Here on the West Coast of British Columbia, and indeed worldwide, sustainability and environmental protection are top of mind with eco-conscious builders and homeowners. Certainly, many of us strive to protect the beauty of our precious environment while pursuing innovative ways to live greener every day of our lives.
Builders and homeowners embrace a greener way of living by supporting the construction of Net Zero Energy homes. These homes are the pinnacle of energy efficiency, designed and constructed to produce as much energy as it consumes annually.
What is Net Zero?
The definition of a Zero Energy Building or Zero Net Energy Building is a structure with zero net energy consumption. In other words, the total amount of energy used by the building each year approximately equals the amount of renewable energy created on site. Consequently, these types of buildings generate a smaller amount of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere than traditional builds.
MIKE HOLMES: “Net-zero homes produce as much energy as they consume. Given rising energy costs these homes are becoming increasingly more popular.” Photo Credit: Joern Rohde, RDC Fine Homes
A further definition, according to Mike Holmes of HGTV online, “A Net Zero home produces its own energy locally and should aim to produce at least as much energy as it consumes. EnerGuide rates the energy performance of the home; the higher the rating, the more efficient the home. The lower the EnerGuide number the better energy performance of the home is. In order for a home to be completely Net Zero, it will most likely need to incorporate solar power or utilize some form of renewable energy source.”
Concerned individuals choose a net zero home build because they’re up to 80% more energy efficient than typical new home builds. They produce as much clean energy as they consume. All this plus a more comfortable living space and reduced future energy costs for the homeowner.
The features that enable a Net Zero Energy Home to do what it does comprises sourcing passive heat from the sun, using air-sourced and ground-sourced heat pumps, as well as the installation of solar panels.
Benefits
There are further benefits to living in a Net Zero Home:
All home features work together to minimize the household’s environmental footprint.
Comes equipped with water-saving fixtures and appliances.
Produces as much clean, renewable energy as the structure consumes.
Empowers homeowners to help protect against climate change and preserve our natural resources.
Provides a quiet, peaceful living atmosphere due to superior insulation.
Provides clean fresh air indoors via a filtration system that reduces allergens and other air pollutants for a healthier living environment.
Delivers outstanding year-round comfort with advanced construction methods and materials, in addition to heating, cooling, and ventilation systems that maintain comfortable, consistent temperatures everywhere in the home.
Offers durability with high-performance windows, superior insulation in walls and roofs, all built to higher standards than conventional homes.
Protects the homeowner from future increases in energy prices.
Generates minimal year-round utility bills.
Built with an advanced foundation system with superior insulation qualities.
Why Choose Net Zero?
Net Zero Houses are important to us for several reasons. For one, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation describes a substantial rebate on your mortgage insurance premium when you invest in a Net Zero Energy Home. Furthermore, they’re not limited to new builds, although it takes some planning, renovating an old home to a net-zero home is possible and the energy savings are worth the effort.
In order to build a net zero home, the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) has a labelling program to guide consumers. They are also a rich source of information to help plan a net zero build.
Longhouse has long been a supporter and partner in a number of sustainable building projects. We are proud to support these types of endeavours and believe they’re a mainstay of our future. If you’re searching for a more efficient, sustainable way of living, a net zero home is a sensible choice.
Timber buildings have been around for centuries. Thankfully, over time, code restrictions have been revised and changed, with concerns of fire safety topmost in many architects’ and builders’ minds.
Recently
New height restrictions have been introduced for wooden structures in the newest Mass Timber Code Proposals guide. Specifically, Code Change Proposals G75-18, G80-18, and G84-18 deal with tall wood buildings. The three code changes state that height, number of stories, and allowable area, should be reviewed only after one becomes familiar with the types of construction.
In the News
According to a recent news article, ‘Peter Busby designs a 40 storey timber tower proposed for Vancouver’, posted on treehugger.com, a new timber tower is in the works. Peter Busby of Perkins+Will Canada is the designer onboard the proposed green-build project. According to their website, Perkins+Will has one of the highest numbers of ‘Certified Passive House Designers’ of any design firm in North America.
