The author prefers R&R shingles because their parallel sides and square butts make them faster to install.
Shingles are graded and labeled according to their grain and sapwood content.
When the installation includes housewrap, the author applies an additional layer of Grade D building paper as the shingles go up.
The building paper protects the wrap from the water-soluble extractives in red cedar.
To speed production, shingles are sorted into piles spaced 3 or 4 feet apart along the wall with the tips oriented in the same direction.
"Mules" that slip underneath the installed siding are handy for holding extra shingles.
The author's crew uses both 7/16-inch crown staplers fasten shingles.
The crew also uses coil siding nailers to fasten shingles.
For handwork, they use siding hatchets, which are also helpful for sizing and trimming shingles.
Nail strippers have slots for the points of nails to drop through; a quick shake and the nails are lined up and ready to go.
Stacking boards allow the author’s crew to quickly install straight, consistent courses without having to measure every course or snap chalk lines. For 5-inch exposure shingles, the author rips the stacking boards to 4 15/16 inches.
To help prevent leaks, shingles should be notched around corners and scribed to fit tightly against the trim.
A 1-by board laid on the roof before shingling the wall above it creates a straight and consistent 3/4-inch gap between the siding and roofing after the board is removed.