If you ask your roofing contractor for a recommendation for the most beautiful roofing material on the market, you're likely to see cedar shingles listed at the very top of the list. That's because these beautiful natural shingles are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they're also incredibly durable and sustainable too. But are cedar shingles right for your roof? Here are the pros and cons to consider as you meet with your roofing contractor and discuss all your options.
PROS
Durability
Cedar roofing is naturally water, rot, and insect resistant, and that will keep it looking beautiful for many years to come. Cedar can last up to 30 years when professionally installed and properly maintained.
Aesthetic
Cedar shingles have a singularly beautiful visual aesthetic that no other type of roofing material can match. When first installed by a roofing contractor, the wood has a warm and inviting red-gold hue that eventually matures into a silvery gray unless sealed. Both colors have a lovely natural appeal. It's hard to beat the natural beauty of cedar on a roof, especially on cottage or New England-style homes.
Variety
Cedar shingles come in a variety of cuts and shapes, such as fish scale, diamond, square, and arrow, and each shingle is a unique piece of wood with its own characteristics. Cedar shingles are also available in a wide variety of wood types, including clear heart, rustic, knotty, etc. They can be stained different shades as well. It's easy to achieve a lot of variety and interest with this roofing material. Ask your roofing contractor about the available options of cut and wood type for your roofing shingles.
Sustainability
Another advantage of cedar shingles is that they are sourced from carefully managed red cedar forests, and that makes them a more sustainable roofing material than many options on the market, especially asphalt. They're also completely recyclable.
CONS
Maintenance
Cedar shingles require annual maintenance in order to avoid warping, cracking, and/or insect problems. Cedar also needs protective treatments like restaining and resealing every few years in order to maintain its longevity and reach its maximum lifespan. These treatments can be time consuming and sometimes costly, so it's important to factor this work into the total long-term price of the roof.
Cost
Another drawback of cedar is that it will cost more than a cheaper residential shingle like asphalt. You can expect to pay around $4 to $7.5 per square foot for cedar shingles.
Contact a roofing contractor to learn more.
