The cedar and timber shingle/shake system is suitable for a range of building applications and functions, including:

• Roofing – as lightweight roof cladding.
• Wall cladding – external vertical applications.
• Gables and bay windows – detailing around projections.
• Decorative cladding – accent or feature surfaces.
• Landscape buildings – roofs or walls on non-primary structures.
• Commercial buildings – appropriate for larger projects.
• Residential buildings – standard housing projects.
• Suitable for rainwater collection – untreated timber shingles can be specified to allow water harvesting.
• Compatible with modern paint systems – timber shingles will accept most contemporary coatings.
• Treated options available – with preservatives, repellents and colour retention coatings offered.

• Roof Pitch: Not suitable for roofs with a pitch less than 18°. Roofs with pitches between 18° and 30° require additional underlay and detailing in accordance with the manufacturer’s technical literature.
• Installation Requirements: Must be installed strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation manual, including specified fixing methods, sub-framing, ventilation provisions, flashings and underlays. Non-compliant installation may compromise weathertightness and durability.
• Exposure Conditions: In severe exposure zones or adverse microclimatic conditions (including high wind, salt-laden air or persistently damp environments), additional design consideration and detailing may be required. Specialist advice should be sought where conditions exceed standard exposure assumptions
• Rainwater Collection: Where preservative-treated shingles or shakes are used, rainwater collected from the roof is not suitable for potable use. Untreated timber options may be specified where rainwater harvesting is required, subject to local authority acceptance.
• Maintenance: Timber shingles and shakes are a natural material and require ongoing inspection and maintenance to achieve their intended service life. Failure to maintain may affect long-term performance and appearance.
• Use Outside Scope: Not suitable for applications outside those described in the manufacturer’s Scope of Use or where Building Code performance requirements cannot be met.

When designed, specified, installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s technical documentation, timber shingles and shakes will meet or contribute to compliance with the following clauses of the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC):

• B1 Structure: When fixed to an appropriate supporting structure designed to NZBC requirements, timber shingles and shakes will contribute to compliance with NZBC B1 for structural performance under imposed wind and self-weight loads.
• B2 Durability: Timber shingles and shakes, when installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and maintained as required, will meet the durability performance requirements of NZBC B2.3.1(a), with a minimum serviceable life of 15 years for roof and wall cladding systems.
• E2 External Moisture: When used as an external roof or wall cladding system and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s technical literature, including detailing, fixings, underlays and flashings, timber shingles and shakes will satisfy the performance requirements of NZBC E2.3.2 for preventing the penetration of water that could cause undue dampness or damage to building elements.
• F2 Hazardous Building Materials: Timber shingles and shakes, when used as intended and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s documentation, comply with NZBC F2.3.1 by not presenting a health hazard to building occupants

Timber shingles and shakes have been used in New Zealand and internationally for many decades and, when correctly specified, installed and maintained, have demonstrated satisfactory in-service performance as roof and wall cladding systems, including in coastal environments.