Introduction 
About This Manual
The pages of this Manual are available in HTML web pages, in Adobe PDF format files, and in a hard copy. If you would like to purchase a hard copy, please contact our office by phone (604) 820-7700 or by e-mail info@cedarbureau.com.
The HTML pages vary slightly from the printed version in order to assist the viewer in navigation, but the technical content is identical to the printed edition of the Exterior and Interior Wall Manual, version July 2011.
Most images in the HTML pages are "thumbnail" size in order to ensure that these pages are a reasonable size for downloading.
The Adobe PDF files are derived directly from the printed edition of the Manual, and will take a longer time to download than the HTML pages. If your computer uses a slow modem, or if the web is experiencing heavy traffic, download times may be longer than expected.
To view or print the PDF version of the Exterior and Interior Wall Manual, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer. If you need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF format files, you can download the latest version for free from www.adobe.com.
If you have additional questions on cedar shake and shingle installation, check our Frequently Asked Questions page, and follow the links. We will be expanding these links in the future.
If you still have questions, or have comments or suggestions regarding the technical information on our web site, please send an e-mail to info@cedarbureau.com.
This manual is intended for use with Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar shingle and shake applications only. Western Red Cedar products manufactured by CSSB members are labeled with the "Certi" brand name. Alaskan Yellow Cedar products manufactured by CSSB members are labeled with "Yellow Cedar" at the top of their label. For ease of reference this manual refers to "Certi-labelTM Western Cedar" and the term is understood to include both Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar products manufactured by CSSB members.
Certi-labelTM Western Cedar shingles and shakes are the ideal exterior wall cladding for new construction and remodeling. They bring life in the form of beauty, texture, durability, insulative quality, and low maintenance to any building. Restyling with Certi-label Western Cedar shingles or sahkes is easily accomplishe, whether replacing the previous wall material (re-walling) or applying right over the existing wall (over-walling)
Exterior and Interior Walls Construction Manual
Material for this Manual has been compiled from various authoritative sources, and many of the construction methods shown herein have been developed by the shake and shingle specialists in both the United States and Canada. The design and application details and methods of construction reflect current good building practice. Other options are possible but ensure that you check with your local code jurisdiction for approval.
The information in this manual is not intended to supercede local building codes.
Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau History
On June 9, 1915, at a meeting of the Trustees of the West Coast Lumber Manufacturers Association, it was agreed to establish a branch of the association to serve those members who manufactured shingles. The Red Cedar Shingle Bureau was formed as a separate entity on June 1, 1923. In 1956, the Hand-Split Red Cedar Shake Association was formed. Our influence grew, and as we survived both the Great Depression and World War II, manufacturers continued their quality commitment. In 1963 the shake and shingle associations merged to become the Red Cedar Shingle & Handsplit Shake Bureau.
In the late 1980s, mill quality control inspections were subcontracted to independent, third party quality control agencies.
Each year the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau's staff answer thousands of technical questions and product selection queries. Our proud history, quality reputation and dedicated members provide excellent Certi-label Western Cedar shingle and shake siding and roofing products.
Certi-labelTM Products
Certi-labelTM Western Cedar shingles and shakes manufactured by members of the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau ("CSSB") are the only products labeled with the "Certi" brand name. Certi-label Western Cedar shingles and shakes are made by experienced craftsmen who take pride in their trade and the quality of their product. Despite their varying sizes and sometimes remote locations, member mills are bound together by a rigid quality code.
Unannounced independent inspections conducted by accredited third party agencies ensure that product quality is maintained. Products are inspected to conform with various local, national and international codes and standards (contact the CSSB for specific details).
All CSSB member product has the mill's distinctive Certi-labelTM tucked under the bundle strap or printed on the carton. Asking for "the blue label" or "number one blue label" is not specific enough: CSSB members' products are the only ones with the Certi brand name on the label.
Approved Installer Guidelines
Good workmanship is crucial to the integrity of any sidewall system. Installers should read this manual carefully and ensure that they follow proper workmanship practices. CSSB Approved Installers agree to follow the guidelines in this manual, or local code regulations, if stricter than the guidelines contained in this manual.
Application Note
Certi-labelTM Western Cedar shingles and shakes are applied on walls in a different manner than on roofs. The major point of difference is in permissible weather exposures - on walls the maximum weather exposure is greater than it is on roofs. A given area of wall, therefore, will require less material than the same area of roof.
Product Warranty
CSSB Approved Installer are able to offer the Manufacturer's Lifetime Limited Warranty. Consult warranty documentation for specific details.