This is for an average-sized roof; larger roofs will take longer.
Cost
$100–$500
Make room—this DIY requires a lot of supplies!
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Handsaw
Utility blade
Hammer
Staple gun
Sturdy ladder
Measuring tape
Personal protective equipment
SUPPLIES
Non-breathable underlay
Wood shingles
Staples
Nails
Roof battens
Self-adhesive tape
Ventilation kit
Standard wood roof shingles, including cedar shakes, are a popular choice out of the different types of roofing materials—and it is easy to see why. Installing cedar roof shingles will give your roof that “wow” factor that all the neighbors will envy. It is a budget-friendly alternative that has many homeowners choosing wood shingles over metal roofs. It adds a beautiful, natural, and upscale look to any home, while helping your roof to resist wind and extreme weather conditions.
Most homeowners hire professional roofers for this task, but DIY installation is possible if you have the necessary experience. If you want to learn how to install cedar shakes or wooden roof shingles yourself, then you should be an advanced DIYer who is comfortable and confident working at heights and with saws. Before you can learn how to install wood shingles, you need to focus on safety and gathering supplies.
Prepping to Install Wood Shingles
No matter what type of shingles you want to install, your first order of business is safety, as the majority of the work takes place on a roof. Keep in mind that installing wood shingles is a dangerous DIY task unless you have experience working on a roof and using saws in awkward positions. Without the proper experience and skills, tackling this project yourself could lead to serious injury and improper installation. Contact a local roofer for a quote instead.
If you are confident you can handle installation yourself, make sure your ladder is sturdy and ask a friend or two to keep it stable as you climb to and from the roof. You should also wear the appropriate safety gear for working on a roof, including the following:
Helmet
Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Ear muffs
Respirator
Gloves
Steel-toed boots
Long sleeves
Long pants
Safety vest
Choose the Underlay
When it comes to picking an underlay, you have some choices. Choose the non-breathable underlay that best fits the needs of your roof and geographic location. A simple felt underlay is the most budget-friendly option, but a more advanced moisture-resistant membrane is the best bet for most homeowners. Conduct plenty of research before buying the underlay or ask your local roofing contractor for suggestions.
Install the Ventilation Components
Now you are ready to learn how to install wood shingles. But before doing anything else, install the appropriate roof ventilation components to ensure that air flows correctly below the underlay and into the roof space. Roof vents are one of the most important parts of a roof, as they help to manage moisture on the roof and in the attic.
If you purchased a roof ventilation kit, it shipped with simple over-fascia ventilation boards and support trays. Install the over-fascia vents according to the instructions at the bottom of the roofline. If the kit did not ship with the appropriate fasteners, use screws or staples, depending on the thickness.
After you place the vents, do the same with any felt support trays. Place these trays on top of the over-fascia vents, nailing them into place via holes on the exterior. If possible, also nail it through the roll panel and into the rafter via the top of the tray.
Place the Underlay
Photo: J5M / Adobe Stock
No matter which underlay type you choose, the wood shingle installation process, including for cedar shake shingles, remains similar. Place the non-breathable felt or membrane across the entire roof, ensuring there is plenty of overlap between layers. You should end up with a single complete covering with no gaps.
Take your time placing and configuring. After that, dress the underlay down to the bottom of the support trays and secure each piece of underlayment with self-adhesive tape. This process takes a while, so keep at it until the entire roof is covered and secured.
Place Roof Battens
Now it is time to affix battens across the entire width of the roof. Placement depends on the shape, design, and size of your roof, but most installations start with a first batten placed around five inches from the outer edge of the fascia (measured to the center of the batten.)
Secure the batten in place with screws and move on to the remaining pieces. Each subsequent roof batten is placed five inches apart from the previous piece.
Install the First Wood Shingle Layers
Now it is time to install the beginning layers of wood shingles. This initial double layer is the last line of defense before hitting the underlayment, so go slowly and take care to get it right.
When starting out, make sure the shingles overhang the verge and eaves by about 1.5 inches. This helps protect both roofing elements. Place the two layers of shingles in a broken bond pattern. Lay down two shingles next to one another and the third shingle on top, directly over the joint. Make sure to include a small gap of about 1/5 of an inch to help with ventilation and allow for natural thermal movement.
