The natural wood tones and intricate grain patterns of cedar shake roofs make them among the most stunning roofing options. They are more difficult to maintain than other types of roofs and typically cost a little bit more to do so. In spite of the fact that natural cedar shake roofs have been used in residential construction for a very long time, synthetic cedar is now more widely available than it has ever been and offers a number of important advantages.
What Is the Difference Between the Natural and Synthetic Roof Shingles?
Shingles that look like cedar shake but are actually constructed of synthetic material are called composite shingles. This material is comprised of recyclable materials. They have the appearance of natural items but are actually man-made. They have a wide range of color and pattern options, which makes them adaptable and enables a more tailored appearance to be achieved for the roof. Even if you can see and feel the difference between natural and synthetic wood goods up close, it’s unlikely that your neighbors will be able to tell the difference between the two types of products.
Shake roofs built of natural cedar are known as natural cedar shake shingles. The majority of this wood originates either in the southwestern region of Canada or the northwestern part of the United States. There are numerous grades or quality types, such as common, selects, and straight grain, with the latter being the greatest quality because it is made entirely of cedar straight grain. Other classes include common, selects, and straight grain. Any one of these products has the potential to give a roof an attractive, earthy, and rough appearance.
Synthetic or Natural Cedar Shake Shingles: Which Should You Choose for Your Roof Replacement?
It is difficult to say that one is superior to the other because it is dependent on the values that you hold and the resources that you have available. When trying to select a choice, the following are some important factors to take into account.
Lifespan of Both Roofing Shingles
Synthetic cedar shaking shingles have a lifespan that is up to 50 years longer than natural wood shake shingles, provided that they are placed by a professional, maintained, and cared for in the appropriate manner. Given the size of this investment, it is to everyone’s advantage that they continue to function properly for such a long time.
Natural cedar shake shingles have the potential to last for at least 30 years if they are properly maintained throughout their lifetime. Natural cedar will dry up more quickly in settings that are particularly dry, which will ultimately result in a shorter lifespan.
Warranties on Cedar Shake Shingle Roofs
The vast majority of roofing goods come with warranties, while the specifics of such guarantees, including what they cover and how long they are valid for, vary according on the manufacturer. In the majority of cases, roofing contractors will offer not just a warranty on the quality of their labor, but also a warranty on the materials themselves from the original manufacturer.
Due to the fact that cedar shake is a natural product, there is no genuine manufacturing process required when using natural cedar shake materials. These goods are less likely to come with a warranty covering any material defects. The synthetic cedar products come with a warranty from the maker because they were manufactured and not simply harvested from a tree. There are some manufacturers that provide warranties that last a lifetime, while others provide warranties that are far shorter. When considering synthetic options, the length of the guarantee is a useful indicator of the product’s overall quality.
Lifespan, Maintenance, and Wear/Tear of Cedar Shingles
Even with regular maintenance, roofing systems of all types eventually deteriorate due to normal wear and tear. However, some items are better equipped to deal with it than others. Cedar in its natural state is wood. If you were to leave pieces of wood outside to weather, they would darken, twist, and even crack if the conditions were too dry. If you did this, the wood would become brittle. As a direct consequence of this, cedar shake shingles are susceptible to the same kind of difficulty. You will notice that they weather more quickly as they become older and go through the different seasons. This may include spots that are decaying, curling, or splitting in the surface. In the vast majority of instances, the color will be gray.
The fact that synthetic cedar shake shingles are made from composite, and frequently plastic, materials ensures that they do not behave in this manner. They will still become discolored over time and there is a possibility that they will fall off, but these are maintenance activities that are typically straightforward to address. They do not break or deteriorate in the same manner that natural wood does over time.
As a direct consequence of this, man-made cedar shakes are far simpler to maintain than their natural counterparts. When working with natural items, you should expect to spend more time inspecting and mending them, and you will frequently need to seal areas. This is to be expected for a roof, but real cedar shingles demand a greater investment over the course of their lifetime in comparison to what can be anticipated from well put synthetic shingles.
Adding value to your home with a new roof
Both varieties of cedar shakes are excellent choices for a residential roofing material investment. They are stunning, and are frequently regarded as one of the most aesthetically pleasing types of roofing products that can be installed on a house. They never lose their stunning good looks, not even with the passage of time.
As a consequence of this, both goods have a propensity to increase the value of the home and the curb appeal of the property. When it comes to selling your property, any one, particularly if it looks amazing, can be an asset if it has been well-maintained and cared for.
Cost of a new roof with cedar shingles
When deciding between natural and synthetic items, the cost is a significant issue to take into consideration. When compared to metal roofing or asphalt shingles, both of these materials are considered to be of a superior quality and hence are priced accordingly. You can expect to pay a higher price for them in comparison to those other things.
Most synthetic materials will be less expensive than natural cedar. You might think the opposite, but wood costs are often high, cedar must be acquired from a certain region, making it more expensive, and product quantities are typically limited. The cost of a square foot of natural cedar can reach up to $30, whereas the cost of a square foot of synthetic cedar can reach $18. (depending on location and material options).
Resistance to impact and fire, as well as wind strength
The resistance of your roof to impact is an important aspect to think about when it comes to the wear and tear that it endures. In other words, fallen tree branches and hail can cause structural damage to a roof. Both of these products are long-lasting and can, in most cases, withstand the effects of common weather conditions. However, you will discover that synthetic materials are more robust and less likely to break or crack when struck.
Additionally, they are more fire-resistant and less likely to pose a fire risk in your home. If you reside in a region prone to tropical storms or other high-wind events, the majority can also endure severe winds well.
If you intend to purchase natural or synthetic cedar shake shingles, investigate the available brands. Be sure that you are also working with a roofing specialist that has a great deal of knowledge to install them. When it comes to optimizing the performance of these roofing structures, small adjustments can make a substantial difference. The good news is that both of these materials can increase the value of your property and enhance its aesthetic appeal.