One of the founders of the Canada Green Building Council (CGBC), with which Longhouse remains a member, Busby has a vision towards reducing energy consumption in new builds. To paraphrase, the tower is the tallest Busby thinks can technically be made with wood today. The building is to be predominantly made out of cross-laminated timbers (CLT) and dowel laminated timbers (DLT). This timber is manufactured in British Columbia and culled from damaged trees. Busby is optimistic it can be built between 35-40 stories high.
Future
However, several people doubt the project will in fact go ahead due to the revised building codes. The new codes permit wood structures up to 12 stories with exposed wood elements, and up to 18 stories with wood enclosed in gypsum board. Procedures may be taken that permit variances from the code but could be time-consuming. To date, the tallest wooden skyscraper in Canada is the Brock Commons at UBC, at 18 stories.
Furthermore, zoning on the site in question has a limit of 14 stories. Unquestionably, every project should be studied to be suitable to the existing neighbourhood. Although wood is having a renaissance, there seems to be much debate about whether the proposed 40 towers is too tall for the site.
Longhouse Specialty Forest Products has played a role in thousands of exciting custom projects worldwide. We’ve had the pleasure of working with several talented individuals in the design and construction industry. Dedicated to sustainable construction methods and growth, in addition to maintaining as tiny of a carbon footprint as possible, we’re keeping a close watch to see how these new height restrictions affect future modern projects.
Longhouse Specialty Forest Products, located in Parksville, BC, was recently honoured with the title of ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ by the Vancouver Island Construction Association.
The 2019 inaugural Awards Gala, held by VICA, is open to all its members in good standing and intended to formally acknowledge the work members do across Vancouver Island. The panel of judges are comprised of industry professionals from across the Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, and multi-family residential construction sectors. Longhouse received the award specifically for the company’s recent project Pacific Centre Family Services Association in Victoria.
When asked how he feels about receiving the new title, Longhouse owner Brian Jenkins replied “Humbled. We went into it with no expectations. Longhouse manufactures pre-finished/ fire treated high grade lumber products. We are unlike any other forest products company. Our lumber products are not mass produced or from foreign countries. All of our products are sourced locally.”
Longhouse boasts delivering over 14,000 projects globally in the construction and design industry since 1985.
Concerning the project that won them the award, Jenkins says “We work on many projects, and this one in particular was a health centre and it looks fabulous. It was created using sustainable wood products. Unlike other buildings on the market, this one will stand for centuries because of its build and design.”
Longhouse Specialty Forest Products maintains FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification by the Rainforest Alliance since 2007. The company is also a member of the Canada Green Building Council and the Greater Vancouver Home Building Association. Longhouse also belongs to Passive house Canada and the Living Building Challenge Foundation.
Although they specialize in Western Red Cedar, Longhouse manufactures all British Columbia softwood species, such as yellow cypress (cedar), Douglas-fir, Pacific Coast hemlock, and spruce pine fir (SPF). Specialty products manufactured by the company encompass custom cut yellow cedar decking, solid wood flooring, cedar fascia and soffits, different varieties of FSC® certified cedar siding, Japanese grade spruce siding, and Douglas Fir products.
For Longhouse, the award is a meaningful achievement.
“It recognizes Longhouse for being unique in what we do,” says Jenkins, “We are unlike any other company. It shows that our work is finally paying off and being recognized for what we do. Not only that but it will help to create a stronger customer base. People that may not have been familiar to the Longhouse brand, will now have the opportunity to hear of us. We are excited about what the future has in store for us.”
Longhouse would like to give tribute
“To our committed team whereby this award belongs to them equally. Ken L’Heureux company millwright of 20 years, and Matt Newton production manager of 15 years, and all of our suppliers who believed in our commitment to value added over the last 30 plus years.”
Designing a deck distinct from identical, cookie-cutter ones around you is a visionary’s dream. And certainly, creating an outdoor living space with worldly charm can be seamlessly tied into your home when prudently thought out.
Knowing what types of plants are native to each area, along with typical local decor, can assist you in constructing your exotic patio area. With these concepts from other countries, you too can feel like you’re on vacation as soon you step outside your home.
Canadian East Coast
East Coast decks are strung with lanterns and lights for evening outdoor entertainment after hard work days. Toss in some Muskoka chairs, teak furniture with bright red Canadian colours for a true Canadian feel. Wood or interlocking stone decking. Ornamental grasses that tolerate salty, humid coastal conditions.
