Cedar shingles and shakes can be kiln dried for a number of
reasons explained below:
- Reduce shipping weights - in some cases it is
advantageous to reduce the shipping weight of shingles in order to load a
larger quantity of product into a truck or container and reduce the shipping
cost.
- Easier handling and storage - some dealers prefer to
have product kiln dried as it is lighter and easier to handle. It also helps
stabilize the relative humidity conditions in some indoor storage
warehouses.
- Fire Retardant Treatments - all product is kiln
dried prior to pressure impregnation in ensure full absorption, and then
kiln dried after as part of the chemical process to permanently fix the
treatment into the cells of the wood.
- Improve stability - in cases where products are to
be used on the interior or exterior sidewall, kiln drying will reduce shrinkage and movement after application.
- Acclimatization - fresh cut, green/air dried
shingles, especially during the wet winters of the Pacific Northwest can
maintain a very high moisture content. If shipped and quickly applied in hot
and dry climates, (i.e. Texas) some checking and cell collapse can occur due
to the product drying too quickly. We recommend that rather than kiln drying
shingles in these cases that they are left to acclimatize naturally, like
any other wood product, prior to installation.
- Agricultural Phyto-sanitary controls - many
countries worldwide require proof that any imported agricultural products,
including wood products be kiln dried, heat treated or fumigated to ensure
unwanted biological matter enters their country.
