How-To

Bending cedar shingles

By Mike Guertin Issue 178

Q:

I’m looking for tips on installing cedar-shake siding on a tight curve without splitting the shingles when they’re bent.

Bob Castavet, via email, None

A:

Contributing editor Mike Guertin replies: Soak the shingles in a pail of water overnight (or for a couple of days), then microwave them until they are steaming but not dried out (or on fire). Install them right away. I have an old microwave I found in someone’s trash and keep for winter job-site meals. It’s trashy, but it’s big: perfect for steaming shingles and heating up job-site pizza.

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Bending cedar shingles

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