Rhode Island’s Oakland Farms condo 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 condominiums, committed to preserving key elements of its history, such as original stone horse fences and green pastoral landscapes.

The Challenge

Jean Sanders, Condo Association President of Oakland Farms II 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. In 2022, 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 buildings. Sanders, and the other residents of Oakland Farms II, knew they needed to replace the deteriorated cedar shingles that had once given each unit its native New England look.

Bill Flynn, another Oakland Farms II resident, attested to the need for the upgrade. “The cedar shakes had given out to premature wear and tear.” While doing their research, the residents learned that today’s natural cedar shingles are new growth and are prone to faster rot, curling, and discoloration than old growth cedar.

Why Beach House Shake

The challenge they faced was finding a cedar shingle replacement that would have the undeniable appearance of natural cedar shingles that would 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 thorough consideration, Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, emerged as the ideal choice. In addition to the appearance the homeowners demanded, Beach House Shake, unlike natural cedar shingles, will not discolor. Beach House Shake has unparalleled durability and will 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 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.

Caroline Crouch, 90, an original resident of Oakland Farms II, commented that she loves the area’s history, but realizes the need for modernization. “I’ve seen repairs and so much work over the 28 years I’ve lived here,” Crouch said. “Technology has evolved over the years and why labor over your home when this composite looks so authentically like cedar.”

Her daughter-in-law, Lori Corbishley, who moved to Oakland Farms with her husband eight years ago, said, “People come in and look at the newly installed Beach House Shake and say, ‘We wish we had done this ourselves.’ I think everyone recognizes this is the wave of the future, so we’re pleased that we did it.”

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.

Research conducted by the condo association revealed several compelling reasons to opt for composite shingles over natural cedar shingles. Ralph Bruno, CEO of Tando Composites, the manufacturer of Beach House Shake, emphasized the architectural precision and longevity of the product. According to Bruno, “Oakland Farms II in Portsmouth, RI, is a flagship job for Beach House Shake for many reasons. This is a very smart and progressive homeowners association. They recognized that not only is today’s cedar not what old growth cedar used to be, they also did their research and understood that composite technology is revolutionizing home exteriors.”

Installation

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.

“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.

Luke Poisson, Assistant Project Manager at SPS, echoed the sentiments of the installation crew. “Its composite structure and pre-designated cut lines streamlined the process, making it a significantly faster installation than traditional cedar shingle. Cost-wise, you end up using less fasteners as well.”

Liam Holden, another Assistant Project Manager at SPS, highlighted the extent of rot discovered underneath the old cedar shingles, emphasizing the need for a material with durability and moisture resistance.

The Finished Result

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.

The post Condo Complex Makeover appeared first on Tando Composites.

Dennis Choiniere’s 48-year career with Eastern Heating and Cooling in Albany, NY has honed his skills in technical installation, problem solving, and leadership. He worked his way up the ranks to become a Senior Technician and Service Supervisor, focused on troubleshooting and training recruits. With help from subcontractors, his connection to the pro trades helped Choiniere take on the challenge of renovating his family vacation home in Pottersville, NY, part of the Schroon Lake Region of the Adirondack Mountains.

Located on a 6-acre, wooded, river-front lot, Choiniere purchased the place in 2020 knowing that the exterior was way overdue for renovation. The siding and trim had become weathered, and water-damaged over time, which would require significant work to restore its original charm.

The Challenge

“We started in February with replacement windows and new sliding doors,” said Choiniere. “Then it was time to deal with the original cedar shake, which had rotted, mildewed, and turned dark over the years.”

“I considered the option of cleaning and repainting the shake,” he explained, “and some neighbors even suggested tackling one side of the house each year—which would take four years! That cycle seemed like it would never end, and look awful, so I started looking for replacement siding.”

Finding Beach House Shake

After researching several options, Choiniere consulted with a friend who had renovated a vacation place on the shores of Lake George, another popular lake retreat in the Adirondack region. His friend sent him photos of the home’s exterior, which had been updated with Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle from Tando Composites.

