What Is Old Growth Cedar Shake Siding?
Typically found on homes or woodsy-inspired buildings, shake siding is similar to roofing shingles. Small wooden squares line horizontally and overlap each other vertically on the exterior. It is sometimes identified as having a gingerbread house look, like from the story of Hansel and Gretel. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definitions
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Old growth cedar is a term used to describe what type of wood was harvested for the product you are using. It has been described as being part of the original forest that grew from the natural process of seeds dropping to the floor. It is also defined as a forest in the late stages of succession where one can find old trees, snags, and woody-debris according to a glossary by the North Cascades National Park. A shake is a type of product that is split by hand on one or both sides from a block of wood, and has a "butt" at one end with a consistent dimension. It is slightly thicker than a shingle.
Features
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Cedar siding is characterized by having a straight grain going across it. This gives a uniform look that can be pleasing to the eye, especially as an exterior application.
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Function
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Shake siding is meant to be a barrier for the external elements like sun, wind and rain. It also provides good insulation for a home or other structure. In addition to these elements, cedar siding is an attractive solution for cladding a building.
Benefits
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Using old growth cedar shake siding is a distinct look that is also durable. It does not deform or delaminate like vinyl siding and is a good insulator. Cedar is a hard wood that performs well in deflecting insects or decay. It is also said that old growth wood are found to be tougher and more durable than trees cut at a younger age
Considerations
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Cedar siding can be more expensive than other alternatives, and should be factored in. If you are in a fire region, they may not be allowed by the building code as they are not fire-resistant. Performance and overall look may be improved by using old growth but it is also surrounded controversial environmental issues. Cutting down old growth forests causes concern to many groups including ecologists and those against deforestation. If deciding to use an old growth product, know that there is large debate over the harmful effects on the environment.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of eric wittman
