Comparing Cedar Shakes vs Asphalt Shingles and Introducing a Better Alternative
The roof is a crucial part of any home design. While asphalt shingles are the most common roofing option people choose, it isn’t the only option on the market. Another popular, more traditional option, is cedar shake roofing. It has been around since Colonial times, and it is an excellent look that can dress up any home.
What’s the difference between cedar shingles and asphalt shingles, and which is the better option? Is there a better alternative?
Comparing Materials
The first thing to note in the debate of wood shingles vs. asphalt shingles is the materials used to make each type of shingle. Wood shingles or shakes, as the name implies, are made of natural wood, usually cedar or redwood that comes from split logs. This means that no two shingles are the same, with each varying in thickness and length.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles are generally made using organic materials or fiberglass. Since they are not made by hand, they have a more uniform appearance. Asphalt shingles don’t provide the same beautiful look of wood they way that real wood shingles do. However, they are available in various colors that will fit any design preference.
Differing Costs
Another significant part of the debate is the cost of cedar shake roof vs. asphalt shingle roofs. For most people, the cost of the material plays a large role in the decision-making process, so it is important to note the price differences between these two options. For the initial installation, a wood shake roof can cost about $3.50 per square foot at its cheapest, compared to $2.75 per square foot for asphalt shingles.
Add to that the increased maintenance cost of a cedar shake roof vs. asphalt roof and you’re looking at a substantial difference in overall price. Basically, if price is a priority for you, asphalt may be a better option unless you opt for a cedar alternative.
Length of Life
In comparing the longevity of cedar shingles vs. asphalt shingles, you need to keep in mind the various things that can affect it; how the roof was installed, the location, how well it is maintained, and the overall quality of the materials used.
A well-installed, well-maintained cedar shake roof done with quality materials and that has been chemically-treated can last up to 30 years without issue. This also means keeping up with the required maintenance–every 2 to 4 years, a cedar roof needs to be cleaned of moss and other fungi that can retain moisture and damage the shakes.
Similarly, a well-installed, well-maintained asphalt shingle roof can last 30 years or more, depending on the quality of the materials. As with the cedar shake roof, it also requires dedicated maintenance to last that long.
Durability
The great thing about cedar shakes and shingles is that they are relatively resistant to things like insects. They can also hold up well against elements like the wind.
Unfortunately, they don’t hold up so well against moisture, which can weaken the wood and make it brittle and easily breakable. Wood shakes and shingles are also not resistant to fire.
On the other hand when comparing wood shingles vs. asphalt shingles you’ll find that asphalt shingles can hold up better against rain and moisture, but they are less likely to survive strong winds. When the wind is strong enough, asphalt shingles can easily be blown off, which can lead to additional, unexpected shingle costs.
Added Maintenance
Initial installation costs are not the only costs that come with these roofing options. You also have to consider the required maintenance when calculating the cedar shake roof vs. asphalt shingles cost.
Cedar shake roofs require cleaning and maintenance work every 2 to 4 years to stay functional and to prevent moisture deterioration. There are also the chemical treatments that you need to perform for fire and moisture resistance, which adds to the cost.
Asphalt shingles need deep cleaning every couple of years to stay looking good and to ensure longevity. Shingles may become damaged due to severe weather or poor upkeep, which means you will have to spend time repairing sections here and there.
Aesthetic Appeal
When comparing the aesthetic appeal of cedar wood shingles vs. asphalt shingles, there are a few things to consider. The first is that cedar wood shingles are considered to be more beautiful than asphalt shingles. Even if you like the color black, there are much more aesthetically pleasing materials to use than asphalt. Some may have a particular taste for asphalt, but it’s generally not praised for its beauty.
Asphalt can even be styled to look like cedar shakes, but they don’t really pass the smell test when you get a little closer. They can, however, be available in a few more colors since they are made in a factory and not sourced from raw material like cedar shakes are. The difference is negligible, however.
