Cedar ShinglesWhat are Shingles and Shakes?
Shingles and shakes are a wooden roofing and external cladding material - a form of tile that is attractive, durable, versatile and effective even on roofs with pitches as low as 14 degrees.
Shingles and shakes perform the same functions but are manufactured in different ways. A shingle is produced by sawing a block of wood on both sides giving a relatively smooth face and back to the tile. A shake is hand split from a block of cedar along the natural grain of the wood and then re-sawn to produce one smooth surface.
Cedar shingles and shakes are a highly practical, sustainable and economic roofing solution. They have been used for a wide range and size of structures, including:
* Domestic dwellings
* Home offices
* Schools
* Churches
* Gazebos
* Restaurants
* Swimming pools
* Stables/Riding Schools
* Covered walkways
* Garden buildings
* Temples and Pergolas
* Theme parks, e.g. Eurodisney
* Bus shelters
Why use Shingles and Shakes as a roofing and cladding material?
Timber has always been one of nature's more versatile, adaptable and attractive materials. Cedar, in particular, with its natural attributes of strength, beauty and incredible durability, is one of the most popular woods for building applications.
The rich, warm colour and texture of Cedar shingles and shakes can enhance the design of both traditional and modern structures to create a truly individual building that blends naturally with the environment. The natural preservatives in the wood ensure the good looks last, with the only effect of ageing and weathering a gradual change in colour to an attractive silver grey.
Natural Attributes of Cedar
* even grain
* exceptional strength in proportion to weight (shingles and shakes are only one tenth the weight of traditional building materials)
* low ratio of expansion and contraction
* high impermeability to liquids
* outstanding natural durability
* high thermal insulation properties
One of the best roofing materials to use is cedar shingles. These shingles have so many benefits that you can gain from them that it is a wonder that more people do not choose them for their homes. The beauty and durability of cedar make it one of the smartest decisions that you will ever make for your entire home. And it doesn't even matter if you choose cedar shakes or shingles either way you will come out with a house that is completely transformed for the better. Be sure to take a picture before so that you can compare the difference. It will shock you!One of the best aspects of getting cedar shingles put on your home is that they are naturally durable. They are strong and they will last and this is just the way that nature makes them. Cedar roofing materials will not only withstand any kind of weather easily it will also repel insects and other vermin that would destroy any other kind of roof. This makes it one of the smartest choices that are available to you on today's market. It also does not rot and decay as many of the other materials tend to do. This is an all round wonderful choice for any home.
So now that you now cedar shingles are a practical choice, how about we talk a little about the aesthetic value of them? These shingles or shakes are going to set your home off at its best advantage. There are no other kinds of roofing products that can so totally transform a home into a palace. The soft honey colors with the warm cinnamon hues are sure to bring out the best in any color siding or paint. And as time wears on you will find that your shingles will change color but this is not always a bad ting. Cedar tends to gain a silvery color as it ages and this too is very attractive to the eye.