You mean there are people still doing decorative shingles?
Yes, there are a few practitioners of this historic art form, and many others who are fascinated by decorative shingles.
Doesn't wood harbor insects?
No, there are few insects that can even stand to be near cedar let alone live in it. Common household insects are not attracted at all. The popularity of cedar chests attest to this fact.
How long do wooden shingles last?
This is not an easy question as many factors influence the lasting qualities of shingled exterior surfaces. Roofing of any type takes a severe beating from the hot summer sun, gale force winds, blizzards, thunderstorms and the freezing and thawing of ice and snow. Humidity levels, infrared and UV radiation, smog, animal traffic, abrasion, ventilation, hail, ice, accumulated dirt, moss, fungus and decaying leaves all affect the longevity of wooden roofs. Western Red Cedar shingle and shake roofs have a usual minimum life expectancy of twenty years to fifty or more under the right conditions.
How long do shingled sidewalls last?
Shingles applied on a vertical, exterior wall at standard exposures have an easier life. If they get wet at all it may be just from the occasional blowing storm. There are many examples of decorative shingles over a hundred years old and still in excellent condition. Most traditional examples of decorative shingles are painted. However, modern examples are sometimes oiled or left to weather naturally.
Where can they be used?
Normal uses include upper story walls including gable ends, dormers, mansards, parapets, turrets, and bay windows. Modern uses include commercial spaces, signage, interior walls, swimming pool areas, saunas and other high humidity areas.
Is it expensive?
Decorative shingle designs often require drastically reduced exposures. These designs can't help but be more expensive than regular shingling. However, decorative shingles can be applied for less than brick or stonework. The cost varies with complexity.
How are they installed?
Like a lot of things in life, you start at the bottom and work up. Decorative shingling is the same, the lowest rows are the first. Attention to side lap the shingles and use of the correct exposure is important. If you have never installed shingles, it may be best to have a professional do your project.
Are they strong?
Yes! Each shingle is attached with two nails. Properly placed nails will penetrate three layers of a triple course shingle roof. This is the equivalent of six nails for each shingle giving excellent dimensional strength to the entire shingled area. Most roofing and siding materials add little or no strength to the structure other than ballast. Wooden shingles actually add to the dimensional stability of the structure.
Why use them?
Decorative shingles are extremely attractive. The commercial applications are extensive and severely under-utilized. They are one of the best siding materials for extreme weather conditions including gale force winds, blizzards, ice, hail and thunderstorms. Because they can also be used on roofs, their weather tightness is assured.
Where should I not use Cedar shingles?
Shingles are made of wood and wood will burn. They should not be installed in areas where there is a likelihood of brush or forest fires. On interior applications they should be kept away from sources of heat such as stoves, ovens and heaters. Many people are concerned about using wood as an exterior finishing material, thinking that it is a fire hazard. Very few fatal fires originate from the exterior of homes. Many are started by careless smoking. Curtains, upholstered furniture, matresses, paper debris, volatile paints and oils are usually the first to support combustion. These materials when burned can emit clouds of toxic gases. Most deaths in fires are caused by these fumes overcoming the occupants. Very few actually die from the heat or flames. Cedar gives off few toxic gasses during combustion.
Is it environmentally sound to use Cedar shingles?
Cedar shingles are one of the few materials recognized as being completely renewable. Most other roofing materials are not.
