The gable end presents a distinctive challenge when installing cedar shakes, combining visible aesthetics with weather exposure. This guide covers planning, proper nail patterns, flashing details, and maintenance to ensure a durable, wind-resistant cedar shake installation on a gable end. By following best practices for cedar siding, homeowners can achieve an attractive, long-lasting result that ages gracefully while protecting the interior wall cavity.
Planning And Materials
Before starting, assess the gable end for structural integrity, ventilation, and access. Ensure the framing can support cedar shakes and that there is a continuous weather-resistant barrier behind the shakes. Choose high-quality cedar shakes that are appropriately sized for the project, typically nominal 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch thickness variants. For courses, plan to stagger joints to avoid long vertical seams and create a uniform appearance across the gable face. Gather essential materials such as corrosion-resistant galvanized nails, a starter strip, horizontal battens if used, flashing at the peak, backer wedges, a derailers or shims, and a compatible sealant for end grains.
- Cedar Shakes: Select grade and thickness suitable for exterior exposure.
- Nails: Use corrosion-resistant, typically stainless or hot-dip galvanized, 1 1/4 inch to 1 1/2 inch nails.
- Water-Resistive Barrier: House wrap or building paper behind the shakes.
- Flashing Materials: Aluminum or copper, with self-adhesive flashing tape for critical joints.
- Starter Strips and Spacers: Ensure uniform reveal and proper nailing pattern.
Preparing The Gable End
Prepare the surface by inspecting for cracks, rot, or loose sheathing. Repair any damaged areas, and install a continuous weather-resistive barrier from the eave to the peak. At the gable peak, ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup behind the shakes. Install a starter strip along the bottom of the gable end to create a level primary fastener line. Use a level and string line to maintain straight courses as you work up the incline. When on a ladder or scaffold, maintain safety by securing the area and using fall protection if required.
For wind-prone areas, consider back-priming end grains of shakes or using a sealant recommended by the shake manufacturer. Plan for expansion gaps at transitions to trim and at the corners to accommodate cedar movement with moisture changes. Mark a consistent eave line and ensure the gable ends have proper drainage away from the structure to reduce moisture retention behind the cedar.
Installing Cedar Shakes
Begin with the starter strip along the bottom edge of the gable end. Install the first course of shakes with the split ends facing out and the bark side toward the house, securing each shake with two nails at the wide edge of the shake. Keep a uniform reveal between shingles and stagger vertical joints for a more natural look and improved performance. Use a spacing gauge to maintain even gaps, which aids in expansion and paint adhesion if used.
Second and subsequent courses should interlock with the previous row. Nail each shake at two points near the top of the shake, typically along the upper edge where it lies on the previous course. Do not nail through the lower edge of the shake that becomes visible in the next row; instead, keep the nails within the nail zone and avoid splitting the wood. Cut shakes at corners and along the gable apex with a sharp saw for a tight fit. When approaching corners, consider feathering the edge to create a seamless look while maintaining ventilation behind the shakes.
At the gable peak, install a piece of flashing behind the top edge to direct water away from the wall. Where appropriate, install a continuous drip edge and flash the roof-to-wall interface to prevent water intrusion. If trimming is required, use a saw suitable for cedar to minimize splintering. Maintain consistent alignment across the entire gable face to ensure the installation looks deliberate and professional.
Weatherproofing And Flashing
Weatherproofing is essential for gable ends due to wind-driven rain exposure. Install flashing at all joints where cedar meets ridge lines, eave edges, and window openings adjacent to the gable. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners and sealants rated for exterior woodwork. Overlap flashing and edge detailing to channel water down and away from the wall. Seal end grains with a wax-based or resin sealant compatible with cedar to minimize moisture uptake and warping.
Consider a breathable, water-resistive barrier behind the cedar to balance moisture management with air flow. If a rain screen is used, ensure proper venting behind the fleece or battens and maintain a small air gap to promote drying. Periodically inspect the gable end for signs of moisture intrusion, especially after storms, and reseal or replace damaged shakes promptly to prevent further damage.
Finishing And Maintenance
Finish cedar shakes with a breathable, water-repellent coating if desired. For natural cedar appearances, some homeowners prefer a clear sealant that preserves the wood’s color while offering UV protection. Re-coat every 3 to 5 years depending on climate, exposure, and manufacturer recommendations. Monitor for mold, mildew, or algae growth on shaded gable surfaces and clean with a mild solution that does not damage the wood.
Maintain the overall appearance by cleaning gutters and ensuring proper drainage around the gable area. Inspect for loose shakes or bent nails after severe weather, and replace as necessary. When replacing individual shakes, reuse the same spacing and ensure the new piece is properly fastened to prevent wind uplift. Regular maintenance extends the life of cedar shakes and preserves the aesthetic appeal of the gable end.
Key Takeaways: Proper planning, correct nail pattern, and effective flashing are crucial for a durable cedar shake installation on a gable end. Maintain ventilation and moisture control to prevent wood degradation. Regular maintenance preserves the look and longevity of the gable-end cedar siding.