Canadian West Coast
A typical modern West Coast style deck is constructed from locally sourced British Columbia cedar wood, conveniently sourced through Longhouse in Yellow or Western Red Cedar. West Coast patios are open, often accented with modern wicker furniture or teak, and outfitted with an outdoor kitchen. Patio covers are also constructed for our unpredictable rainy weather. Large pots varying heights, of greenery, ornamental grasses and blooms placed thoughtfully throughout the patio space accent our naturally beautiful outdoors as well. Strings of lighting to brighten cool coastal evenings on the patio.
Bali
The casual ambience of a Balinese patio offers tufted floor cushions and hanging lanterns for romance. Mix and match seating a further candle light mimic the magical space. Tropical greenery planted (palms) and stone sculptures often accompanied by a water feature.
California
An outdoor California patio may overlook a pool for an inviting oasis built with paving materials that withstand the sun. The design may incorporate a greenhouse for fresh, organic vegetables. You may find an old growth tree and perhaps a living wall with native plants, built out of reclaimed wood. A pergola climbing with honeysuckle also offers day to night enjoyment. There is also a rich array of wild flowers and palms.
England
A rose garden is a popular planting with a cosy cottage feel. English gardens are often overflowing with blooms and colourful pots of flowers, and a seating area for much-loved afternoon. Concrete pavers create quaint garden pathways.
Florida
Sleek and modern with an aim towards minimalism, showcase the palms flowing in the breeze. Alternately, they may be jazzed up with patterned seat cushions and colourful, tropical throw pillows for comfort. Modern lanterns hung add cool ambiance for late night soirées.
France Deck
Think European vibes with a Parisian bistro set, beside a lush teak pergola climbing with clematis. Toss on black and white striped cushions for an authentic Parisian feel. French countryside patios often come with a variety of sweet potted plants and a statement repurposed mirror or frame as a focal point.
Hawaiian Deck
For a tropical feel, go with bright tropical print cushions, plenty of palm trees swaying, and a cement patio that withstands the humidity. Open-aired Place carved tiki accents and torch lighting for an authentic island feel.
Italy Deck
Think Positano without the breathtaking views, unless you’re lucky to already have one of those! Italian marble sculptures are typical for outdoor living spaces, along with potted plants, wisteria, and climbing ivy. Throw in a gazebo for an intimate dining area to search those fresh Italian pasta dishes. Comfortable cushioned chairs, a long dining table for lots of family and friends, and pendant lighting setting the mood.
Mexico
Beautiful handcrafted Mayan hammocks and dazzling hand painted tiles and pots accent Mexican terraces, along with drought tolerant potted plants. A trellis or pergola adds shade as well. Covered sundeck for plenty of outdoor entertainment as Mexican families love to spend time together enjoying delicious Mexican food. Wood deck made from coconut palm wood.
Morocco
A Moroccan terrace, you’ll find brilliant coloured cushions, sheer drapes swaying in the breezes for a romantic, laid-back ambience. Elegant and confident. Beautifully patterned textiles mixed in, metal Moroccan style lanterns, and hand painted Moroccan tile flooring. No Moroccan garden is complete without some super-sized palms or heat-loving exotics. Not only do these architectural plants create cool, shaded areas, they also form beautiful shadows on smooth pools of water, they also create a year-round lush garden. Evergreens contrast with richly painted walls too; a common colour scheme used is a deep raspberry pink plaster and aqua-green tiled floor which blends beautifully with the foliage of towering banana plants. Plant them in enormous terra-cotta pots for added impact.
Turkey
A Turkish patio might be constructed with local marble, accented with brass details, and finished with a terrazzo flooring. Iroko wood is a teak-like material used. Gorgeous Turkish lanterns add warmth and exoticism to the space.
Travel lovers can find all sorts of inspiration observing patio designs. Fortunately, Longhouse is Vancouver Island’s source for amazing outdoor deck design and can bring your exotic patio dreams to fruition.
Longhouse is happy to announce that it recently won the award for Manufacturer of the Year. Longhouse received the award from the Vancouver Construction Association. There were many factors that led to Longhouse receiving the award. The project that received the recognition was the Pacific Centre Family Services Association. Longhouse is excited about the recent award and is looking forward to more projects in the future. View some of our past projects here or give us a call to inquire about starting a project of your own with us today.