“I really liked the photos, so I drove down to get a closer look, and sure enough, it looked like real cedar shingles. I took a few panels up to our place and held them against the house. That was it—nothing out there had those color and texture variations that would give the authentic individual cedar shingle feel.

Upstate New York’s Adirondack region first became popular in the late 1800s when New York City industry moguls commissioned architects to design palatial summer vacation homes with a Swiss Chalet motif. Those opulent influences are still part of the region’s landscape, along with more natural, earthy designs that were built in Craftsman fashion and Vernacular, a style that drew from readily available local materials like wood, stone, and vine.

Along with the iconic Adirondack chair, the region’s eclectic woodsy look has endured, and Choiniere and his wife, Donna, wanted their improvements to reflect that aesthetic.

“We wanted a quality look that would last and look like the day it was installed, and we got an amazing result from the Beach House Shake Pacifica,” Choiniere remarked. “And the Beach House Shake corners complemented the shake and gave it that seamless natural look—a “wow” factor that made it look that much more like real cedar. The overall effect blends in well with our surroundings.”

Installation

Although his family plans to use the home year-round, Choiniere and his subcontractors worked from late winter through early summer to get ready for the peak warm weather months. To gain proper access to the steep, upper level of the multi-storied structure, he rented hydraulic lifts. He also faced challenges from the irregular angles of contemporary design, which created several hard-to-reach niches.

“The 3-foot lightweight panels made it much easier to handle, compared to a cedar shake,” he noted, “especially with the heights we were dealing it. It saved time and allowed one person to be up there installing, as opposed to two, which would have been much more cumbersome.”

Albany-based Erie Materials supplied 36 square (3,600 sq. ft.) of Beach House Shake for the project. The Tando Composites supplier has provided superior customer service to its clients since 1973.

“I worked with Rob Orsino from Erie Materials throughout the process,” stated Choiniere. “He supplied and delivered the materials in a timely manner as well as helped with color selections as we decided on corners and trim.”

The Finished Result

Unlike traditional cedar shingles, Beach House Shake panels will not discolor or fade over time. The authentic composite shingle gives the undeniable look of cedar shingles, with the added assurance that the visual appeal will endure for the life of the home. Beach House Shake also meets Miami-Dade County High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards to mitigate the harsh variations in New York’s Adirondack Mountain weather patterns.

Completed in time for the Fourth of July festivities, the Choiniere family was able to focus on enjoying the peaceful Adirondack vibe and outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, and fishing on Schroon Lake.

“This is a special place for our kids and grandkids to gather for many years to come,” Choiniere reflected. “We wanted a one-and-done maintenance-free place, and that’s what we achieved. Now, there is nothing to paint on the exterior and there won’t be any trim touch-ups down the road. Any additional cost is offset by the elimination of never-ending maintenance.”

Beach House Shake is available in four natural shades: Choiniere’s choice, Pacifica, which resembles the look of freshly cut western red cedar; Sandcastle, which delivers the look of fresh eastern white cedar; Atlantica, a silvery gray which replicates the charm of a New England cottage; and Hatteras, a deeper gray reminiscent of a classic seaside retreat or farmhouse.

“Everybody loves it,” Choiniere enthused. “Our place is right on the river, and we’ve had boaters go by and slow down to tell us how much they like the place. We get so many compliments from anyone who visits. People get up close to touch it thinking it’s real cedar shake. I would recommend it to anyone who has a similar project.”

The post Vacation Home Renovation appeared first on Tando Composites.

Atlanta native and home improvement expert Chip Wade is in the final stages of the exterior remodel of his 11,000 sq. ft. home in Cumming, GA. The exterior was originally clad with natural cedar shake, but it had visibly discolored and deteriorated over the years. Unwilling to compromise on the beautiful appearance and architectural precision of the exterior, Chip selected Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, to refresh his home’s exterior.

“When we built this house, we loved the warmth and charm of the natural cedar shakes,” explains Chip. “But over the years, even with a protective coating on them, they started to turn dark, split, cup, and pit-out. We still demand the undeniable appearance of natural cedar shingles so we’re ripping all the cedar off and replacing them with Beach House Shake composite shingles. We’ll get the beauty of natural cedar shingles, but none of the drawbacks.”

