Cedar itself is an incredibly durable kind of wood. After all, cedar trees continue to stand tall through bad weather. But, as with anything, there are upsides and downsides to this roofing material.
To start with the positives, cedar roofing is an eco-friendly option, making homes more energy efficient. Cedar is a renewable resource and biodegradable, so if your priority is an environmentally friendly roofing material, cedar roofing could be for you. By insulating your house and allowing it to breathe, it’ll also save you on energy costs.
Cedar roofing gives your home a rustic aesthetic that’s truly difficult to match with engineered products, and you’ll also see that cedar roofing lasts longer than some other kinds of roofing, provided that they undergo proper maintenance.
One of the concerns with getting cedar roofing is that it can be more prone to issues including fire damage, drying out and cracking, warping, water damage, and pest infestations. It’s suggested to use fire retardant coatings, as well as treatments for any other potential issues, which are all part of the installation process and requiring of regular maintenance. However, keep in mind that some areas don’t allow cedar roofing due to fire concerns even with these precautions.
Depending on the quality of cedar shake roofing you decide to go with, it won’t be a cheap project. It’s not the most expensive option available, but it’s certainly not your most budget-friendly either. Not only do you have to think about the cost of the cedar shakes or shingles themselves, but they also require demolition of your old roof and installation costs of skilled contractors.
In addition to these initial costs, cedar roofing also needs a fair bit of maintenance to ensure the lifespan. Apart from the previously mentioned coating maintenance, other necessary tasks for cedar roofing include consistent cleaning to remove moss and mildew build-up, and you’ll even need to remove low hanging trees that can contribute to moisture accumulation.
A new cedar roof can really brighten the aesthetic makeup of a home. Ready to get started on your beautiful new cedar roofing? Need to do some maintenance on your cedar roof? Call Herts Roofing & Construction’s cedar roof specialists today!
