Thinking about replacing your current roofing system?
There are many types of roofing materials to choose from, but one of our favorites are cedar shakes. Installing a new cedar shake roof will give your home a striking natural look that will keep your home safe and secure from the harsh Mid-West climate. There are many more benefits aside from looking nice, here’s some of the top reasons we see homeowner choose cedar shakes.
Benefits of a Cedar Shake Roof
Cedar shake roofs are commonly overlooked by homeowners because of their perceived cost and return. While they are among the more expensive roofing materials, they offer a wide variety of benefits including aesthetics, longevity, eco-friendly, and energy efficiency. Here’s what else you need to know.
1. Durability
A great benefit of cedar shingles is that they can have a greater lifespan than asphalt shingles. With proper upkeep, you can anticipate that your cedar shake will last up to 40 years! This is a substantial increase when compared to average asphalt shingles lasting around 10-15 years (20 max).
If you are currently the owner of a standard asphalt roof, you know what it is like to worry about hail and debris damaging your roof. Not to mention the yearly toll of hot summers and freezing cold winters we see in the Midwest. This is why you will be glad to hear cedar shingles are significantly more resistant to hail, debris, and extreme temperature swings.
Regardless of the type of roof you decide on, hiring a team of experienced roof contractors, like DuraShield, will ensure the longevity of your roof through quality installation and repairs.
2. Boosts Home Value
Your roof has a big effect on your home’s overall curb appeal. This is why installing a cedar shake roof is an excellent way boost its overall value. Even if you are not looking to sell your home soon, it cannot hurt to enhance its resale value for the future.
Cedar shake roofs boost curb appeal, which is appealing to potential homebuyers. Along with increasing your home’s resale value, cedar shakes offer a beautiful first impression when home buyers arrive at your house.
3. Energy Efficient
Almost nothing beats cedar in terms of insulation. Cedar shake is a protective barrier that blocks the passage of cold winds and hot rays of sunlight from infiltrating your living areas and attic. The grains of the wood contain air pockets that act as natural insulators; they retain warmth in the home during winter and reflect heat in the summer.
4. Eco-friendly
If you are eco-friendly, you will be pleased to know that cedar shakes outperform most roofing materials when it comes to sustainability, recyclability, and energy savings. Cedar is an organic product harvested from America’s forests, which means that there are no chemicals associated with the manufacturing of cedar shingles. Every time a cedar tree is used to produce shingles, a new tree is grown in its place.
Other types of roofing materials wind up in garbage dumps with little to no chance of being recycled. Old cedar shingles can be made into bark dust and incorporated into gardening. If you are more of a crafty person, there are many creative ways of using these old shingles as coasters, sconces, and more!
5. Element Resistance
Sometimes, the natural option is the best. Cedar wood shingles contain natural preservatives that make cedar shakes resistant to moisture, UV rays, insect damage, and wind. By design, cedar is a durable wood that can be adapted for severe and varied climate conditions. Cedar is also less vulnerable to moss growth when compared to many other types of roofing materials. Additionally, it can be factory treated to be fire, fungus, and insect resistant.
Cedar Shake Alternative
Want the look of cedar shake but worried about fulfilling strict homeowner’s association requirements? Davinci Roofscapes Composite shake shingles are a great option. Their shake products are manufactured from 100% virgin resin, which means that they are a man-made product that looks like their natural counterpart but has exceptional performance. These shingles will last just as long (if not longer) and are extremely durable!
How to Get the Most Out of Your Cedar Shake Roof
Cedar shake roofing is not the cheapest roof out there, but it will pay off in the long run if given the proper maintenance. If you are looking for a stylish yet timeless option that will protect your home for many years, cedar shingles are a great choice to consider. Whether you are repairing or replacing cedar shingles, this roofing material is appealing to the eye. DuraShield Contracting provides roofing services throughout Cedarburg, Mequon, River Hills, and Milwaukee.
Call us at 262-244-0749 or fill out our online contact form to claim your free inspection today!