Properly nailing cedar shingles ensures long-lasting protection, aesthetic appeal, and excellent weather resistance. This guide covers the best practices for nailing cedar shingles on roofs or siding, including materials, techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Readers will learn the right nail types, spacing, and installation patterns to achieve a professional, durable finish.
Tools And Materials
Successful installation begins with the right toolkit and fasteners. Use corrosion-resistant nails suitable for cedar and environmental exposure. A quality pneumatic nailer simplifies the process, but a hammer and hand driver can work for smaller jobs.
- Fasteners: Hot-dip galvanized, copper, or stainless-steel nails designed for wood shingles. Typical size is 1-1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch for 5/16-inch to 1/2-inch cedar shingles, depending on thickness and substrate.
- Nail type: Ring-shold or smooth-shold nails with barbed shanks provide secure embedding without splitting cedar. Ring-shold nails are preferred for Cedar Shingle installation.
- Underlayment: Roofing felt or synthetic underlayment for roofs; weather-resistant barrier for siding installations.
- Starter courses: Pre-cut starter strips or left-over shingles to align the first row accurately.
- Measuring tools: Carpenter’s square, chalk line, and a tape measure for precise spacing and alignment.
- Personal protective equipment: Safety glasses, hearing protection, and a soft face seal to minimize cedar dust exposure.
Choosing Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles come in varying profiles and thicknesses, influencing nail length and placement. Proper selection helps prevent cupping, warping, or nail head exposure after installation.
- Shingle profile: Cedar shingles are typically 4 to 5 inches wide with thickness around 1/4 inch. Engineered options may differ; always follow manufacturer guidelines.
- Grade and grade-stamp: Choose clear or select grade for a uniform appearance. Knot distribution can affect fastening patterns and nail visibility.
- Surface finish: Natural vs. stained cedar affects nail visibility and maintenance needs. Pre-finished shingles may require different nail spacing.
Preparation
Preparation ensures a straight, long-lasting installation. Plan layout, acclimate cedar to local humidity, and inspect substrates for flatness and damage.
Save More on Roofing – Compare Free Quotes Today!
📞 Call 877-570-4119
- Acclimation: Allow shingles to acclimate in the install area for 24 to 48 hours to reduce expansion or contraction.
- Substrate inspection: For roofs, verify sheathing is free of rot and well-secured. For siding, check wall framing and weather barrier compatibility.
- Starter course alignment: Install a straight starter line at the eave or bottom edge to ensure uniform exposure and clean edges.
- Nail schedule planning: Decide on nail spacing—typically two nails per shingle in exposed areas, with adjustments for wind loads and substrate.
Nailing Techniques
Attention to nail length, angle, and spacing determines performance against wind, moisture, and thermal movement. The following techniques optimize durability and appearance.
- Angle and penetration: Drive nails perpendicular to the shingle face, just above the bottom edge or through the center of the nail line indicated by the manufacturer. Avoid driving too close to the edges to prevent splitting.
- Two-nail method: Use two nails per shingle in exposed applications, staggered to reduce the risk of gapping and wind uplift. For higher wind zones, three nails may be required along the top row.
- Nail length: Ensure nails penetrate through the shingle thickness and into the substrate by at least 5/8 inch for roofs or 3/4 inch for siding, depending on local codes.
- Nail spacing: Maintain consistent spacing, typically 1/4 inch from each edge and evenly spaced along the shingle, to minimize splitting and maintain a uniform face.
- Weather considerations: Install when the cedar is dry and temperatures are moderate to prevent hampered nailing performance due to swelling or contraction.
- Ventilation and overhangs: Ensure adequate roof ventilation and correct overhang to shed water effectively and reduce staining around the nail line.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Avoiding common errors improves the lifespan and aesthetics of cedar shingles.
- Overdriving nails: Driving nails too deep can split cedar or create tear-outs. Sink heads slightly below the surface and use a finish washer if recommended.
- Underdriving nails: Partially seated nails can loosen and lead to wind damage. Use a nail set or steady tapping to seat flush without tearing the shingle.
- Wrong nail type: Non-corrosion-resistant nails can accelerate staining and decay in cedar. Use appropriate metals for your climate.
- Inconsistent spacing: Irregular nail placement creates visible seams and uneven aging. Use a mason line or chalk guide for consistency.
- Inadequate ventilation: Poor ventilation traps moisture, causing premature rot. Ensure proper roof or wall ventilation for cedar shingles.
Maintenance, Repairs, And Longevity
Proper maintenance preserves cedar’s beauty and performance. Maintenance involves cleaning, inspecting, and timely repairs.
- Cleaning: Rinse with mild soap and water to remove mildew and debris. Avoid high-pressure washing that can damage shingles or drive water under the surface.
- Inspection: Periodically check for cupping, splitting, or loose nails. Look for lifted shingles in high-wind areas.
- Repairs: Replace damaged shingles promptly. When replacing, use nails of the same type and ensure correct placement to maintain wind resistance.
- Finishing: Refinish cedar every 5–10 years, depending on climate and exposure, to protect against moisture and UV damage. Re-stain or seal as needed.
- Weatherproofing: Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the cedar to minimize water exposure and staining around fasteners.
Safety Considerations
Safety is essential during cedar shingle installation. Adhering to best practices reduces risk and ensures a quality result.
- Fall protection: Use harnesses or guardrails on roofs when working at height. Keep a stable ladder setup and maintain three points of contact.
- Tool safety: Maintain nail guns and blades, follow manufacturer instructions, and wear eye protection.
- Weather awareness: Avoid working in high winds, rain, or icy conditions that can compromise balance and material handling.
Tips For A Professional-Looking Finish
These practical tips help achieve a visually appealing, long-lasting cedar shingle installation.
- Plan exposure: Decide on the shingle exposure—how much of each shingle is visible—to set the pattern and weatherproofing expectations.
- Consistent starter row: A straight starter row anchors the entire installation and reduces visible misalignment.
- Quality control: Regularly check alignment across rows and ensure nails are flush but not intrusive on the surface.
- Color continuity: When mixing lots, select shingles with similar hues to maintain a cohesive appearance over time.