The replacement shingles matched the historic shingles and were of such high quality that little hand dressing was needed at the site. Photo: John Ingle.

The following information is needed in order to develop accurate specifications for a replacement shingle:

Original wood type (White Oak, Cypress, Eastern White Pine, Western, Red Cedar, etc.)

Size of shingle (length, width, butt thickness, taper)

Exposure length and nailing pattern (amount of exposure, placement and type of nails)

Type of fabrication (sawn, handsplit, dressed, beveled, etc.)

Distinctive details (hips, ridges, valleys, dormers, etc.)

Decorative elements (trimmed butts, variety of pattern, applied color coatings, exposed nails)

Type of substrate (open shingle lath or sheathing, closed sheathing, insulated attics, sleepers, etc.)

Replacement roofs must comply with local codes which may require, for example, the use of shingles treated with chemicals or pressure-impregnated salts to retard fire. These requirements can usually be met without long-term visual effects on the appearance of the replacement roof.

The accurate duplication of a wooden shingle roof will help ensure the preservation of the building's architectural integrity. Unfortunately, the choice of an inappropriate shingle or poor installation can severely detract from the building's historic appearance. There are a number of commercially available wooden roofing products as well as custom roofers who can supply specially-made shingles for historic preservation projects. Unless restoration or reconstruction is being undertaken, shingles that match the visual appearance of the historic roof without replicating every aspect of the original shingles will normally suffice. For example, if the historic wood species is no longer readily available, Western Red Cedar or Eastern White Pine may be acceptable. Or, if the shingles are located high on a roof, sawn shingles or commercially available shakes with the rustic faces factory-sawn off may adequately reproduce the appearance of an historic handsplit and dressed shingle.