Historic Resources Committee

 View Only

  • 1.  Cedar Roof Shingles vs. Life Pine

    Posted 04-07-2015 06:35 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technical Design for Building Performance Knowledge Community and Historic Resources Committee .
    -------------------------------------------
    This issue involves an historic building in upstate SC  and the selection of cedar shingles vs. Life Pine.  Our firm has specified the best possible grade treated cedar shingles for the best match for overall historic accuracy, However Life Pine is being proposed. despite its thicker dimensions.   Does anyone have any technical information (weathering, longevity, past litigation, etc) to compare the two?
    -------------------------------------------
    Ellen Harris AIA
    Principal
    Harris Architects, PLLC
    Brevard NC
    -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Cedar Roof Shingles vs. Life Pine

    Posted 04-09-2015 12:54 PM
    I looked online and there is very little information of value. (Check out the insulation value comparison to Cedar)
    Note that the "50 yr warranty" is similar to standard asphalt shingle warranties - material replacement only for 15 years, then pro-rated.
    This appears to be PT SYP. One would expect similar lifetime to SYP decking, maybe. It won't rot or be eaten by insects because it appears to be treated. 

    -------------------------------------------
    Steven Clark AIA
    Montpelier VT
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Cedar Roof Shingles vs. Life Pine

    Posted 04-10-2015 06:03 PM
    Ms. Harris ---

    Wow, so this is possibly about SYP?!  I've been watching this item, because I'd never heard of "Life Pine".  If Mr. Clark is correct about this being PT SYP (Pressure-Treated, Southern Yellow Pine), I'd be very, very wary.  

    Being a conservative guy, I often advise Clients that, "For any product that doesn't have a 30-year track record, you are the "guinea pig"!  Look at how quickly stories arose about plastic decking, and now cement siding.  Anyhow --- for SPT on a ROOF?  Sorry, but not a chance!  I've had my fill of PT SYP on decks (lucky to squeeze-out a 10-year life!), shed frames, etc.  If the cedar is too expensive, I'd see a few options:
    1.     Go for 45-year asphalt-fiberglass shingles.
    2.     Go for cheaper shingles, or even roll-roofing, plan on cedar in, say, 15 years, and save-up for it.
    3.     Look at metals, if that would fit the Design of the building. 

    Best of luck to you.
    Thanks ---
    Bill

    -------------------------------------------
    William Devlin AIA
    William J. Devlin, AIA, Inc.
    Springfield MA
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Cedar Roof Shingles vs. Life Pine

    Posted 04-13-2015 06:57 PM
    My 1917 Early FLW type house has cedar shingles and i am on my second replacement and preparing to go with new shingles.  I had historic green stain on the roof discovered in demo phase and treated the new roof with an oil stain.  The color got eaten up quickly (about 7-8 years) and now the shingles are getting thin and need to be replaced.  I used fire retardant treatment required by city. Now looking at alternatives.  Cedar is still No. 1 but it does not last very long and in a hail storm it is not good at all.  Look at Wallaba Wood Shingles Class A, B, C UL 790 and a 25 year warranty.  Woodco millwork 210-333-2055 and ask for Rob Holt.  Impact rated Class 4 and takes a good stain.  Turn a natural gray color with no stain.

    -------------------------------------------
    Killis Almond FAIA
    President
    Killis Almond Architects, P.C.
    San Antonio TX
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message