[MassHistPres] Help with cedar shingle roof

[WestmillPres at aol.com]

K.C. Gray, Stowe: I think the window advertiser was confused. You are  
correct that felt paper over plywood will not allow the roof to breathe, and  
will dramatically shorten the life of a cedar roof. The relatively new cedar  
breather is installed to negate this problem. Historically, at least in my  
training and experience, a wooden shingle roof was laid dry over skip 
sheathing,  meaning the roof boards had gaps between them that allowed for 
ventilation of  the system. Flashing may or may not have been used at the eaves and 
rakes. Hips,  as well as the ridge line were woven by alternating the 
finish cuts at the  ridge, and tapering the length of the shingles at the hip, 
thus eliminating the  need for hip and ridge boards that are both ugly, 
historically incorrect, and  seem to usually rot and fail before the life of the 
roof. This is what was used  at Mt. Vernon, and Stratford Hall to name a few 
- no plywood, no felt paper, no  cedar breather, but a triple exposure 
shingle roof over skip sheathing, with  flashing at eaves and rakes, and woven 
hips and ridges. Hope this helps. MC,  Halifax
 
 
In a message dated 6/17/2009 10:51:20 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
jade at crocker.com writes:

30# felt over the entire roof and  at least 3 feet of  ice and water 
barrier around the perimeter and projections...over that, add a  layer of 
'breather' or strapping to allow for  ventilation...(strapping may require adding 
trim piece at the rake and  fascia)...
 
i would say you are not out of your mind....
...jade mortimer
heartwood window restoration

----- Original Message ----- 
From:  _Karen C. Gray_ (mailto:kcthreads at earthlink.net)  
To: _Skelly, Christopher @ SEC_ (mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us)  ;  
_masshistpres at cs.umb.edu_ (mailto:masshistpres at cs.umb.edu)  
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2009 10:21  PM
Subject: [MassHistPres] Help with cedar  shingle roof


My impression of how a wood shingle roof was  done in the " olden times" 
does not hold any water with our local  authorities.  The building in question 
has a failing wood shingle  roof  (and  is never heated) so in replacement, 
putting the  shingles on a layer of roofer's felt over plywood seems to me 
like  it would decrease the longevity of the roof.  What experience have  
people had?  Am I out of my mind?
 
K.C. Gray
Stow


 
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