Cedar Roofing
When it comes to exceptional beauty and eco-friendliness, Cedar wood shingles and shakes stand above all other types of roofing. Their architecturally enhancing appearance, strength, stability, and resistance to the elements, make it a wise choice for many homeowners. And, unlike other roof choices that have a more tailored look, cedar roofs present a more natural rustic or roughhewn appearance that is warm and inviting. This is especially true when they gracefully age to a grayish silver brown tone that blends into the natural beauty of their surroundings.
Like other roof types, there are pros and cons worth considering before deciding to install a cedar roof. For cedar, its exceptional beauty and durability come with a higher price tag than an asphalt shingle but cost less than tile or slate. They also require more frequent inspections. Afterall, wood is an organic material that can be prone to naturally occurring elements, cracks, or curls in extreme conditions.
To help avoid these things, it’s suggested that only high-quality dense cedar shingles with straight grains be installed, and regular inspections scheduled to spot possible areas of concern. But without a doubt, the most important thing one can do is when considering a cedar roof is to consult with a qualified installer that has years of expertise. They can determine if it’s a good fit for your project and provide pertinent information on maintenance and what to look for over the life of the installation. Because cedar shakes and shingles are naturally made, there are typically no manufacturer warranties available. This leaves you with only your roofing contractors’ expertise and workmanship warranty.
At DNB roofing, our experts know cedar roofing, and we can help ensure your investment lasts the 20 plus years it was intended too. In addition to cedar roofs, we also install sidewalls and fancy cut shingles to add interesting design features and unique curb appeal.
What is the composition of cedar roofing?
Cedar roofing is cut from cedar trees. Cedar options typically include western red or northern white cedar. To make shingles, large cedar trees are cut into two-foot sections and hand split or sawn into a tapered thickness. Hand split shingles are less uniform while a mechanically sawn shingle is smoother and more uniform in appearance. Cedar also comes in various grades and weights.
For example, some manufacturers will separate shingles into: Common, Select, and 100% straight grain. Common is the least expensive and is the most inferior of the 3 types. Conversely, 100% straight grain is the most expensive, hand selected for quality, and doesn’t tend to curl. Select is typically a combination of 20% common and 80% straight grain. Other than grade, thickness is also a differentiator. The thicker the material, the more rustic the appearance, and the more expensive the roofing becomes.
How are they installed and sold?
Cedar shingles are typically priced in “squares” of 100 square feet but may also be sold in smaller bundles. Cedar roofing is typically installed using nails to fasten the shingle to the roof structure. Stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized, or aluminum are the best choices. The use of common nails is not recommended as they will lead to the eventual bleeding or rusting over time, causing stains and premature deterioration of the fastener itself.
What types are available?
Natural cedar roofing is typically sold as a shingle or a shake. Shingles are more uniform in appearance and are cut using machinery while shakes are cut by hand to produce a more rustic look. Shakes are used primarily for roofs only, while shingles are more commonly used for both roofs and walls.
Are cedar roofs a good investment?
Yes. Cedar roofing is a great choice for many homeowners. Its aesthetic charm and long-term durability make it a great choice when price is not a limiting factor. Being environmentally friendly and sustainable, a cedar roof is eco-friendly and recyclable. When your roof reaches the end of its useful life, it can easily be disposed of, and will degrade without any threat to the environment.
To learn more about our expertise in wood roofing, contact us via this website or by phone during regular business hours.