Our homes are our safe havens shared with loved ones, and beautiful modern home design is something many homeowners aspire to attain. Trends come and go but modern design has staying power. Indeed, who wouldn’t want large expanses of windows with natural light filtering in and an invitingly open floor layout?
What’s confusing is some people believe modern equals contemporary or traditional. However, regarding home planning it basically refers to a design fixed on minimal form and function. For example, open living spaces, earthy hues, and natural materials such as cedar and stone are all vital to a modern living space.
Achieving modern-day building style is effortless when you bear in mind the individual elements of design.
LINES
To begin with, a modern floor plan is more symmetrical and intentional than traditional floor plans that were somewhat haphazard and not as well thought-out. Modern floor plans are open and flow sensibly from one room to the next.
Further keep in mind that modern architecture embraces clean lines with minimal embellishment.
ATMOSPHERE
Modern home design connects the indoor living space with the outdoors. After considering your local climate and landscape, think about implementing an organic garden, indoor trees, sliding exterior walls, and a spacious deck.
Longhouse Specialty Forest Products specializes in only the highest quality timbers and delivers cedar wood decking, a popular choice in modern home design, in several custom profiles. Lustrous Douglas Fir post and beam is also a sophisticated material used to accentuate a modern home.
COLOUR
Warm, earthy tones are often an integral characteristic of modern home projects. For the interior or exterior of the home, natural cedar wood, including rich Western Red Cedar, can be delivered pre-stained in the colour of your choosing by Longhouse.
DETAILS
Consider how even the smallest details affect the overall look of a home. Energy efficient windows and modern cupboard hardware are timeless design features.
FOCAL POINT OR FEATURE
Thoughtfully planned homes often include a focal point for family gatherings and leisure. For instance, a modern cedar deck incorporates an outdoor kitchen, hot tub spa area, or even a soothing water feature.
HARMONY
Eliminate busy wallpaper, old fashioned small tiles, carpet, and slender strips of wood—major design elements in traditional schemes. Instead, opt for wide plank Douglas Fir flooring—ideal for high traffic areas with a fresh, organic grain.
If renovating, simply replacing old paneled doors with sleeker designs and hardware provides a straightforward update.
ORGANIC FORM
Architects respect ‘vernacular’ designs, otherwise known as local trends, and that applies to West Coast style. Coastal homes incorporate the warm, natural beauty of Cedar siding, a prime choice in modern design. Cedar creates a gorgeous design aesthetic as decking, eaves, fascia, siding, and soffits.
SCALE
Large floor plans and basic square design make up a modern look. Also plan for larger windows to let more natural light inside and enhanced outdoor views from the inside.
SHAPE
A flat roof is another indicator of modern house design, in addition to simplified eaves and other streamlined roofing materials.
VISUAL TEXTURE
Natural looking textures incorporate the warmth of nature into your modern home. Cedar wood is available in visually smooth or knotty textures, distinctively natural characteristics. Douglas Fir plank flooring also provides a vibrant, natural feel to modern living spaces.
Indisputably, a modern house is built with sustainable, natural materials that are recyclable and renewable. In achieving modern home design, consideration must also go into installing efficient heating and cooling systems, and of course, energy efficient appliances and lighting.
Longhouse is the perfect place to source the popular Cedar and Douglas Fir wood required for your built-to-last modern home. Renewable and Forest Stewardship Council certified, and therefore, sustainable, these natural materials are ideal in designing your modern sanctuary. As well, Longhouse specializes in custom cut Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Douglas Fir. We’re here to assist you in planning your luxurious new living space that will surely provide years of pleasure and satisfaction ahead.
The days are longer with increased daylight and now is the time to begin planning your outdoor living space and get back to basking in the great outdoors. But where to begin? Designing a splendid outdoor deck for your family and friends to chill this summer may initially feel intimidating, but with preplanning and basics, you can design the outdoor deck of your dreams.
Cedar softwood decking provides the idylic warm and luxurious aesthetic for any deck. With different stains to choose from, cedar decking also merges seemlessly with nature already outside your door.
You want to get the most out of your leisure time. Inhale the fresh air with these fresh outdoor deck design ideas and start celebrating!
