The Age-Old Debate: Cedar Shakes vs. Asphalt Shingles

You know, the roof is one of those often overlooked yet incredibly important parts of a home. It’s the first line of defense against the elements, and yet, so many of us don’t give it a second thought until there’s a problem. Well, friends, today we’re diving deep into the age-old debate of cedar shingles vs. other roofing materials. Strap in, because this is about to get juicy.

When it comes to roofing options, you’ve got your classic asphalt shingles, your sleek and modern metal, and then there’s the timeless charm of cedar shingles. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Cedar shingles? Isn’t that for, like, log cabins and colonial-era homes?” Well, my friends, cedar shingles are making a serious comeback, and for good reason.

The Allure of Cedar Shingles

First and foremost, let’s talk about the aesthetic appeal of cedar shingles. These babies have a natural, rustic charm that just can’t be replicated by synthetic materials. According to industry experts, cedar shingles give a roof a “rugged, natural, woodsy appeal” that sets them apart from the more uniform look of asphalt shingles. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little bit of that old-world charm?

But it’s not just about the looks – cedar shingles are also incredibly durable and long-lasting. As one architect put it, “cedar will last a very long time if you care for it properly.” And let’s not forget the sustainability factor – cedar is a renewable resource, making it a more eco-friendly choice than some of its synthetic counterparts.

The Downside of Cedar Shingles

Okay, I know what you’re thinking – “Sounds great, but what’s the catch?” Well, my friends, there are a few downsides to consider. First and foremost, cedar shingles are typically more expensive to install than asphalt shingles. The average cost for a cedar shake roof can run between $800 and $1,500 per square foot, compared to $350 to $550 per square foot for a typical asphalt shingle roof.

And then there’s the installation factor. While asphalt shingles are known for being a relatively DIY-friendly project, cedar shingles can be a bit more finicky. As the experts at Brava Roof Tile put it, “Installing asphalt shingles has long been known as a DIY project. Though they are extremely heavy to handle, they are more forgiving than natural cedar shakes when it comes to installation.”

Exploring the Alternatives

But hey, just because cedar shingles might not be the most budget-friendly or easy-to-install option, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring old asphalt. In recent years, the market has seen the rise of some pretty impressive synthetic and composite roofing options that aim to capture the look and feel of cedar, without all the headaches.

One architect I spoke with had the chance to review a whole slew of these “faux cedar” products, including offerings from brands like PlyGem, Vande Hey, Certainteed, Enviroshake, Ludowici, DaVinci, and EcoStar. And you know what? Some of these synthetic options are actually pretty darn good.

Synthetic Shingles: The Best of Both Worlds?

Take the PlyGem Engineered Cedar Shake, for example. This composite shingle aims to mimic the look of cedar, with a variety of widths and shades to choose from. And the best part? It comes with a 50-year warranty and a 10-year no-fade guarantee. Not too shabby, right?

Or how about the Ludowici Century Shake? This terra cotta beauty is about as close to a real cedar shake as you can get, with a 75-year material warranty to boot. Sure, the installation process might be a bit more complex than your standard asphalt shingle, but for the discerning homeowner, it might just be worth it.

And let’s not forget about the DaVinci Shake line. “As plastic roofing products go, this is probably the most realistic available,” according to our architect friend. With a variety of thicknesses and colors to choose from, these synthetic shingles aim to capture the essence of real cedar, all while offering the low-maintenance benefits of a synthetic material.

The Timber Building Verdict

So, what’s the verdict in the great cedar shingles vs. other roofing materials debate? Well, my friends, it really comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re after that classic, rustic charm and you don’t mind the higher price tag and installation hassle, then cedar shingles might just be the way to go.

But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still captures the essence of cedar, then one of the synthetic or composite alternatives might be the way to go. And let’s not forget about the sustainability factor – with the rise of eco-conscious roofing materials, you can now have your cedar-inspired cake and eat it too, all while feeling good about your environmental impact.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But wherever you land, one thing is for sure – your roof is about to get a serious glow-up. And who knows, maybe your neighbors will be so impressed, they’ll be begging you to share your contractor’s info. Hey, a little roof envy never hurt anyone, right?

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to https://timber-building.com and start planning your dream roof today. Your home (and your wallet) will thank you.