Replacing Original Cedar Gable Shingles in Lake Highlands (75238)
This project is located in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas, near the corner of Dartridge Drive and Fieldcrest in the 75238 zip code. This part of Lake Highlands, along with sections of 75231 and 75243, has a large number of homes built in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Many of those homes still have original cedar details, especially on the gable ends.
This was a repeat customer. We have completed two full roof replacements on this home over the years, as well as a roof on the homeowner’s parents’ home elsewhere in Lake Highlands. That type of long-term relationship is common for us in this area.
Original Cedar and Why It Was Replaced
The gable ends still had the original cedar shingles from around 1960. That lifespan is not unusual. Vertical surfaces tend to last much longer than roofing.
However, these shingles had reached the end of their useful life.
They were heavily deteriorated, with curling, splitting, and a worn, uneven appearance. Beyond aesthetics, the bigger issue was functional. The deterioration created openings that allowed animals, particularly squirrels, to access the attic. The gable ends had effectively become an entry point.
Each gable end was roughly 250 square feet.
Scope of Work
The project involved a full upgrade from a traditional wood system to a modern assembly:
- Tear-off and disposal of original cedar shingles
- Installation of new 1/2-inch OSB decking with radiant barrier
- Synthetic underlayment
- Installation of DaVinci shake in a staggered pattern
- Color selected: Autumn
Installing a solid deck is a key difference from the original construction. The new system is structurally tighter and more resistant to intrusion, both from weather and pests.
Why DaVinci Shake Was Selected
Once you remove wood shingles and bring the assembly up to current standards with decking and underlayment, the cost gap between different finish materials narrows.
DaVinci shake offers a combination of durability and appearance. It replicates the look of cedar without the ongoing deterioration that comes with natural wood. It also does not require painting or repainting.
DaVinci vs Hardie Siding
A common alternative is fiber cement siding, often referred to as Hardie.
- Hardie siding: lower material cost, but requires painting at installation and periodic repainting over time.
- DaVinci shake: higher upfront material cost, but no painting and minimal long-term maintenance.
From a long-term ownership perspective, the difference is not as large as it appears at first, especially once repainting cycles are considered.
Other Options Considered
There are several ways to address gable ends like this:
- Fire-treated wood shingles: closest to original appearance, but very expensive and difficult to source. In this case, it was the highest-cost option even without adding a new deck.
- T1-11 siding: the lowest-cost option. Installed in 4×8 sheets and typically painted. Functional, but does not match the original character of cedar shingles.
Each option has trade-offs between cost, appearance, and long-term maintenance.
A Local Note
This is a neighborhood we know well. John and Patti Bert live in Lake Highlands, and both of our sons graduated from Lake Highlands High School. Projects like this are part of the same community we are in every day.
This project is a good example of how older Lake Highlands homes can be updated in a way that preserves their original look while improving durability, reducing maintenance, and addressing real-world issues like animal intrusion.
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