15 BASIC DECK DESIGN STEPS
First, consider your needs. Do you want to incorporate an outdoor kitchen, hot tub, or cosy reading area? Perhaps a fire pit to enjoy stargazing and socializing on warm summer evenings? Your new cedar deck can be as complex or simple as you like.
Visualizing outdoor space can be daunting so invest time in scanning online deck pictures, collecting inspirations along the way. Pinterest and Houzz.com are perfect sites to gather ideas of what interests you, as well as what is possible (or not) in your space.
Walk through where to place furniture and leave space for walkways in the deck area and start rough measuring.
If you’re hiring a contractor, he or she can take care of building permits and codes. If not, it’s up to you as the homeowner to check with the city and apply for permits and ensure building codes are followed. Don’t be afraid to ask staff for help along the way. Accept that your deck design may change as you go along.
Calculate a general budget to help avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the build. Tools, materials and deck décor add up quickly.
You may want to contact local authorities to mark underground utilities like gas lines to avoid upsetting and expensive deck design mistakes.
You don’t need to be an artist to sketch down rough plans for furniture, plantings, and BBQ placement to help actualize your deck space.
Also think about conveniece and flow of the indoors to the outdoor deck. Ease of access and an outdoor kitchen and dining area that makes sense for your needs are primary points to consider.
Contemplate outdoor scenes and whether they need to be disguised with creative greenery or left free of deck railing for unobstructed views.
What type of plantings do you desire around the deck? Select potential trees, flowers, and plant containers; then, make note of required space.
Additionally, consider shade and sun. You’ll likely want a covered seating area and a modern cedar pergola can do the job. Or perhaps an awning or umbrella will suffice, with spots for hanging planters and strings of patio lanterns.
Depending on the area, you may want to have multi-level decking that creates different spaces and flow for a seating area and a hot tub, for instance. A water feature also adds a touch of nature with the soothing sounds of running water. Serene koi pond with bench seating, anyone?
Furthermore, privacy screens are essential for comfort and intimacy from neighbours or less than spectacular views, so design seating areas carefully.
Remember to go big rather than small—you’ll want your deck to be spacious enough to place outdoor items without being cluttered.
Good lighting delivers the relaxing or romantic mood people appreciate in the evening. Consider where you want garden and deck lighting for optimal ambience.
Undoubtedly, creating a luxurious outdoor living space makes it easy to take full advantage of warmer seasons. Since cedar is naturally resistance to decay, it’s an ideal choice to become the foundation of your outdoor deck and withstands harsh weather. With pre-finished, custom cut cedar decking, you can select from Yellow or Western Red Cedar. Staff at Longhouse are happy to help you find what suits your needs best. Soon, when you step out on your new deck, you’ll smell cedar wafting in the air and know you’ve attained backyard bliss.
The straight grain in Cedar makes it a very stable wood when turned into siding. Being slightly harder than other softwoods, Cedar comes with a host of benefits when used as a siding because it is less likely to cup, split or swell. Cedar is largely admired for being resistant to rot and many insects. Whether you choose to redo the entire house or just sections of it in Cedar siding, here are some great siding styles you can choose from to create the right aesthetic for your home.
Lap Siding.
Probably the most common form of siding is the lap siding, also known as bevel or clapboard siding. This type of siding is created by sawing a board lengthwise in a slight pie shape, creating a narrower edge on one side. Starting at the bottom of the wall, the siding boards are slightly overlapped on top of each other as you move up the wall, thus the name “lap siding”. This type if siding layout is durable and sheds water quite well as there are no edges to absorb and hold moisture.
The more overlap there is with the boards, the sturdier the structure will be, with the average exposure being from four to eight inches. A smaller exposure area is a more expensive look as it will require more pieces of siding to achieve. Although Cedar doesn’t necessarily require any staining, periodic staining and painting can help to keep it looking fresh and vibrant for decades. If you live in a particularly wet climate, you may wish to do some caulking around the edges to help reduce any weather damage.
Drop Channel Siding.
Drop Channel Siding is probably one of the most versatile styles of siding because it can be installed horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. This type of siding is very popular with cabins. As the name suggests, this siding is achieved by cutting a small groove down the long edge on the bottom of the board, and then milling down the top edge which would be able to fit snuggled into the grooved edge as the siding boards are overlapped on top of each other.
