Installing a cedar shake roof may cost up to three times more than a standard asphalt roof, but it truly offers your home a unique look. If you are considering cedar shakes or shingles, read on to learn more!
If you’re not a professional roofer, talking about cedar shake roof shingles can sometimes be confusing. That’s because, while they sound like they’re the same thing, cedar shakes and cedar shingles are two different types of roofing materials.
Cedar shakes appear more rustic than cedar shingles because they are typically hand split, giving it a thicker texture and a more irregular shape; no two shingles are alike. Cedar shingles, on the other hand, are more precisely sawn, making them thinner and more uniform looking. You may have considered cedar shingles for your home’s siding before, but cedar shakes are the more popular choice when it comes to roofing!
Cedar shake roofs give homes a beautiful, natural look. It offers a very distinct style that is typically popular for historical homes and other traditional style homes. In fact, for some of these homes, not having a cedar shake roof may reduce their property value.
Aside from just how it looks, though, there are other benefits to cedar shake roofs. Cedar shakes are an eco-friendly and natural insulator for homes, like slate roofing, but much less expensive to produce or repair. They are considered energy efficient because they don’t absorb UV-light like asphalt shingles or metal roofs. They stand up to wind very well, too.Â
Cedar shake roofs require slightly more maintenance than regular asphalt roofs. Just like any type of roof, we always recommend getting routine inspections to watch for any small repairs to be made. Because cedar shakes are installed per piece, it’s possible to replace single shingles at a time. But if you wait too long to fix a small problem, your repair could become more costly overtime.
Because cedar shakes are made of wood, they need to be treated with sealer and fire retardant every 5-10 years. This will help prevent moisture deterioration and allow your cedar shake roof to last over 30 years. You can also restain your roof if the colors start to fade or to update the color of your roof.
Have more questions about whether or not a cedar shake roof installation is the right one for your home? Call IBEX Roof today! Our mission is to deliver quality service to all of our customers. Reach our Vancouver office at 360-218-3194, our Lacey office at 360-352-1885, or fill out our online form for a free roofing estimate.