A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Cedar Shingles

Installing cedar shingles is a time-honored method of adding beauty, durability, and natural insulation to a home’s exterior. Whether you are a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a homeowner considering this classic roofing or siding option, understanding the process is crucial for a successful and long-lasting installation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from preparation and material selection to the final touches, ensuring your project is completed to the highest standard.

The appeal of cedar shingles lies in their organic aesthetic, natural resistance to insects and decay, and impressive longevity. However, a proper installation is paramount to unlocking these benefits. A poorly executed job can lead to leaks, premature rot, and a host of other problems. Therefore, careful planning and attention to detail are non-negotiable. Before you even purchase your first bundle of shingles, you must assess the scope of the project and gather all the necessary tools and materials.

1. Gathering Tools and Materials: You will need a specific set of tools for installing cedar shingles. Essential items include a hammer or a pneumatic nail gun, roofing nails (hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel to prevent rust stains), a utility knife with extra blades, a chalk line, a tape measure, and a ladder. For safety, never forget a sturdy pair of work gloves and non-slip shoes. The primary material is, of course, the cedar shingles themselves. They come in various grades and lengths. For roofing, you’ll need shingles rated for that purpose, typically 16 or 18 inches in length. For siding, the choices are broader. You must also purchase underlayment, which is a critical moisture barrier. For roofs, a synthetic underlayment or traditional felt paper (30-pound) is standard. For siding, a weather-resistant barrier like house wrap is installed over the sheathing.
2. Surface Preparation: This is the most critical phase. The surface must be clean, dry, and structurally sound. For a roof, inspect the decking for any soft spots, rot, or damage and replace any compromised sections. Ensure the deck is swept clean of all debris. For siding, the wall sheathing must be flat and secure. Next, install the underlayment. On a roof, start from the eaves and roll it up to the ridge, overlapping each row by at least 2 inches. Secure it with cap nails or staples. On walls, install the house wrap according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring all seams are properly taped.
3. Starter Course and Flashing: Before the first shingle is laid, you must address the edges. On a roof, install drip edge flashing along the eaves and rakes. Then, for both roofing and siding, a starter course is essential. This often involves using a double layer of shingles or specially designed starter strips to create a level base and ensure proper water runoff. Pay special attention to flashing around any protrusions like chimneys, vent pipes, and valleys on roofs, or around windows and doors on walls. Proper flashing is your best defense against water infiltration.

With the preparation complete, you can begin the main process of installing the cedar shingles. The technique varies slightly between roofing and siding, but the principles of weatherproofing and aesthetics remain consistent. The key is to maintain consistent exposure—the portion of the shingle that is visible to the weather. For roofing, a typical exposure is 5 to 5.5 inches, meaning each course of shingles will overlap the one below it by a significant amount. For siding, the exposure can be more varied, often between 7 and 10 inches, depending on the desired look and local weather conditions.

1. Laying the Courses: Begin at the bottom edge (the eaves for a roof, the foundation for siding). Snap a chalk line to ensure your first course is perfectly straight. When nailing, place two nails per shingle, about 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch from each edge and about 1 inch above the exposure line. Do not drive the nails too tight; the shingle should be able to move slightly with expansion and contraction. Stagger the joints between shingles from one course to the next by at least 1.5 inches. This prevents water from channeling down the gaps. Use your chalk line to mark the exposure for each subsequent course, checking for alignment frequently.
2. Cutting and Fitting: You will inevitably need to cut shingles to fit around obstacles, at corners, and at the ridge of a roof. A sharp utility knife is ideal for this. Score the face of the shingle along your cut line and then snap it. For more complex cuts, a fine-toothed saw may be necessary. Always ensure cuts are clean to maintain a professional appearance. At wall corners, you can use a corner board or weave the shingles together for a seamless look. At the roof ridge, special ridge cap shingles are used, which are often pre-cut or can be made by trimming standard shingles.
3. Spacing and Ventilation: A common mistake when installing cedar shingles is butting them too tightly together. Cedar is a natural wood that will expand when it absorbs moisture and contract as it dries. You must leave a small gap, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch, between adjacent shingles to allow for this movement. Furthermore, adequate ventilation behind the shingles is critical for both roofs and walls. It allows moisture to escape, preventing the buildup that leads to mold and rot. For roofs, this means ensuring soffit and ridge vents are clear and functional. For walls, the weather-resistant barrier should allow for moisture diffusion.

Once the final course is installed, your work is not quite finished. A few post-installation steps are necessary to ensure the longevity and performance of your cedar shingles. First, conduct a thorough inspection. Walk the roof (with extreme caution) or examine the walls closely, looking for any misplaced nails, uneven courses, or gaps that you may have missed. Gently tap the shingles to listen for a solid sound, indicating they are properly secured. Clean up the work area completely, removing all scraps of wood and nails.

The final and ongoing step is maintenance. While cedar is durable, it benefits from proper care. Initially, you may choose to apply a stain or sealant to enhance its color and provide additional protection from UV rays and moisture. This is a personal choice, as many homeowners appreciate the natural silver-gray patina that cedar develops over time. Regardless, you should plan to inspect your shingles at least once a year. Look for signs of moss or algae growth, which can be gently cleaned, and check for any damaged or curled shingles that may need replacement.

In conclusion, installing cedar shingles is a rewarding project that significantly enhances a home’s curb appeal and value. While it demands physical effort, precision, and a significant time investment, the result is a beautiful, natural, and resilient exterior that can last for decades. By meticulously following the steps of preparation, installation, and finishing, you can achieve a professional-quality outcome. Remember, the secret to a successful installation is respecting the material’s natural properties and ensuring every detail, from the first nail to the final inspection, is executed with care.