3 Unique Roofing Alternatives to Consider

Choosing a roofing material for your home can be a complicated process. There are several different materials available on the market, and knowing which is best for your home requires careful research and consideration. While before options were limited, now they seem virtually endless. 

Here are some of the traditional roofing materials that people have long used, as well as some great new roofing alternatives that are even better.

Traditional Materials 

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most common traditional roofing material. They are made of fiberglass or organic materials and coated in asphalt, with a top layer of mica or quartz. Asphalt shingles are cost-effective and relatively easy to install. Their asphalt coating helps protect against UV rays, and they offer moderate fire resistance.

However, asphalt shingles tend to break down faster than other materials, usually lasting around 20 to 30 years. Improper installation can also lead to loose shingles and water infiltration, potentially causing issues like mold and mildew.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shakes and shingles, often made from redwood or cedar, have been used since colonial times. They provide a classic, rustic look and are lightweight. A properly installed wood roof can last 20 to 40 years, depending on maintenance and environmental factors.

However, wood roofs require regular upkeep to prevent issues like moss, mold, and algae growth. They can also rot if not maintained and are typically more expensive to purchase and install.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are fine-grained, sedimentary rock tiles that are highly durable and fireproof. Slate has been used on buildings worldwide and is prized for its longevity, often lasting over 100 years with proper care.

However, slate is costly, and installation requires specialized skills. Finding an experienced roofer familiar with slate can sometimes be challenging.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are another traditional option that remains relatively popular today. What makes clay tiles unique is the touch of international style that they provide. For centuries, clay roofing tiles, like slate tiles, have been used in countries like China, Greece, Italy, France, and even Spain. Naturally, these countries brought these styles to different areas of the United States, and they have remained popular ever since.

Other reasons for the popularity of clay roofing tiles is their increased durability and the fact they are fireproof, making them ideal for hotter climates. Compared to other options, clay tiles are also lighter and more affordable.

However, clay tiles can still break, crack, or fall off, and replacing individual tiles can be difficult. In addition, things like moss and algae can form on tile surfaces without proper care.

3 Roofing Alternatives

Living Roofs

Living roofs, also known as green roofs, are one of the most unique roofing alternatives available today. These roofs feature a protective barrier covered by soil and live plants, offering environmental benefits such as improved insulation and contributing to the ecosystem.

However, living roofs require significant maintenance to keep the plants healthy. This includes regular watering, trimming, and replacing plants or soil as needed, which can be costly over time.

Solar Shingles

When it comes to innovative roofing alternatives, there is no denying that solar shingles are incredibly innovative. While they are installed like traditional shingles, solar shingles will absorb sunlight and convert it into usable energy. With solar shingles, an entire roof can be covered rather than just having a few solar panels.

The issue with solar shingles, however, is primarily the cost: these shingles can be incredibly expensive not just to buy, but to install and repair. In addition, solar shingles can become damaged relatively easily and may require more frequent replacement.

CeDUR Roofing Shakes

One of the most reliable roofing alternatives you can turn to is synthetic, polyurethane shingles. CeDUR is a company that creates synthetic wood shakes that are molded after traditional wood shakes, but offer some significant differences…

Lightweight and Easy to Install

One of the major benefits of CeDUR’s synthetic wood shakes is their lightweight composition. Made from polyurethane, these shingles are incredibly easy to install compared to traditional cedar shakes or heavier materials like slate or clay. This lighter weight reduces labor costs and simplifies the installation process, making it a cost-effective choice.

Durability That Lasts

CeDUR shakes are built to last. Unlike real cedar, which is prone to issues like rot, cracking, and warping, CeDUR’s synthetic shakes are resistant to these common problems. Their advanced composition ensures they won’t chip, break, or absorb water, significantly reducing the risk of mold and decay.

CeDUR shakes also come with a Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating, the highest rating for roofing materials, meaning they can withstand severe weather conditions like hail and windstorms. In addition, they have a Class A Fire Rating, making them an ideal choice for homes in wildfire-prone areas.

Minimal Maintenance Required

One of the greatest advantages of CeDUR shakes is their minimal maintenance. Unlike natural wood shakes, which need to be regularly treated with sealants or chemicals, CeDUR shakes require no special treatments. This means you won’t have to worry about frequent upkeep, saving time and money in the long run.

Aesthetic Appeal of Real Wood

CeDUR shakes are designed to look just like real wood, with textures and colors that closely mimic the natural grain of cedar. Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles and shades, including Shiloh, Walden, Golden Cedar, and Live Oak, ensuring a perfect match for any architectural style.

Energy Efficiency

In terms of energy efficiency, CeDUR shakes excel. They offer superior insulation, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs throughout the year. With better R-Value than many traditional materials, CeDUR shakes help hold in heat during the winter and keep homes cool in the summer without the heat retention issues associated with asphalt shingles.

Weather Resistance for All Climates

CeDUR’s synthetic shakes can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions, from harsh winters to scorching summers. Unlike clay, which can become brittle in cold weather, or asphalt, which absorbs heat, CeDUR shakes maintain their integrity in all climates.

Make the Best Roofing Choice

Before choosing your roofing material, take the time to consider the various advantages and disadvantages of each, so you get the right roof for your home and do not end up wasting your money. There are many roofing materials available, and while many traditional roof materials remain incredibly popular, there are also several great roofing alternatives to consider. 

CeDUR Roofing Shakes are a durable, lightweight, and cost-effective roofing alternative that would not only look good on any home but offer more protection than most other options you will find. Unlike with other alternatives like living roofs of solar shingles, you’d be hard pressed to find any disadvantages to synthetic cedar shakes, which makes them the best choice for alternative roofing, far and away.