The Pros And Cons Of Traditional Cedar Shake Roofing

Traditional cedar shake roofs provide beauty and a very interesting

, dimensional appearance that has yet to be replicated by synthetic roofing material. Cedar shake installation is nearly a lost art since the skill set required for installation is much more involved that that of modern asphalt shingles.

The advantages of traditional cedar shingles include the inherent beauty of real wood shingles cut from actual cedar trees and artfully attached to the most pronounced portion of a home. A cedar roof has interesting, natural dimensions on every square inch of surface area. Although uniformly installed, each shingle has its own character, color, and texture. This is a look most asphalt shingle manufacturers have been trying to replicate for nearly a century. Many asphalt shingles are advertised to have superior dimension and color variation to mimic traditional shake roofs. Nonetheless, its hard to argue that an asphalt roof is as picturesque as a cedar shake roof.

Even though the cedar shake is as traditional as it comes for roofing material, modern advances in underlayment allows for incredible durability when paired together. Traditional cedar shake roofs can last anywhere from 20 to 80 years, depending on the skill of the carpenter, the quality of shingle, and the quality of the underlayment. Builders did not have the luxury of using asphalt underlayment 100 200 years ago, much less the synthetic underlayment that has surfaced in recent years. Yet, cedar roofs where known to last for decades. Today, we have advantages in underlayment technology. Synthetic underlayment and quality ice and water barrier underlayment will outlast a cedar shingle. That is a wonderful thing to consider knowing a cedar shingle can withstand 80 to 100 years of weathering before it completely disintegrates. Even if your shingles fail, the underlayment will not; keeping your roof and home watertight.

Cedar shakes are wonderful, but beware of the drawbacks. For one thing, cedar shakes are relatively expensive to buy and install. The material itself is expensive and installation is much more labor intensive when comparing it to modern asphalt shingle roofing. Expect to pay 3 4 times more for a cedar roof versus an asphalt shingle roof.

Another point to consider is that not everyone can install a cedar roof correctly. Just about anyone can follow the manufactures instructions and produce a decent quality asphalt shingle roof. When it comes to traditional roofing, not everyone has the skill set necessary to get it right. The consumer must do their homework and find a true craftsman with an unblemished reputation. Finding a traditional roofer that is willing to incorporate modern underlayment technology can also be a difficult task. Many traditional roofers are traditionalists at heart, and cast aside modern technology simply because it is not traditional.

Other drawbacks of cedar shakes are that it truly is a natural product with all sorts of flaws and imperfections, unlike synthetic material. Also, the natural material attracts bees, bugs, birds, and critters that consider all the nooks and crannies to be wonderful places to build nests or homes. Depending on who you talk to, cedar roof need maintenance. Many believe the roofs should be treated with a sealer every 5- 10 years to preserve the shingles. Having the roof sealed is yet another expensive endeavor.

Traditional cedar shakes have both advantages and disadvantages that home owners must consider before going ahead with installation. The unmatched beauty and longevity of a cedar roof must be weighed against the increased costs and maintenance.

by: Wisconsin Contractor

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