Date: October 2022
A cedar roof is a high-end roofing system made from natural wood shingles. While it serves the same functions as an asphalt or metal roof, it is one of the more visually appealing roofs you will come across. Throughout this post you will find vital information regarding cedar roofs that will help you determine if a cedar roof is right for you.
Pros
Long-Lasting Beauty
Cedar is a unique roofing material and can add significant beauty and style to the exterior of your home. The natural colour of cedar changes with age and begins to darken to give a more rustic appeal. In comparison to other roofing materials, cedar shingles are very durable. They are not as brittle as clay, asphalt or slate shingles which allows it to be more resistant to all types of weather that we face here in Canada. The beauty of using cedar shingles is that the wood expands easily to changes in temperature making it a very adaptable shingle for all conditions throughout the year.
Customizable
Like asphalt and metal roofs, cedar roofs can be offered in a select number of colours including red, white, and natural brown. If that is not enough, there is additional freedom when it comes to selecting size, thickness, and grain of your shingles to create you own custom look.
Naturally Insulating
Because heat naturally rises, your roof is critical in maintaining the internal temperature of your home. The natural thermal insulating properties of cedar shingles prevent air from passing through. This keeps your home nice and warm during those cold winter months and cooler in the hottest days of summer. The natural insulation of cedar wood outperforms asphalt shingles and are normally lighter in colour which allows light to reflect heat in a more efficient manner.
Increased Value to your Home
When compared to other home improvements or upgrades, a cedar roof can provide an excellent return on investment. Its inherent ability to insulate and maintain the temperature of a building can immediately reduce your energy costs and add energy efficiency as a benefit of purchasing your home. In general, a newer roof will have an ROI of approximately 60-70% of cost based on asphalt shingles. However, the ROI of a cedar roof hovers around 75 or even 80% depending on the house and the cost of the roof.
Cons
Costly
Cedar roofs are made from one of the highest quality roofing materials which does come with a cost. A cedar roof will cost you anywhere from 3x to 5x what the cost of a regular asphalt shingled roof but comes with added benefits that may suit your lifestyle.
Regular Maintenance Required
Cedar roofs last a long time, but also require maintenance to keep it looking and performing at its best. Keeping leaves and debris off the roof reduces moss, mildew, and mold buildup. Most companies who install cedar roofs also offer maintenance packages at an additional cost if you decide that is the path you are taking
At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if a cedar roof is right for you, and if you have any questions or concerns the experts here at Findlay Roofing would be happy to talk you through the process. Click here to begin your cedar roofing journey.