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Q.
What is the difference between a shake and a shingle?
A. Typically, a shake has a naturally split face,
giving it a more rustic, natural appearance than a shingle, which
has a smooth sawn face, making it a more structured and uniform
appearing product. Shakes are also thicker than a shingle.
Q. Why are
some shakes and shingles more expensive than others?
A. In most cases, price is a good indicator of product
quality. It is more costly to manufacture a high quality shake or
shingle, so be wary of products with prices that seem "too
good to be true.
Q.
How can I tell if my roof is in need of replacement?
A. The durability of your existing roof can be assessed
by a qualified third party inspector. Check references of previous
work done on cedar roofs by a contractor or inspector before hiring,
to determine their level of experience and reputability.You
may need to only do spot repairs on your existing roof, so don't
be easily talked into replacing your entire roof until you've had
a proper inspection done. For more information, go to the industry
authority, the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. Their web site
is full of information, and if you don't find what you're looking
for, you can contact their technical advisor by telephone. Click
on their logo to the left.
Q. Aren't
you destroying forests by producing wood roofing materials?
A. Logs
that are used in the manufacture of cedar shakes and shingles are
the material that lumber manufacturers cannot utilize. Shake and
shingle manufacturers are salvaging this wood and creating a "value
added" product that would otherwise go to waste. Cedar shakes
and shingles are a fantastic example of total resource utilization.
Q. Can I
power-wash my cedar roof?
We do not recommend it, as you can damage the cells of
the wood with the high pressure. Refer to the Cedar Bureau website
for care & maintenance tips.
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Q.
What does "old growth" mean?
A. This
is a confusing term that environmental groups like to use to mislead
consumers into believing that companies are forever destroying our
forests. Old growth, by definition, simply means a tree that is at
least one hundred years old or more. In many cases, this type of wood
is unusable for manufacturing products, and is left in the forest.
Many adversaries of wood will tell you that forests are being destroyed
because the old growth wood is being cut down, but in the next sentence,
they will tell you that if you do buy a wood roof, make sure that
it's old growth or else it won't last. Both statements are false.
The logging practices that are used today are promoting the longevity
of healthy forests. Sites
which were clear-cut many years before responsible forestry practices
were introduced are now healthy , thriving ecosystems recreated by
nature and in many cases, healthier forests than
before they were harvested.
Q. Should
I buy a treated roof?
A. If
you live in a region with a high humidity index, a pressure treated
roof is highly recommended. In fact, our warranty cites many states
and regions that must have a CCA treated product to qualify for
a warranty.
Q.
What is a "square" of shakes or shingles?
A. One
square will cover one hundred square feet at the recommended exposures.
A shingle has four bundles in one square, and a shake has five bundles
in one square.
Q.
How do I make sure I'm getting a good roof from my contractor?
A. Educate
yourself before you purchase your roof. Use the Cedar Shake &
Shingle Bureau web site to familiarize yourself with the different
standards for products. Also, specify that you will accept only
products manufactured by a Cedar Bureau manufacturer, which means
the product will have a "Certi" label on it, the trademark
of the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, which ensures conformity
to grading standards.
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