Want to Know if You Should Get Cedar Shake or Composite Shingles for Your Roof?
Cedar shake and composite roofing offer homeowners distinct options, each with its own set of benefits. Cedar shake, made from natural wood, delivers a traditional, rustic look along with natural insulating properties. However, it demands frequent maintenance to avoid wear and is more prone to fire and insect damage.
In contrast, composite roofing is made from a combination of synthetic materials that provide superior durability, a variety of styles, and lower maintenance needs. It can mimic the appearance of natural materials like cedar but without the upkeep and vulnerability. Choosing between cedar shake and composite roofing ultimately depends on whether you prioritize natural aesthetics and charm or seek long-term durability and low maintenance.
Choosing the right roofing material for your home is crucial because it directly impacts the durability, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetic of your property. The roof serves as the first line of defense against the elements, protecting your home from rain, wind, snow, and heat. Selecting a material that suits your local climate, budget, and style preferences ensures that your roof will perform well over time, reducing the risk of costly repairs or premature replacement.
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our project gallery for examples of these roofing types. For more in-depth information, explore the advantages and disadvantages of each roofing option below!
Composite Shingles
Similar to asphalt shingle roofing, composition roofs are crafted from a blend of several materials: asphalt, fiberglass, and granules. Initially, composite roofing materials were made from a combination of asphalt and fiberglass, which provided better durability and performance than traditional wood shingles or tiles.
Over time, advancements in manufacturing led to the development of more modern composite roofing systems, which now include materials like recycled plastics, rubber, and other synthetic blends. Today, composite roofing is highly regarded for its durability, low maintenance, and ability to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood and slate.
The core of each shingle is made from fiberglass, which provides strength, while the asphalt coating offers water resistance. The granules that cover the shingles protect them from UV rays and contribute to their color. Composition roofing is one of the most widely used roofing materials, praised for its versatility. Available in numerous styles and designs, it allows homeowners to tailor the appearance of their roof to complement their home’s exterior.
Benefits of Composite Roofing:
- Durability: Composite shingles are highly durable and less likely to crack or break under impact compared to natural materials.
- Longevity: These shingles have a longer lifespan than traditional roofing options, making them a cost-effective investment over time.
- Low Maintenance: Composite shingles need very little upkeep. They resist mold and algae growth and their colors remain vibrant longer than natural materials.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, composite shingles are an environmentally conscious choice and can be fully recycled at the end of their life.
- Weather Resistance: Composite shingles are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, high winds, and hail.
- Fire Resistance: These shingles come with excellent fire resistance ratings, adding an extra layer of safety to your home.
- Lightweight: Compared to cedar shakes, composite shingles are lighter, reducing the strain on your home’s structure.
The lightweight nature of composite shingles is particularly beneficial in areas like Washington, where roofing materials must withstand heavy snow and harsh weather conditions. Their ease of handling speeds up installation, making them an ideal choice during Washington’s construction seasons. Composite roofing is designed to resist strong winds. The interlocking design of many composite shingles helps prevent them from being lifted or blown off during high winds, making them more stable compared to traditional asphalt shingles.
Drawbacks of Composite Roofing:
- Cost: Composite shingles typically come with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional roofing materials, making it a larger initial investment.
- Installation: Proper installation is essential to fully benefit from composite shingles. Finding installers with experience in synthetic shingles can be a challenge.
- Perception: Some homeowners may prefer the authenticity of natural materials and view synthetic alternatives as less desirable, which could impact resale value.
- Limited Recognition: As a newer option, composite shingles may be unfamiliar to some contractors and homeowners, which could lead to hesitance in choosing them.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shake roofing is a type of roofing material made from split wood shingles, typically crafted from cedar trees. These shakes are thicker than regular wood shingles, offering a more textured, rustic look that enhances the natural beauty of a home. Cedar shake roofs are known for their durability, natural resistance to rot and insects due to the oils in cedar wood, and excellent insulation properties.
The use of cedar shakes continued to grow throughout the 20th century, although they required regular maintenance due to their vulnerability to rot, pests, and weathering. In modern times, while less common due to the rise of more low-maintenance materials like asphalt and composite roofing, cedar shake roofs are still chosen for their aesthetic appeal and natural charm. However, they do require more upkeep compared to other materials to maintain their appearance and performance. Issues like moss, algae growth, and wood decay, especially in wet or humid climates are potential drawbacks to consider.
Benefits of Cedar Shake Roofing
- Durability: Cedar shake roofs are known for their strength. Made from real cedar wood, these shakes are thick and dense, offering excellent resistance to harsh weather. Compared to typical asphalt shingles, cedar shakes tend to last longer, ensuring your investment remains worthwhile.
- Appearance: A cedar shake roof adds timeless elegance to any home. Its natural, rustic charm boosts curb appeal, and over time, the wood matures, evolving into rich, varied hues that highlight its natural beauty.
Drawbacks of Cedar Shake Roofing
- High Maintenance: As an organic material, cedar shakes are vulnerable to decay, especially in colder climates. Regular maintenance is required to preserve their structural integrity.
- Challenging Installation: Installing cedar shakes requires more expertise than more common materials like asphalt shingles. The heavy weight of real wood and the complexity of ensuring proper water runoff mean it’s important to hire an experienced contractor familiar with cedar roofing.
- Fire Risk and Insurance Issues: Wood’s flammability raises fire risks, particularly in fire-prone regions. This can affect homeowners both directly and indirectly, with some insurance companies either increasing premiums or being hesitant to cover natural cedar roofs. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand any potential issues.
The Timeless Appeal of Cedar Roofs
Cedar shake shingles are known for their natural beauty, offering a rustic charm that enhances the elegance of any home. Made from real cedar wood, these shingles have a distinctive texture, rich tones, and a unique character that transforms the appearance of a roof, boosting the property’s curb appeal and value.
Cedar wood’s inherent oils make it resistant to rot, decay, and insects, ensuring the durability of these shingles for years. However, homeowners must consider the ongoing maintenance and installation complexities to preserve their roof’s aesthetic and longevity. Regular inspections and treatments protect the wood from the elements, maintaining both the roof’s functionality and its stunning visual appeal.
Installing Your Shingles
In regions like Washington, installing a cedar shake roof involves more than just placing shingles—it’s a detailed process that requires expertise to ensure the roof withstands the state’s demanding weather. The installation costs are higher due to the labor-intensive nature of the work and the precision required for proper drainage and leak prevention.
Composite shingles offer an efficient, modern roofing solution for Washington homeowners. The shingles are designed for easy installation, ensuring a smooth and quick process while providing durability, aesthetic appeal, and value.
Making the Right Roofing Decision
So, which option is better? If you value authenticity, the natural look of wood, and are prepared for maintenance, cedar shake roofing could be the better option.
If you prioritize durability, low maintenance, and long-term value, composite roofing is likely the better choice, as it offers similar aesthetics without the upkeep associated with cedar shakes. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences for appearance, budget, and how much time you’re willing to spend maintaining your roof.
In areas with extreme weather like Washington, it’s essential to select a roofing option that not only complements your home’s design but can also endure the Washington climate. Whether you’re leaning toward the natural beauty of cedar or the innovative features of composite shingles, we’re here to guide you through the options to help you make the best choice for your home. The right roofing material can enhance your home’s curb appeal, increase its resale value, and improve energy efficiency by providing better insulation and reducing heating and cooling costs. Ultimately, investing in the right roofing material helps safeguard your home and provides peace of mind for years to come.
Contact Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company, Inc. today to begin your roofing project or for any questions you may have! Please give us a call at 425-475-1735 or contact us online.