Western Red Cedar Shingles

Cedar shingles and shakes are an outstanding alternative to traditional roofing and cladding materials. They are durable, light in weight, easy to install, have excellent insulation qualities, a low carbon footprint and have a beautiful natural appearance which is suitable for both traditional and modern buildings.

Cedar shingles are equally suited to roofing (pitches as low as 14º) and vertical cladding.

Cedar – the building material of choice for the past, present and future

The use of Western Red Cedar as a building material can be traced back thousands of years to when the Aboriginal people of the Pacific Coast of North America used it for their shelters and tribal longhouses. In fact, the cedar tree was a mainstay of tribal culture in the Pacific North West, where it was used for everything from clothing to canoes.

Since the introduction of steam powered sawmills in the early 19th century made possible the production of uniform shingles in mass quantities, Western Red Cedar shingles have played an important role in the building of North America. Cedar shingles and shakes have graced the exteriors of countless thousands of homes and buildings of all types, from modest cottages to stately mansions.

Here in the UK cedar shingles have a long history of use and a proven performance history. Today Western Red Cedar shingles are more popular than ever with architects looking to specify attractive natural materials that are truly renewable and sustainable.

Incredible natural durability

Western Red Cedar heartwood has a proven life expectancy of 60 + years due to the presence of natural oils that act as preservatives to help the wood resist decay. It has a durability rating of ‘Class 2’ according to BSEN350:2.

Excellent dimensional stability

Western Red Cedar has twice the stability of most commonly available wood species. It does not excessively shrink, swell or warp through changes in moisture or temperature. Over time it will tend to lie flat, stay straight and hold fasteners tightly.

Ability to withstand extreme weather

Once nailed in place cedar shingles have an outstanding level of rigidity. The extra strength gained from the 3-ply overlapping method of installation makes them highly resistant to extreme weather such as wind driven snow and rain, ice, sun and even hurricane force winds. Cedar shingles are 'Uplift tested' to withstand wind speeds of up to 173mph.

Breathable

Western Red Cedar shingles breathe, providing an extra degree of ventilation.

Low carbon footprint

Cedar shingles use a low level of energy to produce and transport, and their production emits a low level of pollution when compared to other materials.

High insulation resistance value

Wood offers a high degree of thermal insulation when compared to other materials, with 413 times the thermal resistance (R-value) of steel, 2,000 times that of aluminium, and 8 times that of concrete. With a value of K=0.1067 W/mºC, Western Red Cedar offers a particularly high degree of thermal insulation. This is due to its unique cellular structure which slows the passage of heat and cold, thus reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings.

Light in weight

The fact that cedar shingles are up to one tenth the weight of traditional roofing materials means that savings can be made in the supporting structures. Their low weight also makes them easier to transport and handle.

Easy to install

Western Red Cedar shingles are light weight, easy to handle and easy to cut and work with common tools. They are quick and easy to install – each shingle is nailed to a batten using two nails.

A true ‘eco’ material

Western Red Cedar shingles are produced from a renewable and sustainable resource - wood. They are often manufactured from parts of the log that cannot be used for timber ensuring maximum utilisation of the forest resource. Cedar shingles are often made from fallen logs salvaged from the forest floor.

When trees are harvested, new trees are planted. These growing trees emit oxygen and absorb dioxide cleaning the air and providing a healthier environment.

The fact that Western Red Cedar shingles are renewable, sustainable, their manufacture produces low emissions and no wastage, they contribute to producing energy efficient buildings, are recyclable makes them a truly ‘green’ building material.

Produced from the very best old growth Western Red Cedar

Made from exceptional old growth Western Red Cedar heartwood, their quality exceeds the official industry grading rules. Superior wood fibre combined with the fact that a bundle of Waldun Premium’s typically contains a greater proportion of wider shingles than standard No. 1 Grade Blue Label (enabling faster installation), makes them well worth the minimal extra investment.

Waldun Forest Products – a family company and respected name in the industry

Waldun Premium’s are made by Waldun Forest Products, a family company that dates back almost half a century, and who are today one of the largest and most respected names in the cedar shingle and shake industry.

The Waldun name is synonymous with quality. Back in 2012 it was Waldun shakes that were chosen for the restoration of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall. Perhaps the most important historic building in the United States, it was here that both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and adopted.

Silva’s relationship with Waldun goes back almost 15 years. Our partnership with this leading manufacturer has enabled us to become a major importer with what is probably the widest range and largest stockholding of cedar shingles and shakes in Europe.

Beautiful natural appearance that gives buildings a touch of individuality

With rich warm colour tones and texture, Western Red Cedar shingles will provide a distinctive look of character that blends naturally with the environment.

If left in their natural state cedar shingles will gradually weather to an attractive silver grey. Typically, this change will take effect after a 6 – 9-month period. A finish may be applied to maintain or enhance the natural colour or if preferred, change the colour entirely. Cedar shingles will readily accept a penetrating stain such as Sansin SDF, which can be supplied separately for site application.

A complete range of shingle products

In addition to shingles, Silva also provides pre-formed shingle hip and ridge units, battens, Tyvek® breather membrane, stainless steel nails, and a wide range of finishes and cleaning products – everything you need to complete the job.

Silva supplies merchants and manufacturers too

If you are a reseller or manufacturer using larger volumes of cedar shingles and shakes, please get in touch to discuss your needs. With a broad range of products and large stockholdings, Silva are well positioned to service you.