5 facts about natural cedar roofs

Installing a roof is a big investment, especially if you intend to use good quality products like cedar in the structure. It’s a good idea to understand the material well so you can maintain it and ensure it lasts for a long time. Here are some facts about natural cedar roofs you need to know before you think of installing it on your property:

1. Are cedar shingles durable?

This is one of the biggest concerns most homeowners have because cedar roofs can be more expensive compared to the other options available in the market. Properly installed and well-maintained cedar shingles can easily last up to 20 to 40 years. In comparison, the more affordable asphalt shingles will only last for 15 to 20 years if they’re maintained well.

2. Why is cedar expensive?

Cedar is a natural material sourced from mature cedar trees. These trees take hundreds of years to mature so the resource is more limited. Cedar shingles also require a specific installation technique and the roof needs to be covered in felt before the shingles are installed on the surface. The felt will act a water barrier and ensure and protect the shingles as well as the interior of your home.

3. Shakes and shingles come in different forms

There are a number of shake and shingle options available to you so you can find something that fits your property design and architecture well. Your options include:

• Sawn shingles are sawn on both sides and give your roof a distinctive tailored appearance. They also look similar to shakes in appearance.
• Sanded shingles are thinner, smoother, and flatter in appearance so they give the roof a slightly seamless finish.
• Taper sawn shakes are similar to sawn shingles and are precisely cut on both sides to lay relatively flat against the roof surface.
• Hand-spilt shakes are thicker, bulkier, and give the roof a rougher and more organic feel. These shakes are more durable and expensive compared to other options available in the market.

4. Cedar roofs are eco-friendly

Most people are under the mistaken assumption that cedar roofs aren’t eco-friendly because they’re sourced from a natural resource that’s not easy to sustain. Most modern cedar is responsibly sourced and these trees are almost always being planted and grown because they’re so valuable. Cedar shingles are not a burden on the environment because they’re recyclable and bio-degradable. Even if you throw the shingles away, the material will decompose over time and add natural nutrition to the soil.

5. Cedar can withstand wind and hail

Cedar is a very resilient and strong material so it can withstand strong winds and hail without becoming damaged. Cedar roof is capable of enduring 120mph winds, which can be a category 2 or 3 hurricane. Natural cedar can also withstand hail the size of golf balls and eventually recover from any damage caused by the storm.

If you want to know more about cedar roofs, don’t hesitate to contact us at Emerald Cedar Contracting. You can fill in this contact us form and request a call back from us.