Cedar wood makes for beautiful rooflines that evolve in appearance over time. Eastern white cedar gradually weathers into silvery-gray shades, while western red cedar wood can weather into a rich red-brown that gives homes a warm and inviting look. It's also possible to apply a coat of stain to color shingles or shakes to compliment your property's aesthetic. Cedar is a durable roofing material that lasts decades with proper maintenance and care.
Finding the right roofing material for your home can be tricky. If you're in the market for new roof installation or replacement, you might wonder if a cedar shake roof is the best choice.
In this article, we'll compare the benefits of cedar roofing against the most popular alternatives to help you make an informed decision.
Cedar Roofing: Is It Worth the Investment?
Manufacturers make cedar wood shingles and shakes with natural cedar wood. The primary difference between shakes and shingles is that shingles are smooth and thin, while cedar shakes are thicker and rougher in texture. Both provide an elegant look that can increase property value by boosting curb appeal.
During installation, contractors use a mix of shingles or shakes in slightly different sizes. Strategically installing panels with purposeful variations and imperfections creates an enchanting look that makes this roofing material so desirable.
A synthetic cedar shake roof will look similar to a natural one, but the shingles or shakes consist of polymers and recycled fibers. These are manufactured to look just like wood, and while the texture and pattern resemble the real thing, you can tell the difference up close and in their long-term performance.
Both types of shingles are worthwhile investments, although they come with different price tags and life spans, as with all roofing materials.
Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness of Cedar Roofing
A natural cedar shake roof is typically more expensive than most types of roofing. However, several factors will influence how much your cedar roof costs. The primary factors impacting cost are the type and quality of the wood, the size of the roof, and the roofing company you choose to rely on.
When choosing a roofing company, bear in mind that cheaper services might use lower-quality materials and substandard craftsmanship. In this case, there's a good chance that you'll spend a lot more on repairs in the long run. Instead, pay a trusted company a bit more for quality materials and superior expertise for a cedar roof that can last decades.
Durability and Life Span of Cedar Roofing
Generally speaking, cedar roofing can last 30 years or more with proper care and ongoing maintenance. Factors like material and installation quality, overhanging trees, and the condition and ventilation of the attic that lies just below all play a role in your roof's longevity.
Humidity, accumulated plant life and the sun can deteriorate the wood over time. Fortunately, homeowners can prevent deterioration with protective coatings. A roofing expert at Cedar Roof Coatings will use superior-quality products to preserve the condition of your natural cedar wood roof.
Well-maintained cedar offers long-term beauty and excellent insulation for your home. The natural thermal insulation of this roofing material helps prevent indoor air from escaping through the roof, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This wood also holds form in wet climates better than other materials thanks to its weather-resistant properties.
The Best Alternatives to Cedar Roofing
Metal, tile and asphalt are common alternatives to cedar. Each of these materials has different advantages and shortcomings to offer homeowners. While some are more durable, others are easier to maintain.
Metal Roofing: A Durable and Eco-Friendly Choice
Corrugated metal, zinc, aluminum, copper and galvanized steel are common metal roofing materials. These roofs are substantially more expensive than most traditional roofing materials, although they require far less repair work. Metal roofs are extremely durable, although when they do endure damage, repair costs are high. On the other hand, cedar wood is less expensive, although it needs a bit more maintenance over the years.
Metal is durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. However, this roofing material is quite noisy during rain and thunderstorms and comes with higher installation and repair costs. It's also not as thermally stable as wood. The metal expands and contracts when temperatures fluctuate, making some roof areas more fragile and potentially resulting in loud snapping sounds as its dimensions change.
Cedar roofing is an environmentally sustainable material. Because wood is organic, worn-down shingles and shakes that need replacing can be disposed of without representing any significant environmental threat. Additionally, used cedar is still valuable — since wood is biodegradable, it can become gardening mulch or be used in various other ways. Moreover, cedar is widely considered more attractive than metal.
Tile Roofs: Elegance and Longevity
Slate tile roofs offer exceptional longevity and elegance to a home, which can boost property value. However, this material is a bit harder to source and install compared to readily available cedar wood.
While slate tiles can last decades under ideal circumstances, they tend to break easily if struck. Contractors can replace single broken tiles instead of needing to repair larger sections, which means that entire tile roofs rarely need to be replaced. Even so, it's essential to prioritize routine inspections to have broken tiles replaced promptly.
Roof tiles are also quite heavy, so the building's structure must be able to support the weight of this kind of roof. In contrast, cedar wood is considerably lighter and suitable for most homes.
Asphalt Shingles: The Affordable and Popular Option
Organic materials and fiberglass together create asphalt roofing. Homeowners often prefer asphalt simply because it's the least expensive roofing material out there.
However, there are a few downfalls associated with this material. Asphalt is prone to algae growth, which is tricky to remove. This material is also less wind-resistant than cedar and it won't add much value to your home due to its lower cost. Cedar roofing might need more maintenance over time, but it increases property value in a way other materials do not.
While each of these roofing types offers distinct benefits, cedar roofing outshines most other roofing materials thanks to its longevity and beauty.
Choose Cedar Roofing for Your Home With Cedar Roof Coatings
A well-maintained cedar roof offers durability and natural insulation for your home. This roofing material is available in various options to complement unique property styles, and it's prized for its ability to boost property value and enhance curb appeal.
The team members at Cedar Roof Coatings are roofing industry experts. We offer specialized cedar roofing services ranging from installation to preservation. Contact us today to learn more about our services or book a consultation to discuss your cedar roofing project.
