White cedar shingles

I need to replace the shingles on the south side of my house and they are white cedar. I've been told that white cedar is not worth to put back on. They say to use red cedar but I'm affraid that it's not going to match the rest of the house and the price of red is almost 3 times the cost of white. Any comments?

Also I bought a bundle of white cedar ($40.00) at the big box store and it came with a information pamphlet that said you have to space them 1/8 " to 1/4 " apart. Again I was told that white cedar shrinks a lot. So do I space them according to the instructions or butt them tight so when they shrink there won't be a 1/2" gap between them? Thanks

 

Shingles should be installed acording to the manu. They swell-up quite a bit, allow for that. Shakes are even worse, with almost a 1/2" gap you'ld think it would leak, but no.

There is a house-hold chemical that color ages cedar shingles to almost white, matching the rest of the roof. It escapes me now.

Perhaps someone else knows? Be safe, GBAR

 

Ah, ha!

Aging or Weathering New Wood to a Silver Finish - Aging Wood For Miniature Buildings Using Vinegar

Be safe, GBAR