Staggered Cedar Shakes

This is a unique installation for cedar shakes.

A 20 % stagger or 2-inch drop gives a rugged look to a typical heavy shake roof. To gain the proper lay-out instead of running the shake felt at 10 inches, you would lay it out at 8 inches. With the 2 inch drop, you will never exceed the 10 inches of exposure, which is the maximum allowed or suggested I should say by the Cedar Shake Bureau. This 20 % needs to be added to the actual roof measurements at normal exposure for costing and material ordering.

When the shakes are laid the course line can be seen then every other shake should drop below the course liner not above. Us old timers call this felt shake liner because of this line seen to guide placement of the butt of the shake. Side lap is the same 1.5 inches and you end up with an awesome custom look and well worth the 20 % increase in costs. It may be a little more effort in labor to lay up but not that big of a deal once you get the hang of it.

I like using a straight course of shakes and starter shingles on the first course, then start the stagger from the second course on up the roof. Layout of the shake liner can be adjusted to have an 8-inch course at the top by raising or lowering the exposure. This will create equal exposure of all the courses instead of a short course at the top. Again never exceed 10.25 inches.

This steep slope roof was also protected with a Grace ice and water shield prior to the shake felt being installed. Having scaffolding just below the fascia protects from falls and provides a good working surface to start this steeper than a normal roof.

Most professionals understand these terms but as for the home-owners reading this blog, it sounds more difficult than it really is. Email me with any questions you may have. A roof like this is one in Sacramento CA that is one to be proud of.

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