Installation et entretien (en)

Installation guide

Cedar shingles must be selected carefully and installed properly to offer durability and all other advantages it offers.

Ventilation

• Storage: All SBC stained shingles must be stored in a dry place and must remain dry at all time before installation. Keep away from bad weather and above ground.
• Recommended exposure: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
• Ventilation: It is important to ensure air circulation underneath shingles to enhance durability, reduce moisture and save energy. So, install shingles on wood lath or on a breather membrane “Home Slicker®” from Benjamin Obdyke. These products are available at SBC - See section Other Products.
• Nails / Staples:
• Use rust-resistant shingle nails or staples 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" (3.2 to 3.8 cm) long, galvanized, in aluminum or stainless steel.
• Use 2 nails per shingle at about 3/4" (1.9 cm) from each edge, and 1" (2.5 cm) above the butt line of the overlapping shingle. If shingles are wider than 8" (20.4 cm), use 2 additional fasteners driven 1" (2.5 cm) apart near the center of the shingles. For staples, use 7/16" (1.1 cm) minimum crown.
• Spacing:
• To allow for expansion due to moisture content of wood, spacing between shingles should be:
• Natural shingle (green): 1/16" to 1/8" (0.2 to 0.3 cm)
• Dry or stained shingle: 1/8" to 1/4" (0.3 to 0.6 cm)
• Joints of successive courses must always be offset by at least 1-1/2" (3.8 cm) to prevent water infiltrations.
• Never allow joints from any 3 consecutive courses to line up.

For complete instructions, consult the Specifications and Installation brochure.

NOTE: Failure to follow SBC installation and storage recommendations will void the warranties.

Maintenance guide

Because of its natural oils and exceptional stability, Eastern white cedar shingle does not require any product to preserve them as they can withstand the elements for years to come. On the other hand, several options are available when it is time to color it or clean it.

• Left untreated, cedar develops a wonderful silvery gray finish with time and when exposed to coastal climate.

• Stain is considered one of the best surface protection. It is also very good water repellent.

  Stains are available with different finishes and in an array of colors.

• Water repellent preservative or clear solution may be applied to cedar used above ground (on new wood only).

  These products reduce water absorption on a short term, but their lifespan is limited because they offer poor protection against UV. To maintain a good protection against UV and avoid tarnishing of finish, it is necessary to apply a new protective coating every 2 to 3 years.

• Dirt is the most frequent case encountered, but do not represent a problem.

  A periodic cleaning with a mild detergent (dish detergent) and a soft brush will be the solution. Avoid excessive rubbing because it can remove the wood surface fibers, which could result in rough unnatural whitish tone.

• Mildew can cause wood and finish to deteriorate. It is a frequent cause of stain and natural finish discoloration.

  Recoating will not solve the problem. It is first necessary to clean shingles with a wood commercial mildew remover and then apply another coat of stain that contains mildewcide.

• Pressure washing is a very controversial issue in maintenance industry.

  Pressure washing done by inexperienced people could damage shingles in a significant way. Some maintenance professionals for roofing and siding use it, and others do not. If pressure washing is used, the following factors must be considered:

  • Shingle’s age, condition and environment
  • Never use hot water
  • Adjustment of spray nozzle and shingle distance
  • Pressure per inch

  The best technique consists of using much water, with an appropriate cleaner, and adjusting with a low intensity pressure.

• A very good advantage of cedar is that shingles can be replaced with no worry that new pieces will be different from the original ones. For years, the product has been the same; cedar remains cedar.

  With time, it could happen that some damaged shingles must be replaced. Individual repairs are possible and contribute to extend the life of your investment.