Cedar Shake Roof

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have been around for many years, but they've evolved.

Angie's List , the nation's premier provider of consumer reviews, asked highly rated roofing contractors about what pros and cons of metal roofing.

Metal roofing products are available in panels and shingles.

Durable: A metal roof can last up to 50 years. An asphalt roof, for example, lasts 10 to 20 years.

Roofing costs: A metal roof is going to be more expensive in the short term than an asphalt roof, for example. Metal roofing products are available in different price ranges. Some materials can coast three times more than asphalt.

Longer installation: The average installation takes about 3 to 5 days because some product systems are interlocked and screwed into the structure. Metal roofs weigh less than asphalt shingles and some products can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof.

Variety of products: Metal roofing is available in a number of colors and styles. You can find products that look similar to common roofing materials such as asphalt, slate, tile and cedar shake.

Energy savings: Homeowners can cut their energy bills as much as 40 percent with metal because of its reflectivity - which decreases the amount of heat transferred into your home. A federal tax credit is available for metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coated that also meet Energy Star requirements. The tax credit does not include installation costs.

Weather-resistant: Some metal roofing products have been tested and proven to hold up to hail, ice, and heavy wind. There are also products that are fire-resistant.

Insurance savings: A metal roof might net you a discount on your homeowners' insurance due to its storm-resistant properties. Talk to your insurance agent.

Low maintenance: A metal roof requires very little maintenance. You should inspect it twice a year. You can hose it down, but this should be tackled from the ground because metal can get slippery when wet.

Green roofing alternative: An estimated 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles wind up in landfills each year so choosing a metal roof, which can come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can be recycled, can help reduce consumer waste.

How To Properly Install Cedar Shake Roofing | Home Development Idea

In order to perform this project, the roof must first be stripped down to its sheathing. If the sheathing is not plywood or OSB, you MUST install this prior to following these instructions. 

Now apply your ice and water shield to the roof deck and roll along the eaves and up the valleys. hold in place with a hammer tacker, tacking with staples in a “V” pattern to keep the ice and water shield from forming creases. Use the edge of the roof as your guild.

Most shakes come in lengths of 18″ and 24″. Assuming you are using the 18″ variety, make a pencil mark exactly 16 1/2″ up from the eave on one side of the roof, and go to the other end and do the same. Use a nail and pound it in so it sticks up an inch and attach a chalk line. Holding onto the chalk line, go to your mark on the other side and snap a line. This is you reference line. You MUST FOLLOW IT EXACTLY OR YOUR PROJECT WILL TAKE YOU 3 TIMES LONGER TO COMPLETE!!!

Now simply line up the tops of the shakes with the line and start to nail them into place. You will need to double up you first course. Please view the diagram below for shingle exposure, proper nailing and joint staggering.

Now that you have the first course on, lay you asphalt felt underlayment over the top of the cedar shake about 2″ to 4″. Now place your next shake to where the exposure is correct and nail that shake into place. Repeat this for the entire course making sure that the underlayment stays wrinkle free and is nailed through. This is extremely important in order to prevent leaks. 

For the ridge cap at the peak of the roof, take the cedar shingles and cut them in half. Nail the shingle about half way up on both sides so the butts are touching. Drill small holes for the nails through the lap cap shingle in through the but of the other shingle and nail together to keep from spreading. Apply a bead of roofing cement or spread roofing cement over the seam to prevent leakage. After a few caps have been assembled, add a second cap layer on top. 

One thing you need to look out for with cedar shingles is curling cupping and splitting. If the shingles are doing ANY of these prior to installation, discard them. They are useless.

Congratulations! You have just created a timeless cottage roof that everyone can enjoy!

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