Difference between red and white cedar shingles. When it comes to western red cedar shingles they are classified by class 1 or class 2 class 1 western red cedar shingles have no imperfections were class 2 does have some imperfections. Gene wengert technical advisor. However red cedar shingles cannot be painted while white shingles can be painted any desired color as they naturally absorb paint well. More expensive than white cedar hardy red often dipped in creosote to combat weather and decay was a premium building material that accentuated the prestigious character of grand new england shingle style homes.
However white cedars oils are stronger. Stained or painted white shingles will be better protected from the elements than unpainted or unstained white cedar shingles. One main difference between coastal western red cedar and inland red cedar is the color of the board. White cedar contains natural preservatives which give the shingles a high resistance to decay and insects.
What the mccues decided was to go with red cedar shingles that have been treated with bleaching oil. Once b grade eastern white cedar shingles are installed it is hard to tell the difference between a and b grades. White cedar is one of the weakest lightest weight woods in the usa. It is much weaker than eastern red cedar.
Western red cedar certigrade shingles are available in four grades. Perhaps more important is that the house sits on an exposed location lots of wind and salt air about 4 miles from the ocean. Specific gravity sg is 031 versus 047 for red. White cedar shingles pros.
The pros and cons of the two cedar shingles are given below. Strength is 45000 psi versus 61000. No1 grade blue label. As a result the color of the board is blonder in nature than coastal western red cedar and it has more of a creamy caramel hue to it.
If you dont particularly like this look you can still use red cedar without flared ends. Red shingles on the other hand appear rich and classic in their natural state. A fence is a considerable investment and it should last as long as possible. 100 edge grain no flat grain 100 clear no knots or defects 100 heartwood no sapwood this is the highest grade possible and the product is suitable for use in all cedar roof or siding applications.
Thats a significant difference. If you like this type of look and feel for your home western red cedar may be the best type of timber for your home. The shingles are produced from the western red cedar one of the oldest tree species in temperate forests. We are trying to decide between red and white cedar shingles for a house underconstruction in southeastern mass.
Northern white cedar thuja occidentalis is an excellent wood and has been used for lumber especially in maine.