A Cedar Roof Offers Beauty and Durability

A cedar roof stands out among other types of traditional roofing materials due to its unique beauty as it ages. But cedar shingles have several benefits besides just their good looks. One main advantage is their durability. Cedar is naturally resistant to insect infestations. Think about cedar lined closets, cedar chests and cedar blocks that are used to repel moths. Cedar shingles work in the same way but against a variety of insects. A well maintained cedar roof can last as long as 40 years, unlike typical asphalt shingles that may last less than half that time.

Cedar shingles are also resistant to the damaging UV rays of the sun and when properly installed stand up well to strong winds and heavy snows. Once thought to be a hazard in fire prone areas, cedar shingles are now treated with a fire retardant that actually makes them safer than many other types of shingles. A cedar roof also has excellent insulating qualities. The soft wood has a large cell structure filled with air and air is a natural insulator. A house topped with cedar shingles will stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

How Cedar Roof Shingles are Made

Cedar shingles or shakes, as they are also called, are made from either northern white cedar or western red cedar. The wood is split into sliver-like pieces, wider at the top and very thin at the bottom to allow for overlapping. At one time shingles were all created by hand using a froe and wooden mallet. A froe is a long metal blade that is driven down through the wood to split off the thin pieces creating the shakes. Today most cedar shingles or shakes are made by machine, though there are still craftsmen that create handmade shakes for historical preservation purposes.

A Cedar Roof Adds Value

The initial purchase and installation of cedar shingles will cost more than some other types of roofing materials but they will outlast a lot of other materials as well. A cedar roof can also add a substantial return on investment if the home is placed on the market. Most potential homebuyers find a cedar roof to be an attractive selling point, so right from the start a cedar roof adds curb appeal. But whether you plan to put your home on the market or not, a cedar roof is a beautiful addition.