Exterior shingles, sometimes called "shakes," are rectangular sections of wood installed as exterior siding on buildings. Sawed mostly from Western red cedar, a wood known for its longevity and weather resistance, shingles may be left in their natural state to slowly gray as they age. Some homeowners prefer to stain or paint their shingles for a fresher, less rustic appearance. For a successful siding job, the shingles should be in good condition and prepared properly for best adhesion. Stain is preferable to paint since stain will not peel and requires less maintenance than painted shingles.
Pros and Cons
Generally, once the shingles are stained or painted, they must be re-stained and re-painted regularly. For best results, the stain should be reapplied one year after the initial installation to provide good coverage that will endure for several years. Painted shingles may need a fresh coat every few years, depending on climate, weather, and if the house is insulated or surrounded by trees. Additionally, the materials and labor necessary for staining or painting the siding is obviously more expensive than allowing the shingles to remain unfinished and aged naturally. Still, stained or painted shingles last longer than their unfinished counterparts, and add a touch of color and character to the building.
Condition and Preparation
Rotting, peeling, cracking or damaged shingles are unsuited for paint or stain and must be repaired or replaced first. Lumber yards sell varying grades of shingles, so it is best to take the shingle to the lumber yard to obtain the properly-graded replica. If existing paint or stain covers the shingles, the coating must be scraped of loosened debris, sanded and cleaned to allow a new coat to grip the wood surface of the shingles. Failure to remove loose paint or dirt will cause the new finish to fail prematurely. Before applying any coat to the surface, shingles must be clean and dry.
Stain is Better
Staining the shingles allows the natural grain and beauty of the wood to shine through the finish. Manufacturers offer various stains in a variety of colors, so homeowners are not limited to natural wood hues. Other homeowners prefer paint since paint provides more protection from moisture and a less translucent color. In many cases, shingles cannot be stained once they have been painted. When painted, the paint enters the tiny pores of the wood. Even when the paint is removed from the surface, these small pocks of paint appear through a stained finish.
Proper Tools and Materials
To make the job easier, specialized tools are available for shingle finishing. A power washer removes stubborn dirt, loose paint and other grime from the shingles. Use a power washer with caution, however, as the powerful water stream can damage the wood and raise the grain, causing unsightly streaks. Special shingle pads sport a comfortable handle and foamy pad for working paint or stain into the multitudes of corners and crevices of wooden shingles. For large sections, a power washer sweeps large quantities of stain or paint in a brief period of time with little effort.
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