Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Shingles, Shakes and Roofing

Q. What's the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?

A. Hand split and re-sawn cedar shakes have a split face, which allows the natural grain to be exposed to the elements.  They are thicker than shingles.  Our BC cedar shingles are sawn on both faces and have a smooth face.  Taper sawn shakes are sawn as well but are thicker than shingles and are applied like shakes.

Q. Are Silver Creek's products inspected?

A. All Silver Creek's cedar shingles, shakes and roofing products meet the highest industry standards.  We are inspected by a certified third party independent grading agency: Silver Creek meets the standards developed by the international conference of building officials, and has proven to the ICBO evaluation service Inc. our consistent commitment to quality.  Having passed these tests and evaluations we have been awarded an evaluation report #5232 certifying Silver Creek adheres to the highest standards.

Q. How long will my cedar shingle roof last?

A. The life span of a cedar shingle roof depends on many factors: product used, thickness, slope, maintenance, application and climatic conditions are the most important.  Cedar roofs can last 100 years.  Silver Creek's products are warranted to last a minimum of 20 years and Silver Select Heavy's are warranted to last 50 years. (See warranty section.)

Q. My roofer says I need treated products for a cedar roof. What are these?

A. There are two types of treatment available.  Preservative CCA treatments should be used in areas with high humidity and in areas where debris (needles, leaves etc.) will accumulate on the roof.  This treatment comes with warrantees of up to 50 years.  The second treatment is for fire resistance.  Your cedar roofing is pressure impregnated with fire retardant to last the lifetime of the roof and meet local building codes

Q. How do I maintain my cedar roof?

A. Yearly maintenance will prolong the life of your roof.  Simply sweep or hose off all debris (leaves, needles, twigs ect.) That's all the maintenance your roof needs.

Q. Am I hurting the environment by buying a cedar roof?

A. Cedar shakes and shingles are the most environmentally friendly product available.

1. Cedar roofing comes from a renewable resource - we grow more trees. 2. Cedar is biodegradable - won't pollute the environment. 3. Steel, aluminum, plastic and concrete take many times more energy to produce than a cedar roof.

4. Cedar roofing won't pollute the environment.  Many alternate products pollute during their production or after their life is over.

Q. Why should I buy a cedar roof?

A. 

1. Cedar shingles survive hurricane force winds.
2. BC Cedar has a high insulation value compared to other roofing products reducing your heating bills.
3. Cedar survives hailstorms better.
4. Cedar roofs add to the structural integrity of your home, making it resilient in earthquakes.
5. Cedar is environmentally friendly.
6. A cedar roof makes you look good.  Imitation products just don't have the natural warmth and beauty of cedar.
7. A cedar roof with beautiful BC cedar shingles will enhance the value of your home.