An added benefit to this type of siding is the overlapping edge on the grooved side of the board which then overlaps the adjoining piece. This small ledge is perfect for allowing any water to bead from the board and not slip into any nooks or crannies. Another benefit is the how it allows the wood to expand and contract with the temperature changes without compromising the structure.
Aesthetically it can provide a rustic appearance to the exterior of the home and the partial and overlapping beveled edge creates an interesting shadowline.
Tongue and Groove Siding.
Much like the Drop Channel siding, this can also be installed in any direction. As its name would suggest, each board is milled with a groove on one side and a corresponding tongue on the other to allow the planks to interlock securely together and create a smooth surface. This type of joinery is often used in antique wood flooring.
Split Logs.
The concept of the Split Logs is perfect for anyone who logs the log cabin look, but still loves their current more modern home. Regardless of the size of your home, this look can establish a cozy ambience and create a more inviting atmosphere. To create this look the wood must be sawed with the bar still attached. One side of the board retains its curved, natural log appearance, while the underside is flat so that it can be attached to the wall, giving the final appearance of logs.
It is quite common to provide a protective sealant to this type of siding to assist with sealing out moisture and preventing insects from venturing behind the panels. Maintenance is very similar as with any other type of Cedar Siding.
Board-and-Batten.
This historic style is commonly used on the exterior of barns and other farm buildings. Installed vertically, it is made up of alternating wide and narrow boards. The wide boards are spaced evenly across the exterior with the narrow boards nailed over the space between then. The batten is the narrow stip.
This particular style allows for greater expansion and contraction of the wood, developed by farmers who often used unseasoned wood and varying widths of boards. Nowadays the need for this not necessary as most wood used in siding has been properly seasoned. In the case of Cedar, it naturally resists this type of movement, which makes it so perfect to use as siding.
Shake Siding.
Shake Siding looks a lot like shingles but is thicker and more durable. Shake can more of a roughhewn cut to it, and are sometimes sawn by hand. Shakes can be purchased in 16, 18, or 24-inch lengths, and are usually attached to a sheathing starting at the bottom of the wall. Each layer overlaps the other, providing a very rustic, course look to the exterior of any home.
Because of the rough nature of the wood, it’s important to check building codes in your area to see if they are permitted to be used as the nature of the rough nature of the wood in some areas is cited as a fire hazard. It’s important to treat them with a fire-retardant just to be safe. If you are using anything but Cedar, it’s important to properly maintain them in case of splitting of insects. If left unstained, the weather effect on the Shakes provides a beautiful rustic aesthetic to the exterior of any home
Shingle Siding.
Shingle Siding is very similar to Shake expect that the shingles have been smoothed out and are more consistent, giving a slightly more modern look. This type of Siding was quite popular on Victorian homes and can be stained or painted depending on the desired look you want to achieve. They are easy to install and preferred for oddly shaped walls such as turrets.
Much like Shake, is recommended to have them treated with a fire-retardant and check building codes in your area to be sure that they are allowed. Often this type of siding is only prohibited in area that see frequent fires. Again, if you’re using Cedar, minimum maintenance will be required as the wood is already insect and rot resistant. And if left unsealed, will age nicely over time.
Come check out our huge selection of Cedar Siding, our experts will help answer all your questions to make sure you select the right siding for your home.
Nothing beats the beautiful rustic exterior of a home with Cedar shake siding. With so many newer more modern options many forget that unfinished Cedar wall shingles can easily last 50 years. And you can get even longer life with the right installation techniques. And if you’re looking for something which will give a long, maintenance-free life, then this is definitely what you’ve been searching for.
Benefits
Unlike siding, when Cedar shingles are installed correctly, any one spot on the wall may be three layers thick. Making sure they’re installed over a drainage mat or dimpled plastic sheet not only helps to prolong shingle lifespan, but it helps to hold the shingles away from wall sheathing so water can drain out.
This low-density softwood has an open cell structure, unlike other siding materials. It’s a terrific insulator. And because of the density, less heat is transported through the wood, which means less heat escaping your home during the winter, and less cool air escaping during the summer. The layer of the shingles also helps to create a natural acoustic barrier which is great if you live in the city near a high traffic area.
