water.

Key Considerations for Installing the Shingles

1. Material Choosing: Select high-quality cedar shingles with uniform thickness and minimal flaws. Ensure they are kiln-dried to prevent wrapping or cracking.
2. Roof Angle: Cedar shingles work best on roof pitches of 6:12 or more. Proper pitch is necessary to ensure rainwater flows off the roof without pooling.
3. Underlayment: For added protection, use high-quality underlayment. Roofing felt or synthetic materials work best. They create a barrier against moisture.
4. Ventilation and Insulation: Proper ventilation prevents excessive moisture build-up. Poor ventilation leads to mold and wood rot.
5. Local Climate: Cedar shingles work best in moderate climates. In rainy areas, use water-resistant coatings for extra protection.
6. Cost and Maintenance: Keep Cedar shingles clean to maintain their condition. Reapply coatings regularly for extra protection. Maintenance costs may vary, so consider your needs.
7. Proper Shingle Spacing and Staggered Joints: Avoid any leak by maintaining proper spacing and staggered joints.
8. Trim Neatly at Hips: Cut shingles carefully to fit hip angles for a clean finish. This structured approach ensures a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof.

 Maintaining Cedar Shingles Integrity

Here are three basic principles for best results:

• Spacing Between Each Cedar Shingle

Before installation, it is wise to check the relative humidity level of the shingles. This will enable you to know precisely the appropriate spacing needed for expansion. Cedar is an active, moisture-sensitive material that reacts to changes in temperature and humidity. Cedar shingles expand and shrink based on temperature changes. 

The installation should consider this property of the material. Freshly milled (green) shingles contain 25% to 35% moisture, making them prone to shrinkage when dry and expansion when wet. In contrast, the manufacturer’s kiln-dried or factory-stain shingles have a moisture content of 10% to 14%, which minimizes shrinkage and allows for expansion in wet conditions. 

For pre-stained or kiln-dry shingles, leave a gap of at least 1/8″ to 1/4″ between shingles. To be safe, adjust the gap according to the relative humidity levels at the time of installation. For larger and drier shingles, a 1/4″ gap is good enough. For “green” shingles, a smaller gap of 1/16″ to 1/8″ is sufficient. 

• Exposure

Exposure is the face of the shingle exposed when it is nailed to the roof. The maximum exposure should be between 4″ to 5″, depending on the manufacturer’s specifications. This helps maintain the pressure shingles exert on each other, ensuring a stable and long-lasting installation.

• Fasteners

When installing cedar shingles, position the fasteners at least 3/4″ from each side and 1″ above the buttline. To aid you with nailing, an embossed nailing line is marked on one side of every shingle so that the installer can determine the fastener spacing at 6 1/8″. If using air tools, remember to adjust the air pressure so that the fasteners are flush with the shingle surface.

Conclusion

You can install shingles on a hip roof using these steps. Wear protective gloves, start the installation around the edges, and align the first shingle with the roof edge. Ensure that the shingle matches the roof’s angle. Add nails to secure the shingle in place followed by the installation of the next shingle in parallel to the first one. Repeat this process to cover the entire roof. Or hire a professional like Precision Roofing to do the job for you. We have the experience and skills to install the shingles professionally, saving you time while providing peace of mind and reliable results.