Why Beach House Shake

Unlike natural cedar shingles, which discolor quickly and unevenly, Beach House Shake is long-lasting, ensuring that it will stay looking like the day it was installed for the life of the home. With architecturally accurate sizing, texture, grain patterns, and saw cuts, Beach House Shake is indistinguishable from natural cedar, offering the on-trend look of traditional natural cedar shingles.

Wade selected Beach House Shake’s Sandcastle color to have the look of fresh eastern white cedar that he loves. And, thanks to the advanced composite technology of Beach House Shake, the realistic texture and natural cedar appearance that brightens and accentuates the home’s architectural details are guaranteed to last.

Installation

Setting a new standard for appearance, performance, and ease of installation, Beach House Shake’s installs significantly faster and are easier to install than individually nailed-in cedar shingles. Chip wanted to get ahead of the winter season and the installation is nearly complete.

“When installing traditional shingles, culling, sorting, and cutting individual pieces can be incredibly time-consuming,” explains Chip. “The cool part about Beach House Shake is that it cuts so easily. We used a circular saw, but you can use an oscillating tool, jigsaw, or any saw you would use with wood. Also, Beach House Shake panels are lightweight, which makes it easier and faster to install. These panels will last the entire lifetime of the structure. There’s not a downside.”

More Natural Styles

Beach House Shake comes in three other natural styles to suit individual preferences and architectural aesthetics. These include Atlantica, a silvery gray reminiscent of bleached cedar shingles; Hatteras, a deeper gray inspired by southern coastal regions; and Pacifica, a fresh western red cedar.

Wade has been documenting his progress on Wade Works Creative blog and his Instagram and Facebook.

The post Whole House Refresh appeared first on Tando Composites.

Brooke Russell, a Michigan-based professional designer and social influencer at @Brooke.Casa.Del.Sol selected Beach House Shake, the authentic composite shingle, for her coastal-inspired lakeside cottage as part of its ongoing remodel. Documenting upgrades to the home on Instagram, Brooke takes her followers along as she renovates her home with innovative product solutions and her DIY expertise.

Why Beach House Shake

“We discovered Beach House Shake on Instagram and fell in love with its Cape Cod shingle aesthetic,” explained Brooke. “I’m a big fan of coastal design, so when we saw Beach House Shake’s Atlantica, I knew it was the look we were trying to achieve. It really gives us the look of natural cedar shingles.”

Beach House Shake in Atlantica provides the silvery tones of bleached cedar shingles reminiscent of a New England seaside home. With the charm and beauty of natural cedar shingles, Beach House Shake delivers realistic color variations along with genuine grain and saw cut patterns. Its architecturally precise 5” re-squared and rebutted lines create individual shingles as unique as they are beautiful. And, unlike her home’s old siding that had deteriorated after years of humid summers, frigid winters and lake-effect snow, Beach House Shake’s unmatched durability and proven performance means it will stay looking like the day it was installed for years to come.

“When I’m picking materials for our projects, moisture resistance is super important by default,” said Brooke. “For protection against the elements, I’m always looking for durable products that can resist damage as well as endure our harsh winter weather.”

Approved by Miami-Dade County for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), Beach House Shake offers peace of mind along with curb appeal regardless of climate. Its innovative composite technology will never discolor, crack, or be damaged by moisture. And, by pairing Beach House Shake’s Atlantica with high-performance door, window, and trim products, Brooke revived her home’s exterior with materials that go beyond wood to stand up to everyday use and look beautiful year-round.

Installation

Installed by Troy Blasen and Patrick Holton of Blasen Group LLC, the contractors only had to measure and cut panels to size, lock them in place, and nail with standard fasteners. Although Blasen Group was new to working with Beach House Shake, they found the installation process to be straightforward. They noted that even though Beach House Shake looks like individually nailed-in shingles, it installs in panels, making it fast and easy for their crew.

The post Updated Coastal Cottage appeared first on Tando Composites.