While it may be considered cliche to declare your home as your castle, these phrases often hold a kernel of truth. However, we believe that your home is much more than just a fortress; it reflects your individuality and acts as a tangible representation of yourself.
In your pursuit for top-quality roofing options, it’s only fitting to treat your castle, your loved ones, and yourself with the utmost care. You all deserve nothing but the best and you won’t settle for less, but you also want to be practical.
While it may require a larger upfront cost, the purpose of investing in quality is for it to ultimately be worth it. Opting for a premium roof will result in long-lasting and visually appealing roofing that will continue to serve its purpose for years to come.
When discussing high-quality roofing at Canopy, cedar shake shingle roofing is the primary option that comes to mind. The following overview will provide a comprehensive look at the benefits of choosing cedar shake roofing for your home.
Why Cedar Shake Shingle Roofing is an Attractive Roofing Option
The timeless appeal of natural wood never fades. Its rustic charm captures attention without being too bold or overpowering. It stands out gracefully, without being too ostentatious. The texture’s richness and natural, rugged charm provide an authentic yet sophisticated nuance.
Cedar shake roofs are primarily desired due to their natural cedar wood aesthetic, and homeowners are willing to pay more for them.
Although asphalt and metal roofs serve their intended function and can be transformed into an appealing final product, natural wood possesses a distinctively elevated quality.
The cedar used for these shingles is sourced from either Southwest Canada or the Northwest US and cut into two-foot sections. From there, the wood is either hand-split or sawed, with the latter resulting in a tapered thickness.
Handsplitting cedar results in a more rugged look, while tapersawing provides a smoother appearance as another option.
The three grades of cedar shake shingles that are available are:
- Common.
- Selects.
- 100% straight-grains.
Due to the high quality of cedar shake shingles, they are custom-made rather than stored in a warehouse. This means that they will only be hand-split or tapersawed once you have placed an order. As a result, the process of obtaining your cedar shake shingles for installation may take up to two months.
Cedar Shake Shingles Usually Comes in Two Thicknesses
When ordering cedar shake shingles, you have the option of selecting from two main thicknesses: Half-inch and three-quarter-inch segments.
The durability and price of three-quarter-inch shingles surpass those of their half-inch counterparts.
Additionally, cedar shake shingles provide a range of exposure options, such as 12-inch and 7.5-inch designs, which result in charming and individualized aesthetics.
Diving Into the Different Kinds of Cedar Shake Shingles
Moving forward, we will examine the three types of cedar shake shingles that were previously mentioned.
Common Cedar Shake Shingles
As their name implies, ‘commons’ are the most budget-friendly option for cedar shake shingles at first glance. However, they may not meet the same standards as the other two choices. These shingles are sourced from various parts of the cedar tree, essentially being the leftovers from more superior cuts.
As a result of their inferior quality, ordinary cedar shingles tend to warp and split sooner than their counterparts.
Keep in mind, though, that quality is subjective. While standard cedar shakes are still considered high-end, they may not measure up to the excellence of hand-selected and completely even-grained shingles.
Select Cedar Shake Roofing
Selects are a fusion of two types of wood. The majority, which is 80%, consists of straight grain. The remaining 20% is made up of common cedar.
The intermediate choices come at a higher price than commons but lower than 100% straight grains.
Make sure your contractor carefully sorts and chooses only the highest-quality materials for your installation project.
100% Straight-Grain Cedar Shake Shingles
Introducing the top-of-the-line cedar shake shingle choice, surpassing its predecessors in both excellence and visual appeal. Every shingle boasts a 100% straight-grain construction and undergoes strict scrutiny to guarantee the use of only the finest materials.
To guarantee a long-lasting roof, it is essential to carefully choose 100% straight-grain cedar shake shingles. This will allow your contractor to lay them flat and prevent any potential curling over time, making them the most durable option we have discussed.
What is the Longevity of a Cedar Shake Shingle Roof?
There is no definitive answer to inquiries about the durability of a roof. Numerous factors play a role in determining the longevity of even the most well-built roofs. Nonetheless, we can offer an informed estimation on the remarkable lifespan of cedar shake roofs, taking into consideration certain conditions.
With proper installation and maintenance, both common and select cedar shake roofs can have a lifespan of around 30 years. However, using 100% straight-grain cedar shake shingles and other optimized roofing elements can potentially increase this lifespan to 50 years.
The longevity of your cedar shake roof is greatly influenced by the climate in your area. High levels of moisture can significantly decrease its lifespan, while both dry and humid conditions can hinder the drying process and accelerate aging.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Cedar Shake Shingle Roofs through Maintenance
As with other top-notch products, regular upkeep is essential for cedar shake shingles. It is advisable to complete necessary tasks twice a year to identify any potential problems early on, such as identifying cracks that may ultimately cause leaks or structural harm.
Part of regular maintenance involves clearing your roof and gutters of debris. If left unattended, wet debris on your cedar shake shingle roof can significantly decrease its lifespan. However, taking the necessary steps to remove it will yield substantial benefits in the long run.
Factors to Keep in Mind Regarding Warranties
In general, investing in a new roof comes with two warranties:
- Roofing material manufacturer’s warranty
- Contractor’s quality warranty
Although cedar shake shingles may vary in some aspects, one notable difference is the absence of a manufacturer’s warranty. Typically, only a contractor’s quality warranty is provided.
Although cedar shake shingles are unique, it is important to note that you will only have one warranty to rely on, which is dependent on the quality of the contractor’s work. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a trustworthy professional to ensure the job is completed correctly. With two decades of experience in installing roofing for homes, Canopy has consistently provided exceptional outcomes for our happy customers. We encourage you to reach out today for further information on the installation process and potential costs!
