Homeowners Collaborate to Upgrade 30 Home Exteriors from Rotting Natural Cedar to Composite Shingles
Rhode Island’s Oakland Farms community boasts a rich history dating back to 1644 when Thomas Cornell was granted 100 acres of land in Portsmouth, RI. That property eventually became Oakland Farms. In the late 19th century, Cornelius Vanderbilt assumed ownership of the remarkable estate and brought his vision of a “Gentleman’s Farm” to life.
Under the Vanderbilt family, Oakland Farms became the largest horse-driving ring in America, hosting polo matches and breeding show horses. By 1984, the farm was purchased to become a complex of single-family homes, committed to preserving key elements of its history, such as original stone horse fences and green pastoral landscapes.
Jean Sanders, resident and association president, describes the historic property as a place of solitude, close to Rhode Island’s coastline while tucked into a rural woodland environment. It was this beauty that attracted Sanders to Oakland Farms ten years ago. The home exterior renovations were completed earlier this year after it became clear that the exteriors of the 30 homes needed an update. In addition to looking terribly discolored, the cedar shingles were cupped, cracked, and many of the shingles were falling off the homes. Sanders, and the other residents knew they needed to replace the deteriorated cedar shingles that had once given each unit its native New England look.
Bill Flynn, another resident, attested to the need for the upgrade. “The cedar shakes had given out to premature wear and tear,” he said. While doing our research, we learned that today’s natural cedar shingles are new growth and full of moisture, therefore prone to faster rot, curling, and discoloration than old-growth cedar.”
The challenge they faced was finding a cedar shingle replacement that would have the appearance of natural cedar shingles but preserve the historic aesthetic that is part of the fabric of Oakland Farms. The association was not willing to compromise on this beauty. After lots of research and consideration with their general contractor, Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, emerged as the ideal choice. They needed a material that, unlike natural cedar shingles, would not discolor or crack, and stay looking like the day it was installed for the life of the home. Sanders explained the decision-making process:
“The original shingles were in mixed condition depending on the amount of exposure. None of the shingles on my home had been replaced, so there were some areas where they were curled and felt brittle, like toast,” she explained. “We looked at fresh natural cedar, which had already rotted here once, and an imitation cedar that was very flat, monochromatic, and not realistic to the homeowners. Then our construction team, Schernecker Property Services (SPS), presented Beach House Shake, a composite shingle. It has variations, saw cuts and texture that looks just like natural cedar shingles minus all the problems.” She also noted the product’s corner pieces that give the chimneys a finished look. Another pivotal factor in the decision-making process was the range of Beach House Shake natural colors available. The community ultimately chose the “Hatteras,” a rich gray natural shingle that looks like perfectly weathered eastern white cedar. The runner-up was “Atlantica,” a light silvery grey which perfectly replicates bleach oil cedar shingles that are so popular on the Cape.
Max Barrett, Project Manager at SPS, found Beach House Shake to be more cost-effective in terms of installation and a long-term investment for homeowners. He said the most labor-intensive part of the job was ripping the old, moisture-damaged cedar off of 30 homes.
“We like to offer the customer less maintenance and costs over time. Beach House Shake’s efficiency in installation allowed the project to proceed quickly with minimal disruption to homeowners. It looks like individual shingles that were nailed in,” said Barrett.
SPS took the low-maintenance and weather resistance a step further with the building and accessory materials. They installed white AZEK PVC trim and columns on all of the homes, which offset the gray color and added to the classic New England look. They also used TimberTech/AZEK Deking in slate gray with white Certainteed Landmark Pro roofing in Pewterwood, completed the look, along with Therma-Tru entry doors. “SPS used the very best in materials, because longevity was top of mind for our community.”
Sanders and her neighbors agree that the transformation at Oakland Farms II ensures the community continues to stand as a testament to Rhode Island’s rich history while embracing modern technology and materials. As the impressive 30-home upgrade from natural cedar to Beach House Shake is being completed, not only is the community’s historic aesthetic preserved but the long-term durability will help ensure its legacy continues for generations to come.
