Madera is a standard weight version of the popular Cedarlite tile that provides a stronger, less expensive solution that looks almost identical to the Cedarlite. Both tiles have similar fire resistance and long life expectancy but the Madera tiles will handle foot traffic, hail impact and sliding snow better. Where the roof structure is not adequate and cannot be reinforced to support standard weight tiles, Cedarlite is the preferred solution. Q: I am contemplating installing your Cedarlite product on my home which currently has wood shake. Is this a project a handy homeowner can take on? I have built barns, roofed sheet metal barns and cabins, and done asphalt shingling. Some specific questions: How do you cut the tiles? Do you have to paint the cut edges if you don’t want rake tiles? Is there a time limit from receipt of tile to installation (like Firefree tiles where they become too brittle to install)? I am installing on a 2″ X 6″ t&g roof deck and I don’t want to use battens.