Cedar wood shakes on the other hand, possess a natural, rustic look that weathers over time and settles into a silver-gray patina. The weathered-in look actually enhances the character of the shakes and gives them a unique color that combines with their texture for a one-of-a-kind aesthetic that is hard to mimic with asphalt.
Environmental Impact
When looking at cedar shingles vs. asphalt shingles and which material is better for the environment, cedar wins, hands down. Asphalt has a pretty bad rap when it comes to environmental impact because they are not very biodegradable and the process of making them emits a lot of pollution into the air.
Cedar shakes are harvested from wood and are much more biodegradable, which makes them an infinitely better option for the environment. Even though trees take a long time to grow back and natural wood shakes require chemical treatments to maintain their longevity, it still doesn't outweigh the negative impact of asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles end up in landfills to waste away for a long time, whereas cedar shakes basically disintegrate into the ground when their time is up.
Fire Resistance
Another area where it's wise for any homeowner to assess how asphalt shingles stack up against cedar wood shakes is in the category of fire resistance. Fires can be a huge threat, depending on where you live. Aside from the risk of an internal fire catching the roof and rendering the home completely ruined, there is also the chance of a wildfire spreading close enough to your home to catch the roof on fire.
This is actually where fire resistance comes in handy even more, because an internal fire will probably take your whole house down regardless of the fire resistance of your shingles. A wildfire might just brush past your home or burn down everything around it, and it could reach temperatures hot enough to burst your roof into flames if it isn't extremely fire resistant. When it comes to fire resistance in roofing materials, Class A is the highest rating you can get. Most asphalt shingles, even the cheapest versions, have a class A fire rating. This often factors into the roofing warranty in terms of cedar shake roof compared to asphalt shingles
Cedar shakes made from real wood, however, are a lot less durable when exposed to high temperatures like the kind a fire presents. They are about as flammable as a material can get, and a fire will gobble them up like an all-you-can-eat buffet if it gets the chance. They can be treated with chemicals that make them a bit more fire-retardant, but they will still never be as durable as asphalt shingles in the face of fire.
Synthetic cedar shakes, on the other hand, have a class A fire rating while also retaining all the beauty and much more durability than regular cedar wood shakes. If durability is a concern, synthetic cedar is a much better option if you don’t want asphalt shingles.
An Alternative Solution - Synthetic Cedar Shake Shingles
People occasionally forget that there are other options when it comes to roofing materials. There is far more available than just cedar or asphalt shingles. Many people are becoming bored with the basic asphalt shingle look and are looking for something new, but cedar shakes are a costly option that requires more maintenance than most are willing to commit to.
That’s where CeDUR Roofing Shakes come in. These unique shakes have the beautiful appearance of real wood shakes without the maintenance and upkeep of actual wood.
Instead, they are made from a lightweight polyurethane material that is incredibly durable; they have a Class A Fire Rating and a Class 4 Impact Rating that makes them strong enough to withstand winds up to 115 mph. Unlike traditional cedar wood shakes, CeDUR Roof Shakes are also resistant to moisture, so there is no concern about the roof becoming damaged due to excess snow or rain.
Additionally, when considering the cost of cedar shake roof vs. asphalt and CeDUR synthetic roofing, you’ll find that CeDUR provides the greatest value.. Not only is it cheaper to install, but it requires no extra insurance, unlike cedar shake roofing. In addition, CeDUR roof shakes are virtually maintenance-free, so there is no need to spend extra time or money on cleaning and preserving the roof beyond a simple washing every so often. CeDUR roofing also has a longer life span, which means that you’ll have a beautiful roof for decades to come.
You no longer have to choose between the cost of cedar shake roof or asphalt shingles for your home. There are modern roofing options that are more durable, energy efficient, and cheaper, all without sacrificing the look of your roof. CeDUR is shake roofing that looks like real wood and provides a much better value.
When looking for a new roof, contact CeDUR for a more attractive, durable, and unique option!