How to Install Cedar Shingles on a Gable End: Tips for Optimal Durability and Aesthetics
How to Install Cedar Shingles on a Gable End?
To install cedar shingles on a gable end, follow these steps:
1. Apply building wrap as a water-resistant barrier over the sheathing.
2. Use self-adhesive flashing tape on corners, windows, and doors to block moisture and air.
3. Install exterior trim around windows and doors as needed.
4. Use a story pole marked with reference points to lay out the courses of shingles.
5. Carefully consider the spacing and alignment of shingles to avoid narrow pieces above or below windows and doors.
6. Use the swing-stick method to maintain consistent layout.
7. Install inside corner trim pieces wide enough for caulking after shingle installation.
8. Start the first starter-course piece at an exterior corner, overlapping by about one inch.
9. Follow the same steps used for exterior corners to build up inside corners.
10. Mark a chalk line to indicate the bottom of the next course after building up all corners.
11. Place shingles on the wall offsetting joints from the row below by at least 1-½ inches.
12. Notch-cut shingles to fit around windows and doors, avoiding joints less than one inch from the corner.
13. Install strips of the same thickness under shingles above windows and doorways.
14. Remove spigot, drill a hole in the shingle, and caulk the gap before replacing the spigot.
15. Determine the correct angle for angled pieces along a gable using a T-bevel.
16. Install angled pieces first, then fill in with full-length pieces.
17. Install flashing along the roof and place shingles one or two inches above the flashing.
18. Align multiple shingles on a worktable and snap a chalk line using a T-bevel as a guide to cut shingles along a roofline.
19. Use a utility knife or saw to cut excess shingle pieces.
20. Use a 1×4 guide and 1×2 hangers as a jig to keep courses even.
21. The starter course consists of two layers of shingles.
22. Offset the second layer by at least 1-½ inches from the joints of the bottom layer.
23. Use a pneumatic nailer or stapler to fasten shingles, with a stapler preferred to prevent splitting.
24. Use galvanized nails or staples, but use stainless-steel nails where heads will show.
25. Build up exterior corners, with the bottom course positioned one to four inches above the starter course.
26. Drive nails or staples about an inch above the exposure so they will be covered.
27. Trim and plane each corner board before continuing.
Key Points:
- Apply building wrap as a water-resistant barrier over the sheathing
- Use self-adhesive flashing tape on corners, windows, and doors to block moisture and air
- Install exterior trim around windows and doors as needed
- Use a story pole marked with reference points to lay out the courses of shingles
- Carefully consider the spacing and alignment of shingles to avoid narrow pieces above or below windows and doors
- Use the swing-stick method to maintain consistent layout
Did You Know?
1. The use of cedar shingles as a roofing material dates back more than 400 years, making it one of the oldest forms of roofing in North America.
2. Cedar shingles are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have natural properties that make them resistant to insects, decay, and even fire, making them a durable and sustainable roofing option.
3. In the 19th century, cedar shingles were hand-split by craftsmen called “shakemen” using a tool called a froe. This labor-intensive process created irregular, rustic-looking shingles that are highly sought after today for their unique charm.
4. The installation of cedar shingles on a gable end requires specialized techniques, such as properly lapping each row of shingles to ensure water runoff and preventing moisture from penetrating the structure.
5. Cedar shingles are typically installed using stainless steel nails with ring or spiral shanks that provide superior holding power and prevent rusting, ensuring the longevity of the roof.
Applying Building Wrap and Self-Adhesive Flashing Tape
When installing cedar shingles on a gable end, the first step is to apply building wrap as a water-resistant barrier. This should be installed over the sheathing, serving as a protective layer beneath the shingles. Its purpose is to prevent water from penetrating the walls and causing damage.
Self-adhesive flashing tape should also be applied to key areas, including corners, windows, and doors. This tape effectively blocks out both moisture and air, further enhancing the water resistance of the shingle installation. By ensuring a thorough application of building wrap and flashing tape, you will create a solid foundation for the cedar shingles and significantly reduce the risk of water damage.
Installing Exterior Trim and Inside Corner Trim Pieces
To ensure a polished and finished look for your cedar shingle installation, it is important to install exterior trim around windows and doors as needed. This trim serves two important purposes: enhancing the aesthetics of your project and sealing any potential gaps that may allow water or air to enter.
When it comes to the corners, both exterior and interior, it is crucial to install trim pieces that are wide enough to allow for caulking after the shingles are installed. The caulking plays a crucial role in protecting against moisture infiltration and ensuring a seamless and professional appearance.
Using a Story Pole and the Swing-Stick Method for Layout
To achieve a consistent and visually pleasing layout for your cedar shingles, utilizing a story pole is highly recommended. A story pole is marked with reference points that guide you in laying out the courses of shingles. By using this reliable tool, you eliminate the risk of uneven spacing or misalignment throughout the installation process.
