The Layered Effect: The Beauty of Shingle Cladding
Find out what’s shaking in the world of shingles. They work not only for traditional homes but for modern ones too
Think of a shingle-clad house and traditional styles probably leap to mind: the weathered gray Cape Cods on the East Coast, the grand Shingle-style homes of the late 19th century or the rich red cedar-skinned homes set among lush forests.
But the use of shingles has taken a more contemporary turn in recent years, particularly in Australia, but in the United States as well. Used to clad clean and simple forms or highlight sections of facades, shingles bring detail and texture to the exterior of a home. Considering shingle cladding for your home? Learn more about it and see some homes where it’s been used to great effect.
But the use of shingles has taken a more contemporary turn in recent years, particularly in Australia, but in the United States as well. Used to clad clean and simple forms or highlight sections of facades, shingles bring detail and texture to the exterior of a home. Considering shingle cladding for your home? Learn more about it and see some homes where it’s been used to great effect.
Materials
Wood has been the traditional material of choice for shingles. Wood shingles are made from durable woods such as western red cedar, which is resistant to harsh weather and other environmental factors. But shingles can also be made from stone, asphalt, slate, zinc and other materials.
Wood has been the traditional material of choice for shingles. Wood shingles are made from durable woods such as western red cedar, which is resistant to harsh weather and other environmental factors. But shingles can also be made from stone, asphalt, slate, zinc and other materials.
Shapes
While shingles are flat, rectangular shapes, there are two types of wood shingles: shingles and shakes, and the difference is how they are made. A shingle is generated from a sawn piece of wood and is characterized by its relatively smooth surface. A shake is essentially a split piece of wood with a strongly textured and more rugged, irregular surface. Shakes may also have a thicker butt end than a shingle.
While shingles are flat, rectangular shapes, there are two types of wood shingles: shingles and shakes, and the difference is how they are made. A shingle is generated from a sawn piece of wood and is characterized by its relatively smooth surface. A shake is essentially a split piece of wood with a strongly textured and more rugged, irregular surface. Shakes may also have a thicker butt end than a shingle.
Shingles made from zinc and laid in a diamond pattern can create an appealing, modern effect, as seen on this Melbourne, Australia, home.
Sizes
Wood shingles generally follow standard sizes, such as 16, 18 and 24 inches in length and one-quarter inch to one-half inch in thickness. They can also be custom made.
Wood shingles generally follow standard sizes, such as 16, 18 and 24 inches in length and one-quarter inch to one-half inch in thickness. They can also be custom made.
Pros
- Cedar shingles are resistant to harsh weather and other environmental factors.
- The natural weathering of wood shingles creates a textured, rugged appearance that allows a house to sit beautifully in its natural environment.
- Wood shingles are produced from a renewable resource, especially if harvested from a sustainable forest.
- A pro or a con, depending on the desired effect: Wood shingles will gray with age and weather, unless they are stained, painted or coated with water-repellent preservative. Pigmented stains may be used to retain a natural-looking wood color.
Cons
- Wood shingles are a fire hazard, and some local governments restrict their use.
Examples of Shingle-Clad Homes
This tower structure by Austin Maynard Architects is a renovation and addition to an existing clapboard home in Melbourne. The house is made up of numerous structures with western red cedar shingles covering many of the exterior walls.
This tower structure by Austin Maynard Architects is a renovation and addition to an existing clapboard home in Melbourne. The house is made up of numerous structures with western red cedar shingles covering many of the exterior walls.
The design team applied the wooden shingles to the gable ends of structures. Left untreated, they will weather naturally with time.
This house near Melbourne is home to a newly retired couple who wanted a home that would blend in with the surrounding landscape and garden.
Schored Projects used slate shingles on the exterior and the entrance interior, providing a no-maintenance material with a long life span.
Cedar shingles have been used on the facade of this San Francisco house to create a highly durable exterior that requires no painting or maintenance. The traditional aesthetic and rugged appearance of the shingles stand in contrast to the sharp, geometric lines of the house, creating a natural yet modern look.
The rear addition to this California-style bungalow in Melbourne boasts a shingle-clad roof and walls.
The architect applied the same slate shingle to both surfaces to create a seamless transition between the old and new parts of the home.
The rugged California coastline inspired the materials palette of copper, slate, warm woods and wood shingles used here. The low-key, natural palette ensures the home blends into the local environment and landscape.
The exterior facade of this Melbourne house is clad with dark zinc shingles. They have the deceptive appearance of paper-thin fish scales, while recessed windows reveal the greater depth of the wall.
More
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Find building materials for your project
More
No Substitute for the Natural Beauty of Wooden Roof Shingles and Shakes
Shingle Style: Warm Home Design for Seaside to Suburb
Find building materials for your project
Shingles are a roof and wall covering consisting of individual overlapping elements. On walls, they are generally fixed over sheathing or wood battens.
Shingles are laid in courses, or rows, from the bottom to the top of the wall, with each successive course overlapping the joint of the one below. They are typically applied in straight, single courses, but variations on this can be used to create interesting, decorative effects.