Style
But let’s be honest, most people don’t choose Cedar shake for all of its fabulous durable properties, but it’s style. Cedar shake or Cedar shingles do come in a variety of stains and textures. The natural look it offers blends well with your environment. There is a spectrum of patterns and styles including bevel, board and batten, channel, tongue and groove, and wavy edge bevel. In its unstained, unfinished natural state it offers a textured, grainy wood with a subtle aroma. But if you need a little colour in your life, you always have the option to paint it.
Maintenance
Sometimes maintenance can be a huge deal breaker when it comes to choosing which siding or shingles are best for your home. Maintenance is the equivalent to be told by your parents to clean your room when you’re perfectly happy with how everything looks. The great thing about Cedar is that it has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which mean you can leave the wood untreated without worry of warping, rotting, or cracking. However staining or painting won’t detract from these natural properties. However, the natural weathered appearance it attains over time is often a most desired look to attain. Which just proves its timelessness and durability. If you like the stained look you will need to re-stain or re-paint on a semi-annual basis.
Just like any other shingle or siding, basic maintenance will always be required. Like any other exterior, you’ll greatly expand the lifespan if you annually pressure wash it. Just be sure not to turn up the pressure too high or you could strip and damage the Cedar. Whether you own your own pressure washer or you rent one from your local hardware store, it’s probably the only major part of maintenance you’ll need to do other than checking for any loose or damage shingles from natural weather occurrences.
This long-lasting and attractive building material is available in a shake shingles or siding in our Coastal Western Red Cedar. Use it as an accent piece or cover your entire project. Whether you’re going for traditional rustic or sleek and modern, you’ll be find the beauty of Coastal Western Red Cedar provides an eye catching natural design aesthetic.
The appealing qualities of Western Red and Yellow Cedar siding are well-known to architects, engineers, and homeowners. Aesthetically pleasing in its natural state, consumers desire it for this quality alone, in addition to its pleasant wood scent. When maintained regularly, cedar wood also outlasts many other types of siding material. But one of the major reasons Cedar siding remains superior to other man-made siding options is because of its small environmental footprint.
Siding substances, such as concrete, steel, and composite, simply cannot beat cedar in the eco-friendly department.
BIODEGRADABLE
Cedar breaks down naturally to be absorbed back into the earth without the harmful effects of other man-made siding. Consumers can appreciate that when the cedar siding has come to its natural end that it won’t end up leaking toxins into the earth in a landfill.
ECONOMICAL
Since cedar maintains inherent protective properties, the siding will help insulate the home better, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs year-round. Although more expensive than certain siding material, the homeowner eventually saves in utility costs with cedar.
LEAST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Manufacturing wood produces less toxins and greenhouse gases than man-made siding materials. Therefore, air and water quality are not adversely affected by cedar siding.
LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION
As mentioned, the energy required to manufacture, transport, and install steel for example, is much higher than energy use for cedar. BC sourced Western Red Cedar siding simply does not require the same amount of energy to produce as other substances—definitely a winner in the ‘green’ department.
RECYCLABLE
Cedar wood is easily recycled (as wood chips for instance) and regenerated like no other material can be. Man-made materials often emit toxins into the air when manufactured and eventually get dumped into our landfills—not cool.
RENEWABLE
Wood may be replanted and harvested many times over. Indeed, it is the only building material that is 100% renewable. In BC alone, there is an average of 8 million seedlings planted annually. Most other used siding material is transported to a landfill. Meanwhile, cedar trees are replanted and continue to fill our air with more oxygen, while simultaneously reducing pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide. Cedar trees are a huge benefit to the green movement!
SAFE FOR HEALTH
Untreated cedar wood siding does not release any toxins into the air and it therefore safe for everyone’s health.
Certainly, builders select Western Red and Yellow Cedar siding for plenty of excellent reasons, including its less harmful environmental impact for future generations. Homeowners value nature-friendly cedar siding for not adding to the toxic build-up of material in our landfills and for leaving a more positive future ahead for their children than previous generations.
As a consumer, when you purchase Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products, you can appreciate that the wood is sourced from FSC® certified forests. Longhouse Specialty Forest Products maintains the FSC® certification by the Rainforest Alliance. Sustainable cedar forests are carefully managed in the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, purchasing cedar siding from Longhouse that is directly sourced from Vancouver Island is a win for everyone, including our planet.
