Made from injection-molded polymer, CertainTeed’s Sawmill Shingles are a handsome addition to the growing number of man-made siding options on the market these days. The 12-in.-long shingles are produced in seven widths—sized from 4 in. to 8 in.—to mimic the randomized look of wood shingles, and are intended for a 5-in. exposure. The shingles are available in 24 colors, a mix of wood tones and solids. The solid colors are the most convincing when up close, but all of the options look more real than any vinyl siding I’ve seen. Some of this can surely be credited to the surface detailing on the shingles, from the replicated saw marks on the surface to the subtle parallel grain on the butt ends. The shingles cut with a knife or saw and install with nails or staples, just like real cedar, but because they are hollow-backed they must butt against corner boards. Woven corners are not an option, but CertainTeed does offer preformed corner shingles to create a mitered look. Cost is said to be slightly higher than Number 1 Grade, Blue Label cedar shingles.
—Justin Fink, editorial director
From Fine Homebuilding #285
