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Frequently Asked Questions

1.) “What is the difference between a cedar shingle and a shake?”

2.) “Does a roof need felt?”

3.) “I've heard that felt doesn't allow the shakes or shingles to breathe, causing them to rot underneath. Is this true?”

4.) “What is CCA treating? Is it safe?”

5.) “A cedar roof is more expensive than it used to be. What do you think of an alternative, such as Duroid?”


1.) "What is the difference between a cedar shingle and a shake?"

The most significant difference is the amount of exposure. An 18" shingle is applied at 5 1/2" to the weather while an 18" shake is applied at 7 1/2" to the weather.

Shingles applied at 5 1/2" become a 3 ply roof which means that there are 3 layers of shingles at any location on the roof. Shakes are 2 ply.

Shakes are layered with felt between each layer, thus having two layers of felt at any location. No felt is required between each layer of the shingle application.

Another difference is shakes have a split face, which gives a rustic appearance. The exception is the tapersawn shake, which looks like a thick shingle.

Learn more detailed information about this topic in our Shake and Shingle section.

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2.) "Does a roof need felt?"

Yes. Building code regulations require the use of 30lb. felt along the eave line for both shakes and shingles, plus 15lb felt for the interlayment with shakes.

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3.) "I've heard that felt doesn't allow the shakes or shingles to breathe, causing them to rot underneath. Is this true?"

No. That is not the case at all. Inadequate ventilation in the attic is what causes the under side of a roof to sweat and eventually rot. A well ventilated attic will not only add many years to the roof, but it will also keep your home cooler in the summer. Most homes are too airtight. Good ventilation will make it more comfortable all year round.

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4.) "What is CCA treating? Is it safe?"

Shakes and shingles are placed in a vacuum retort, then, with pressure, a treating compound mixed with water is inserted in the wood at 200 lbs . per square inch. The CCA pressure treated roof is not harmful to humans, animals or vegetation. CCA treated shakes and shingles will not grow moss, an important factor in British Columbia. The CCA treatment also carries a 30 year warranty against rot.

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5.) "A cedar roof is more expensive than it used to be. What do you think of an alternative, such as Duroid?"

First of all, Duroid was a brand name on an organic backed asphalt shingle and it is no longer available.

Asphalt shingles with a fiberglass mat is an excellent alternative. An added advantage is that they carry a Class A Fire Rating.

The 20 year fiberglass asphalt shingles cost approximately 25% of the price of the least expensive cedar. The 40 year fibreglass asphalt shingles are less than 50% of the cost of the CCA treated 30 year cedar roof.

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Stoney Cedar Ltd.
19564 - 60th Avenue
Surrey, B.C., Canada
V3S 3S7

E-mail: service@stoneycedar.com

Yard/Office Tel: (604) 534-6331
Fax: (604) 534-6775

Accts Tel: (604) 583-4839
Fax: (604) 584-3508



Website enquiries: webmaster@stoneycedar.com     Copyright © 2005, Stoney Cedar Ltd.