Buildings are being fitted with Eastern White Shingles and Shakes in the belief that they are the more durable than Western Red Cedar. The situation isn’t helped by the fact that in their treated state, the two timbers can look similar despite their different performance characteristics.

 

Christian Brash, Managing Director of John Brash, explains: 

“Contractors need to be aware that all ‘Cedar’ shingles and shakes are not the same and simply specifying ‘Cedar’, may result in the inferior Eastern White Cedar being used. There are marked differences between this timber and the more durable Western Red Cedar. The Eastern White Cedar tree is much smaller, which results in a significant occurrence of flat grain, compared to the clearer Western Red. Eastern White is also lighter at around 335 kg/cu m and therefore considerably weaker than Western Red Cedar. This makes the shingle less durable and less stable."

 

Eastern White Cedar is more susceptible to warping and curling, caused by its flat grain. The grain on premium grade Western Red Cedar runs down the shake, perpendicular to the surface at the butt. This means it will not curl as easily as Eastern White. There is also a marked difference in the strength of the timbers, with Western Red Cedar being far superior at holding fasteners compared to Eastern White. The strength and stability of Western Red Cedar is provided by its extremely straight grain and its resistance to shrinkage.

 

The most significant difference in practical application between Eastern White Cedar shingles and Western Red Cedar shingles is that the Eastern White shingles are not appropriate for use on roofing applications. Sidewall applications are the only acceptable use for this cladding, whereas Western Red Cedar is entirely acceptable and utilised as a roofing and siding material, whether treated or untreated. 

 

There are three grades of Western Red Shingles: No.1 Grade Blue Label, No.2 Grade Red Label and No.3 Grade Black Label. The Blue Label grade ensures that the Shingles and Shakes are made from 100% heartwood Western Red Cedar, 100% cent edge gain and 100% clear. Red and Black Label shingles contain less durable sapwood or contain flat grain as well as defects such as knots. Therefore these give a less durable roof than the Blue label. There are even variances in Blue Label Shingles, especially those from the North West regions of the USA. This is but one of the reasons why John Brash doesn’t source from this area.

 

Here the Western Red Cedar is in short supply and often reclaimed timber is used. However, sometimes the material is salvaged from the stump of the tree where saturated timber is used. In these situations there can be cell collapse meaning that the shingle cannot be used. This is rarely found in Canadian production where there is a plentiful supply of timber from well managed sustainable forests. It is from these forests that John Brash source all of it's Western Red Cedar Shingles.

 

 

 

The only certain way of sourcing premium quality, No.1 Grade Blue Label Shingles is to check that they are from the Western Red Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) and carry the ‘Certigrade’ label. This is the main quality assurance body and only its members can use it.

 

All the shingles that are produced with a Bureau Certified label are graded in accordance to UBC 15-3 and CSA-97 Codes. If the mill does not comply with the published grading rules they will face suspension or even lose their Bureau label.

 

Many Non-Bureau mills will push off grade shakes and shingles into the product and sell them with a number 1 label on the bundle. This product may be less expensive but it will fail prematurely and should not be installed.

 

Making sure that only premium quality materials carrying independent certification are used will provide clients with a much more durable envelope. Roofs and cladding fitted with Eastern White will be less durable, ultimately creating an unjust impression of Cedar Shingles. As an industry, it is therefore in all our interests to ask for No.1 Blue Label Shingles that carry the Certigrade label from Western Red Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. Asking your supplier for this will mean you are sourcing only premium grade Western Red Cedar, avoiding the inferior Eastern White.

 

The perception of timber has already changed hugely in the last few years. Driven in part by environmental legislation as well as its natural beauty, it is now commonly seen on a wide range if developments. Shingles and shakes by their nature are the most visible element, which is why it is so important to be clear about the type of Cedar you are using.