About Shake and Shingle Siding

Shake and shingle siding is experiencing a resurgence in popularity for two reasons. The first is that the products are natural. The second has more to do with the unusual rustic beauty of shake and shingle siding. Luckily, both tend to fit in well with most types of architecture. The siding is easy to work with, as well as to install, even though the process can be a bit time consuming. Additionally, shake and single siding now comes in a variety of wood patterns and pretreated colors.

Types

Shake and shingle siding can be made from different types of wood, although redwood and cedar are among the most common. Other woods may be chosen based upon the area of the country where the siding is made. However, choices will have one thing in common. They will be resistant to insects and common decay. Shake and shingle choices most often range in tone from a light golden color to a rich deep charcoal shade and virtually everything in between, including greens, blues and browns.

Features

Shake siding is cut into flat pieces to expose the beauty of the wood grain. They are thicker than shingle siding, generally measuring between 3/8 inch to as much as 3/4 inch in width. Wood pieces must be cut evenly for use as shake siding. Shingle siding often originates when people take short cuts while trying to cut shakes. Shingles are much thinner, measuring no thicker than 1/2 inch; often much less than that.

Considerations

Shake and shingle siding can last a long time, as long as 30 to 40 years. However, much of that timing is dependent upon the area of the country in which it is used. Hot, humid climates can cause problems for the siding, sometimes causing it to crack or peel. Such conditions can oftentimes be counteracted by treating the siding with oil every 5 to 10 years. Other climate conditions can encourage the spawning of mold and mildew, which could require treatment with a fungicide every 3 to 5 years.

Benefits

Because shake and shingle siding is typically made from trees that have been thinned out of the forest, they become part of the recycling process. Using them as siding for homes and buildings helps to preserve energy conservation by locking in natural heat and locking out the cold and damp air through their natural insulation. The products are biodegradable and also help to minimize pollution. Shake and shingle siding is decorative in nature. It can be used to cover an entire home or just as accent to certain areas of the house. Shakes and shingles can also be used as individual products for home roofs.

Warning

Due to shake and shingle siding's material, both are highly flammable. For that reason, some areas of the country have restricted the way it can be used, if it is allowed to be used at all. When in doubt, check with applicable building inspectors to determine what restrictions might be placed upon its usage in your area. Both shakes and shingles can be easily loosened in high wind conditions, requiring them to be replaced more often than other types of siding.