Treatments for Cedar Shingles & Shakes
Options and pricing for all of these treatments are available on each product page in our catalog. Please call or email with any questions. Thank you!
Kiln Drying
Cedar shingles and shakes can be kiln dried, (KD) for a number of reasons explained below:
- Reduce shipping weights – in some cases, it is advantageous to reduce the shipping weights in order to reduce shipping costs and/or load a larger quantity of product into a container or truck. At WoodRoof.com we consider this on a case by case decision, based on what is best for the customer and the products.
- Easier handling and storage – some dealers prefer to have the product kiln dried to make it easier and lighter to handle. It also helps stabilize the relative humidity conditions in some indoor storage warehouses.
- Improve stability – in cases where products are to be used on the interior or exterior walls, kiln drying will reduce shrinkage and movement after application.
- Acclimatization – fresh cut cedar shingles, especially during the wet winters of the Pacific Northwest can maintain a very high level of moisture content. If shipped and quickly applied in hot and dry climates, (i.e. Texas) the wood can dry too quickly. This may result in checking, cracking and cell collapse. We recommend that in such cases the shingles are shipped without drying and left to acclimatize naturally in the ambient weather conditions. When time is an issue, we can KD to help reduce the acclimatization time requirements.
- Agricultural Phyto-Sanitary controls – many countries now require proof that any imported wood products be kiln dried, heat treated, chemically treated or fumigated to ensure undesirable biological contaminant are not introduced to their local eco-systems.
CCA Preservative
CCA, (chromated copper arsenate) has a proven track record as protection against decay and insect attack. Copper is a fungicide, acting to inhibit the growth of moss, mould, mildew and any other agents of decay. The arsenate is a pesticide and fungicide, poison to insects that may invade the wood. The chromate permanently fixes this chemical to the cell of the wood during the pressure impregnation treatment process.
CCA is accepted for use with cedar shingles and shakes in USA and Canada. CCA is currently not accepted in Europe, Japan or Korea. Please check with your local officials to confirm acceptance in your country.
For a very small fraction of the total cost of a new cedar roof, CCA treatments can double the durability. The treatment is pressure impregnated prior to shipment and application. Subsequent treatments on the roof are rarely required. Ask about the 30 year and 50 year warranties available for every new treated roof.
CCA pressure impregnated preservative treatments are recommended for cedar roofs in hot and humid climates. We always recommend the use of Type 304 Stainless Steel fasteners with your CCA treated shingle or shake roof. Please ask us for more information!
CCA Preservative and Kiln Dry
For the same reasons listed above, all cedar shingle and shake products are available with the CCA and KD treatments.
Fire Retardant Treatments
Whether required by local building codes or for your peace of mind, cedar shingle and shake products can be treated with a proven treatment to significantly reduce the risk of fire. All treatments are fixed into the cells of the wood and remain effective for the life of your roof or walls.
In the USA, national, state and local authorities recognize the requirements for roofs/walls to meet the following classifications. Please check with your local building officials to confirm any requirements. We can help too – please ask for our assistance!
- Class C – the lowest cost and minimum treatment available
- Class B – the most common roof and wall treatment. California requires that all cedar roofs be Class B treated.
- Class A – in some cases, cedar shakes can be treatment to achieve this highest rating for roofs, but this rating is more commonly achieved with the use of a Class B treated cedar shake or shingle in combination with an approved underlayment – as a Class A roofing system.
Fire Retardant and CCA Preservative
Unfortunately, it is not possible to treat cedar shingles and shakes with both chemicals. You must select either fire retardant or CCA preservative, depending on what is required.
In general, locations that require added fire resistance air dry climates and don’t normally need to worry about the preservative. In some cases, hot and humid climates that can benefit from the preservative treatment also want to use the fire retardant. This becomes a choice between what is most important to you or what is specified for the roof.