Fix the Wood Shingles in Place
Photo: John Alphonse / Adobe Stock
Once the double layer of wood shingles is placed and you are satisfied with the overall configuration, affix them in place with stainless steel ring shank nails or roof staples. Do not just staple or nail all over the place, as following a specific pattern helps increase the stability of the shingles.
Make sure each fixing is three-quarters of an inch from the edge of the shingle itself and approximately one inch up from the butt of the shingle resting above. Break out a chalk line or tape measure to ensure the fixings are all in a straight line.
Add Another Layer (Optional)
Go around and add a third layer of wood shingles if you think you need them. However, some states and counties only allow two layers of shingles for fire safety reasons. Contact your local regulatory agency for more information.
Additionally, shingles are heavy, and some roof designs may not accommodate an additional layer. In many cases, you can add another layer later on, so talk to a professional roofer about your options here.
Cut the Edges
Next, cut the top course of the shingles with a hand saw or utility knife to ensure an even and uniform ridge that extends five inches from the fascia. To make this go faster, invite a skilled friend or family member to the top of the ladder so they can hold you in place as you make the necessary cuts.
Add Preformed Ridge Shingles (Optional)
Photo: paisan1leo / Adobe Stock
To finish things off, consider affixing preformed hip and ridge shingles on the roof ridge for aesthetic appeal and to help create a secure and protective ridge. The installation process is exactly the same, and these preformed shingles are built to fit over the edge layer of the preexisting shingles.
4 Tips to Install Cedar Shake Roof Shingles Properly
Installing cedar roof shingles can be a difficult DIY job, but following these tips will help you install them properly and safely. By allowing the wood to acclimate, using the right nails and tools, properly aligning the shingles, and allowing for ventilation, you can ensure your roof lasts as long as possible.
Allow Wood to Acclimate
Cedar shakes should be allowed to acclimate to the environment before they are installed on the roof. This lets them dry out and will minimize shrinkage after installation. To acclimate the wood properly, it should be stored in a dry location off the ground. It should be left there for about two weeks before installation. This requires some planning and preparation of an appropriate place, so make sure to include this time in the overall timeline of the project.
Use the Right Nails and Tools
Choosing the right nails and tools will ensure the cedar shakes are secure and will not become loose over time. Wood shingles swell and shrink as environmental factors like moisture and humidity fluctuate, so if improper nails are used, they will not be able to hold the shingles in place. Wood shingles require corrosion-resistant nails and staples, like stainless steel, that are long enough to secure them.
Properly Align Your Shingles
Wood shingles should be aligned so that each row overlaps the seams in the row beneath it. This will ensure that there are no gaps that can allow moisture to get into and under the shingles and compromise the integrity of the roof.
Allow for Ventilation
Installing roof vents and allowing for ventilation gaps between the shingles can help prevent mold and mildew growth by drying out the shingles after they get wet from rain or humidity. Proper ventilation will also keep the attic dry, which is important to maintaining structural integrity.
DIY Wood Shingle Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Now that you know how to install wood shingles, it is time to decide if this is the right project for your skill level. This is slow, painstaking, and potentially dangerous work, so give it a go only if you have prior roof experience and are confident in your abilities.
Don’t have the experience? Hire a roofing company instead to ensure your safety and proper installation. Wood shingles for a roof replacement cost approximately $21,500 for a 1,600-square-foot home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite similar use case scenarios, there are plenty of differences between these two. Wood shingles tend to be machine-made, while wood shakes are handmade with handheld power equipment. Also, wood shakes are noticeably thicker than wood shingles, though this comes down to personal preference.
Every roof and scenario is different, but it is wise to leave a small gap ranging from 1/8 to 1/5 of an inch between any wood shingle, cedar shingles included. This serves a few purposes. First, it gives the shingles some wiggle room to expand and contract with the weather. Secondly, it helps with ventilation as the gaps direct wind and air away from the roof.
Believe it or not, properly installed staples offer nearly the same wind resistance as nails. In other words, both options boast sufficient strength to resist small uplift loads on the shingles, as long as the tabs remain sealed. However, nails are the better option for the inexperienced installer, as staples require a precise orientation that aligns the crowns with the long axis of the shingle.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
Stephanie Mickelson is a freelance writer covering home improvement, real estate, design, and personal finance. Before beginning her freelance career, she worked in residential construction, specifically remodeling kitchens, installing cabinets, flooring, countertops, trim, and more.
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