Replies

1. 
   jvk | Apr 12, 2007 07:18pm | #1

   A sq is 100sf.  Measure the area to cover and calculate.  Your supplier will tell you how much per sq.  They actually vary depending on type, exposure area etc.

   trimjim
2. 
   JohnWW | Apr 12, 2007 07:35pm | #2

   It's been a while since I have done shingling but I think I recall the system clearly.

   A "square" is defined as 100 square feet of roof surface.  The bundles themselves or the supplier will tell you how many bundles are needed to cover a standard square.  For asphalt shingles this is all you need to know. 

   For cedar shingles the coverage is dependent on the shingle's exposure, the amount of each shingle that is visible in each course.  Laying the shingles with a 4" exposure will require more shingles, and get less coverage per bundle, than laying the shingles with a 6" exposure.  Again the bundle or the supplier should be able to tell you the coverage at different exposures. 

   The coverage per bundle will often be very optimistically rated for a large exposure when in fact you will have to use less exposure to get a good tight, long lasting, and weatherproof job.  Using a large exposure when a smaller one is called for is penny wise but pound foolish. 

   If you do a Google search on cedar shingles and shakes you should be able to find a trade group or manufacturer's site that will take you through the process of choosing the correct shingle, the correct exposure, and the proper method for installing them.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine   

3. 
   beachfarm | Apr 13, 2007 01:41am | #3

   Everything you ever wanted to know about cedar shingles and their application:

   http://www.cedarbureau.org/

   40 years of living just a stones throw from the surf line has taught me a few things:

   - Don't skimp on the exposure. Depending on where you live, a 6 inch exposure might curl like potato chips.

   - Contemporary white cedar bundles contain more shorts than seems reasonable so add extra bundles to your order. 3 inch shingles are only useful as shims.

   - If you're siding a wall and plan on painting the shingles, buy them pre-primed. More money up front - MUCH less down the road.

   - The real cost is labor, not material. Buy the best shingles you can afford.

   I really enjoy shingling. That's a good thing because I spend some quality time doing it...

   
1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Apr 13, 2007 03:44am | #4

   beachfarm,

   I'm supprised at you!  Ya didn't weave da corners?

   :-) :-)

   Regards,

   Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

   Edited 4/12/2007 8:45 pm ET by KiddervilleAcres

1. 
   beachfarm | Apr 13, 2007 02:35pm | #5

   Weave the corners?! That's cruel and unusual, Bob.The closest side in the photo (with the window and the door) is the last side to be reshingled - it hasn't been, that is. I didn't bother matching its exposure because I'm tightening the exposure all around the remaining building. Each Spring, a new side - and there are LOTS of sides. Somedays I look at that building and think bulldozer.

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Apr 13, 2007 07:56pm | #6

   beachfarm,

   I was just kidding.

   After seeing your building it reminded me of the houses/buildings down on Cape Cod where you often see, especially boat houses that have the corners weaved.

   When I was remodeling our house an older gent next door used to ride his lawnmower over to, as he put it, supervise my progress.  He showed me how to build a concrete block wall and numerous other projects as well.

   We had just built a new 20x30 two story addition and wanted to shingle it.  One day I was putting up the down trim on the corners and he yelled over, "Ya not weavin da corners!".  Needless to say, I took the down trim off!

   Of course he then had to supervise my weavin o' da corners!  It's quite an art and patience is of the essence, not to mention a sharp blockplane and a proper use of a shingle axe.  I learned a newfound respect for anyone who shingles a house.  My post was meant in respect of your efforts.

   I should have posted this little story as part of it, sorry.

   We just shingled our new home last summer.  No, I didn't weave da corners!  Personally I like the down trim better, but I could never convince my old friend the Supervisor.

   Regards,

   P. S.  By the way, he was the first person to teach me how to fettle and sharpen a plane blade.  That was 27 years ago.Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!