Nov 11 2008
This new innovation allows homeowners and builders to achieve the serene, sophisticated look of a shingle-style home more easily, efficiently and affordably than ever before.
Pre-finished shingle panels provide superior aesthetic and weathering qualities, eliminating headaches like weather delays and messes that can come with field finishing. Cedar Valley Shingle Panels by Michigan PreStain are factory finished with a proprietary process that applies an even coat to every panel. The coating is allowed to fully absorb for a thorough, beautiful finish.
The 8-ft. shingle panels can install up to four times faster than individual shingles, and at a more cost-effective rate since the simple installation requires no special training. Compared to hand-applied, field-finished shingles, installing Cedar Valley Shingle Panels by Michigan PreStain can net 34% savings.
"We put on about twice as much finish as a painter does," said Greg Troutt, owner of Michigan PreStain. "We ensure a uniform finish and everything is factory-controlled in our plant." Michigan PreStain's finishing process eliminates problems of shrink lines, lap marks, drips and overspray.
Experts say that if unfinished wood is exposed outside for six weeks, the life expectancy of the finish later applied is cut in half. "People are amazed by that, but it's common when a painter's hired to finish a shingle house as it's being built," said Troutt.
For lower-maintenance cedar siding, more builders and homeowners are turning to pre-stained panels. "Michigan PreStain panels look terrific and install easily. My framers love it," said Pete Gray, one of the owners of Executive Homes, an Indianapolis custom builder. "We've installed cement shakes, but they don't come close to cedar's rich look."
Executive Homes recently completed an 8,400 sq. ft. home featuring Michigan PreStain shingle panels. "Our client was thrilled. It gave them the absolute look they wanted, without having to field finish and do all the things that can leave a terrible mess," said Gray.
Another benefit for customers is Michigan PreStain's direct-to-site shipping, providing cost-savings, timely delivery and protective packaging. Michigan PreStain also offers sustainability while bringing the easiest, most affordable solutions for elegant shingle style. Durable water-based finishes are applied yielding extremely low emissions. Cedar Valley Shingle Panels by Michigan PreStain offer a five-year factory-finish warranty for semi-transparent colors and a 15-year warranty for solid colors.