subject: Roofers In St. Catharines Recommend Cedar Shingles [print this page] There are many different types of roofing materials on the market that appeal to a variety of tastes and budgets, but roofers in St. Catharines are increasingly suggesting cedar shingles to homeowners because they are beautiful, versatile and offer impressive advantages over most other materials.
Natural Beauty
The natural good looks of cedar shingles will give your home a high-end appearance that lasts for years. The color of the wood when installed by roofers in St. Catharines is initially a rich honey-red that will mellow over time to a wonderful silvery gray that looks great against brick, siding or stone. If you prefer a different color, the wood takes stains and paints well, so you can customize the look of your home's roof without compromising the natural appeal of the wood grain and the distinctive texture of the shakes. The long, fine grain and tight texture also contributes to the beauty of the wood.
Roofers in St. Catharines Appreciate the Durability
Roofing installers are recommending this attractive and versatile material because it's also incredibly durable. The thickness and weight of the wood actually contributes to the overall strength of your roof instead of simply sitting on top as a thin layer of covering. In many cases, it makes the structure up to 15% stronger. During high winds or heavy snowfalls, you can rest assured that your home won't collapse or come loose.
Cedar also contains natural oils that act as a preservative, protecting itself against decay, wood rot and even the onslaught of insect damage. This preservative quality is why people have stored clothing and linens in chests or closets made from this wood for hundreds of years. It's also why you might see roofers in St. Catharines working on your neighbor's homes two or three times before you have to replace yours.
Year Round Energy Savings
Cedar is an exceptional insulator. The heft and density of natural wood fibers are nature's form of insulation. During long, hot summers, the roof will reflect heat, keeping your home several degrees cooler. In winter months, the excellent insulating qualities will help prevent heat loss through the top of your house. You should see about a 20% reduction in your heating and cooling costs, according to roofers in St. Catharines.
Eco-Friendly
It cost significantly less to manufacture cedar shingles than asphalt ones, making them an eco-friendly alternative. They are also are the only roofing material that are 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable. Asphalt roofing, on the other hand, is petroleum based, making it a material that's undesirable for anyone concerned about minimizing their home's impact on the environment.
Stability
The structural integrity of cedar is unsurpassed. Even during the most severe changes in weather, your roof won't experience much shrinkage or swelling, making it the ideal material for homes in St. Catharines, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from season to season. Lesser quality roofing materials can buckle, crack and warp over time, but your shingles will stay looking great year after year.
It's obvious that there are many advantages to investing in an attractive and durable cedar roof, but no two homes are the same. Talk to a local roofer in St. Catharines to find out if it's the right choice for your home.
