Shingle and Shake Siding

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A timeless style - shingle or shake siding added to your home creates not only more detail and depth, it also adds a warm and charming appearance. Whether in combination with stone, brick, or other materials, you can create a masterpiece simply by applying shingles or shake.

Wooden shake siding has been seen on homes for years and, though they are made from many different types of wood such as redwood and oak, shingle siding is made primarily of cedar. There are two types of cedar shingles: Blue label, also known as #1 grade, are the best grade and are used on the outer surface. Red label, also known as #2 grade, are acceptable as the underlying layer when double-coursing (applying two layers.)

Shingles & Shakes come in a variety of specialty patterns with random widths ranging from 3 to 14 inches and lengths from 16 inches (shingles only,) 18 inches, and 24 inches. They are usually sold unpainted however they are available pre-stained, painted, and treated with fire retardant or preservative.

Rustic or Stately?

Clean edges, smooth lines, and even patterns will create an understated elegance - a refined look, while uneven and staggered edged shingles or shakes will add a more relaxed or rustic appearance.

Accents & Trim

There are many accents and trim to choose from to create your dream home. Whether your style is Victorian, Traditional, Rustic, or Arts & Crafts you’ll find complimentary accents to add beauty and distinction to your home.

Durability

Depending on your climate shingles and shakes can be very durable. Heat and humidity will lower the life expectancy, however if you apply proper maintenance you should be able to expect a life expectancy of 20 to 40 years. If you live in an area with hot and humid weather, apply fungicide or mildew retardant every three years. In dry climates you can preserve the resiliency by applying an oil finish every five years. Applying shingles or shake can be time consuming but the overall affect is worth it.

Are shingles and shakes the same thing?

Usually, a shingle is sawn on both sides and is thinner at the butt than a shake. A shake is usually split on one or both sides. Generally, the life span of a shake is longer than a shingle.

Advantages

You’ll achieve an appealing rustic wood appearance, it’s easy to handle & repair. It also adapts well to most architectural designs.

Disadvantages

It tends to burn and is prone to rot, splinter, crack, and cupping. It changes color with age unless treated with stain or preservative – though this can be a desirable look if you live on the coast. And, the material can become loose and pried away by strong wind.

An Alternative to Wood

You can also find a number of manufacturers who customize faux shingles & shake and design them to look just like the real thing with distinctive patterns, textures, colors, and randomly sized boards. The molded shingles are designed to give your home a natural look but without the expense and heavy maintenance of wood. There are also many choices in accents and trim such as half rounds, crown molding, cornice molding, rosettes, and mitered cornerposts. Manufactured shingles and shakes keep their natural look for many years, and doesn’t require painting, staining, or costly upkeep. Plus it won’t rot, crack, or split like real wood can. In most cases it can withstand hurricane force winds.

Shingle sidings are also available as panelized shingle sidings made up of rows of shingles laminated on to a wooden base. Because the shingle panels are prefabricated they are easier to install and are relatively cheap. However, the disadvantages of such a product include the thinness of the shingles, which can be as low as a quarter of that of the regular shingles; making the shingle sidings more susceptible to weather damage and difficult to repair.

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