Traditional Shingles vs Cedar Shake
So your aging cedar roof needs to be replaced and you’re trying to decide if you should buck up and spend the big bucks on a beautiful new wood roof or go with a more practical asphalt shingle alternative? On one hand you cannot stand the thought of your home without a natural cedar look and feel but on the other hand there are many new shingles with updated looks and rich designs worth considering at a fraction of the cost. Cedar wood roofs can be stunning but all that beauty comes at a price which is double the cost of an asphalt roof installation. This article will discuss all the pros and cons between cedar and asphalt style roofing.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Shakes
- Pro- All natural and a timeless beautiful look.
- Pro- They’re heavy and resistance to high wind damage.
- Pro- Bug and algae resistant.
- Con- Leaks more compared to asphalt shingles during heavy rainstorms.
- Con- Expensive
- Con- High maintenance cost
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
- Pro- Affordable (half the cost compared to cedar)
- Pro- Available in numerous colors and designs across many brands
- Pro- Resistant to heavy rains
- Con- Short lifespan
- Con- Can be damaged easier compared to cedar shakes from higher winds
- Con- Algae and other forms of moss can grow
The Top 3 Reasons Why Homeowners Choose Wood Shingles Over Asphalt
Cedar Shakes Looks Better Than Conventional Shingles.
The first reason why homeowners choose wood shingling over asphalt is the aesthetic. Cedar roof specialists can be difficult to locate. You cannot beat the appearance of a naturally produced wood roof. When making over an older home or wanting to add historical class, cedar roofing is the appropriate choice. Not saying asphalt shingles are unattractive, they just cannot offer the same look and feel compared to a cedar roof. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors that can be jaw dropping in other cases.
Wood Shingles Perform Better to High Winds and Hard Rain
When it comes to the discussion about durability, both roofing systems have their positives and negatives. Wood shingles are resistant to bugs and insects, but you may have issues if you live in a damp environment where rain is common. When you have a wood shake/shingle roof in a damp environment, your roof will be subject to a higher chance of rotting and black mold forming. When this occurs and the mold sets in and spreads, your roof will more than likely need to be replaced. But what makes the wood shakes/shingle more durable than asphalt is its impact resistance. Cedar shakes have been tested and can withstand winds of over 200 mph and can take hits from fallen tree branches. With asphalt shingles, any high winds will blow those shingles right off and into the neighbor’s yard and water will leak into your home.
Wooden Roofs Last Longer Than Shingles
The average life expectancy for wood shingles and asphalt shingles is a tricky subject but wood shingles do come out on top. With an average life expectancy for these materials being extremely close together, asphalt Shingles at 20 to 25 years and wood shingle at 30 to 35 years, it all comes down to the quality of installation. Here at Premier Roofing Solutions we have crews specialized in all forms of roofing including asphalt and wood shingle installation. Don’t hire an inexperienced contractor to do the work, give us a call and we will take care of your and your home.
Cost of Cedar Shake/Shingle vs Asphalt
In the roofing market there are two different measurements/ types of wood shingles, perfection (18 inch wide) and royal (24 inch wide). Wood shakes are premium products costing around $4 per square foot compared to $2 per square foot for wood shingles. The more expensive option including the installation will be the wood shakes which will cost between $8 to $13 per square foot or $800 to $1300 per square (100 sq ft). Wood shingles fall cheaper than shake costing around $7 to $11 per sq ft or $700 to $1100 per square including the installation. Now compared to asphalt shingle roofing, depending the brand/style it can cost as little as $4 to $6 per sq ft or $400 to $600 per square with installation.
Composition of wood shakes and shingle vs asphalt
Wood shake shingles are immediately recognized and separated from asphalt shingles by its thickness. A variety of wood can be used to manufacture wood shakes such as western red cedar, California redwood, pine, cypress and spruce. Cedar is among the most popular out of these options due to the vibrant look and feel it gives your home. Like asphalt shingles, wood shakes and shingles are able to be treated with chemical preservatives and fire retardants.
Asphalt shingles are commonly manufactured and contracted from organic/ recyclable materials or fiberglass. Originally asphalt shingles were constructed upon a mat or base that was composed of cotton rags. When fibrous glass was introduced in the mid to late 1970s, it kicked the old style right out the door. Fiberglass does not rot like the organic materials that were used, which is why 95% of asphalt shingles today feature a fiberglass felt.