The swing-stick method is another useful technique to maintain a consistent layout. This method involves using a swing-stick as a guide for placement, ensuring that each course of shingles overlaps the one below with the correct offset. By employing these layout strategies, you’ll achieve a professional and uniform appearance that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your gable end.
Proper Spacing and Alignment of Shingles
When installing cedar shingles, careful spacing and alignment are crucial to prevent narrow pieces above or below doors and windows. Planning ahead and taking accurate measurements are key to ensuring the shingles are evenly spaced and aligned throughout the project.
To guarantee proper alignment and spacing, the swing-stick method can be particularly helpful. By consistently following the swing-stick’s guidance, you can maintain an appropriate offset between each course of shingles, creating a visually appealing and well-proportioned finish.
Special Considerations for Windows and Doors
During the installation of cedar shingles, special attention should be given to windows and doors. To maintain a neat and professional appearance while preserving the integrity of the overall installation, it is necessary to notch-cut the shingles to fit around these openings.
When it comes to shingles above windows and doorways, extra care is needed to ensure proper waterproofing and aesthetics. It is advisable to cut and install strips of the same thickness underneath the row of shingles. This additional layer adds extra protection and enhances the overall durability and longevity of the cedar shingle installation.
To summarize:
- Notch-cutting the shingles is necessary to fit around windows and doors.
- Cutting and installing strips of the same thickness underneath the row of shingles above windows and doorways is advisable.
- This additional layer provides extra protection and improves the durability and longevity of the cedar shingle installation.
Cutting and Installing Shingles for Roof Angles and Roofline
To accommodate roof angles and the roofline, specific techniques should be employed for cutting and installing shingles. To determine the correct angle for cutting along a gable, a T-bevel can be used in conjunction with a scrap piece of wood placed on the roof. By aligning the T-bevel, you’ll achieve precise cuts that seamlessly blend with the roof’s angle.
When cutting a series of shingles to follow a roofline, a worktable can be utilized to align multiple shingles. By snapping a chalk line across the shingles using the T-bevel as a guide, you’ll ensure accurate cuts that align perfectly with the roofline.
By carefully following these techniques, including proper spacing, alignment, and installation of shingles around roof angles and the roofline, you can create a visually striking and durable cedar shingle installation that adds value and beauty to your gable end.
Installing cedar shingles on a gable end requires careful planning and execution. By applying building wrap, utilizing self-adhesive flashing tape, installing exterior trim, and employing inside corner trim pieces, you’ll create a strong foundation for the shingles. The use of a story pole and the swing-stick method ensures accurate layout and spacing, while special considerations for windows and doors guarantee a professional finish. Finally, cutting and installing shingles for roof angles and the roofline completes the installation, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and durable cedar shingle gable end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you put under cedar shingles?
When it comes to installing cedar shingles, the choice of what to put underneath them is crucial. Both felt and synthetic underlayment provide reliable results and enhance the overall performance of your cedar roof. However, synthetic options have gained popularity as the best installation option in recent times. Synthetic underlayment offers improved durability, moisture resistance, and better overall protection for your cedar shingles, making it the ideal choice for ensuring long-lasting and high-quality installation. So, when it’s time to lay the foundation for your cedar roof, opting for synthetic underlayment will ensure optimal results with enhanced durability and protection.
What is the slope for cedar shingle roof?
The slope for a cedar shingle roof is dependent on the minimum recommended pitch of 1/6th or 4-in-12. This means that for every 12 inches of horizontal run, there needs to be a 4-inch vertical rise. Additionally, to ensure proper installation, a 36-inch wide strip of Type 30 roofing felt is laid over the sheathing along the eave line, with the beginning or starter course at the eave line doubled. It is important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a durable and reliable cedar shingle roof.
What are the three types of gable roofs?
The three types of gable roofs are the box gable, front gable, and cross gable. The box gable features two triangular sections meeting at a peak, creating a simple and symmetrical design. The front gable, on the other hand, has a vertical triangular section at the front of the roof, adding a charming and distinctive element to the overall architecture. Lastly, the cross gable roof consists of two or more gable roofs intersecting at different angles, allowing for additional wings or sections to be added to a structure, providing both aesthetic appeal and functional versatility.
What are the essential steps to properly install cedar shingles on a gable end?
To properly install cedar shingles on a gable end, there are a few essential steps that need to be followed. First, it is important to prepare the surface by ensuring it is clean and free from any debris or old shingles. This can be done by scraping or power washing the surface.
Next, a waterproof barrier or felt paper should be installed to protect the underlying structure from moisture. This barrier should be securely fastened with nails or staples, ensuring there are no gaps or overlaps.
Once the barrier is in place, the cedar shingles can be installed. Starting from the bottom, each shingle should be positioned with a small gap between them for expansion. They should be nailed securely into place, avoiding any overdriving that could cause damage.
Overall, the key steps for a successful installation of cedar shingles on a gable end are surface preparation, the installation of a waterproof barrier, and careful placement and secure attachment of the shingles.
