Roofing contractors install staggered cedar shake siding by checking building codes, preparing surfaces, and applying a weather-resistant barrier. They mark layouts with chalk lines, install the first row of shakes, trim around windows, and add finishing touches like sealing edges and inspection, ensuring a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
What is Staggered Cedar Shake Siding?
Staggered cedar shake siding is an exterior cladding made from cedar wood, characterized by its unevenly spaced and varied-length shakes. It is installed after the roof is completed to ensure proper protection and style. This design creates a textured, visually appealing look, enhancing a home’s aesthetic while providing durability and weather resistance.
Step-by-Step Staggered Cedar Shake Siding Installation Guide
Here is how roofing contractors install staggered cedar shake siding.
Step 1: Check and Acquire Building Codes and Regulations
Roofing contractors check local building codes and regulations first to ensure that staggered cedar shake siding installation would comply. These codes often include specifications for materials, installation methods, fire resistance, and structural requirements. This ensures the siding is safe, durable, and meets local building standards.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
They ensure the wall is clean, dry, and free of debris. The team will remove old siding, nails, and other protrusions that might conflict with installation. If the existing siding is undamaged, it may be possible to install directly over it, but a clean, flat surface gives the best results.
Step 3: Install a Weather-Resistant Barrier
Installing a weather-resistant barrier, such as house wrap or felt paper, will prevent moisture from entering your walls. Roll out the barrier horizontally across the entire wall, starting at the bottom and overlapping each layer by at least 4-6 inches as the installation team moves up the wall. Staple it down to ensure there are no gaps, wrinkles, or exposed areas.
Step 4: Mark the Layout with Chalk Lines
Use chalk lines to map out the staggered cedar shake siding. This ensures accurate and aligned installation. Use a level to create horizontal reference points and snap chalk lines to help you make cuts and keep things aligned, making your application attractive and uniform.
Step 5: Install the First Row of Cedar Shakes
The professional roofing contractor will start with a solid base row, which is crucial. It supports the pattern for the rest of the wall.
- Choose the Starting Point: Begin at one end of the wall and work your way across. Position the first cedar shake so that it aligns with the chalk line.
- Nail the Shake: Use two nails per shake, positioned about an inch from the edges and above the top of the reveal line. Drive the nails securely without overdriving, as cedar is prone to splitting.
- Stagger the Shakes: As the team installs the first row, vary the placement of the shakes slightly, following your staggered lines for a natural look. Switch between shorter and longer shakes, and ensure no two joints line up directly above each other to maintain the staggered effect.
Step 6: Continue Laying the Shakes in a Staggered Pattern
With the first row in place, the roofing professionals will proceed up the wall, row by row.
- Overlap Shakes Properly: Each shake in the new row should overlap the shake below it by the determined reveal. This overlap provides both aesthetic appeal and improved water resistance.
- Alternate Sizes: Use different shake lengths to maintain the staggered look. A common approach is to vary each row by 1-2 inches from the adjacent rows. This variation adds character and visual depth to the siding.
- Check Alignment Regularly: The installers will periodically check the rows with a level to ensure they’re not slanting. Even with a staggered look, rows must remain relatively even to prevent uneven wear and tear over time.
Step 7: Trim Around Windows, Doors, and Corners
Precision is essential when installing cedar shakes around windows, doors, and corners. The roofing experts will take extra time to ensure a polished look in these areas.
- Cut Shakes to Fit: Measure each opening carefully and cut the shakes with a circular saw to fit snugly around windows and doors. Aim to leave a small gap (about 1/8 inch) for expansion.
- Install Trim Pieces: If trim is required, they will install it before placing shakes on the edges. Trim adds a finished look and helps to cover any slight inconsistencies in the shakes’ placement.
- Use Caulk for Sealing: Apply a thin line of caulk around the edges of the shakes where they meet the trim, windows, or doors. It seals the joints and prevents water from entering.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches and Inspect
After installing the staggered cedar shakes, there are a few final steps to finish the project.
- Seal Exposed Edges: The roofing installers will use a weather-resistant wood stain or sealer on any exposed edges of the shakes. This helps protect against weathering and extends the life of the siding.
- Inspect for Gaps or Loose Nails: Look over the work to ensure all shakes are securely nailed in place and check for visible gaps. Fill any spaces with caulk if necessary.
- Clean Up the Site: Remove any debris or leftover materials from the site, especially nails, and cut shake pieces.
Maintenance Tips for Cedar Shake Siding
Maintaining your cedar shake siding helps it stay beautiful and functional for years. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your siding at least once a year to remove dirt, mold, or mildew. A soft-bristle brush and mild detergent work well for this.
- Inspect for Damage: After extreme weather, check for cracked, split, or loose shakes. Replace any damaged shakes to keep the siding protected and looking its best.
- Apply Wood Stain or Sealant: To retain the natural color of cedar, apply a UV-protective stain every few years. This also helps guard against moisture.
What are the Benefits of Installing Staggered Cedar Shake Siding?
The benefits of installing staggered cedar shake siding include:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its traditional, natural look enhances the exterior charm of any home design.
- Natural Insulation: Cedar offers natural thermal insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
- Durability: When properly maintained, cedar shake siding is resistant to decay and insect damage and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- Weather Resistance: A staggered installation is also practical for efficiently letting out water and minimizing the formation of leakage and dampness.
- Sustainability: Cedar is very eco-friendly since it is sourced from trees that can be restocked.
- Customization: The material comes in different sizes and covers, enabling clients to design the cover to fit their house.
Conclusion
Understanding how contractors, such as Precision Roofing a best roofing company, install staggered cedar shake siding helps homeowners feel prepared. The commercial and residential roof installation team guarantees adherence to regulations regarding construction, prepares surfaces, and installs weather barriers. This process involves marking layouts, fastening shakes in a staggered pattern, and trimming around windows and doors. Cedar shake siding remains a popular choice for its visual appeal, crafted from unevenly placed cedar wood shakes of varying sizes. Other advantages include aesthetic appeal, natural insulation, the ability to withstand the vagaries of weather, water resistance, and design flexibility, making it ideal for home exteriors.