Pros and Cons of Cedar Roofing

Whether you are a first-time property owner or looking to sell your current home, your roof is a critically important investment. One of the most attractive options (literally) is the cedar shingle. It provides unparalleled rustic charm in addition to long-lasting durability for your rooftop.

Of course, no roofing material is without its drawbacks. This is why we have collected the most significant pros and cons for homeowners to think about when considering the purchase of cedar roofing. That way, you can make an informed purchase when the time comes. 

Pro #1: Longevity

The longevity of a roof depends on a number of factors: quality of installation, proactivity in maintenance, the home’s age, and the weather. Once all those factors are taken into consideration, homeowners can typically expect their cedar shingles to last 30 to 40 years. That beats asphalt shingles by a country mile as they only last 15 to 20 years.

Cedar roofing is also easier to maintain than its asphalt counterpart. For instance, you cannot power wash asphalt shingles because the high-pressured water will remove the granules that protect the rooftop. However, with cedar shingles, a power wash has significantly less risk and can actually remove harmful mildew and debris. 

Pro #2: Curb Appeal

It is hard to beat the beauty of a natural wood roof. Especially with so many older homes in the greater Chicago metro area, cedar shingles are a great way to boost the aesthetics of your household. More importantly, they are a fantastic way to increase the value of your home, should you decide to sell.

Cedar shingles have more exceptional durability and energy-efficiency than asphalt ones. That means homeowners will spend less money on maintenance, repairs, and energy bills by opting for cedar. Considering the thousands of dollars this potentially saves, cedar shingles may be the key factor that puts your home at the top of homebuyers’ lists.

Con #1: Price

You get what you pay for. In this case, the added benefits of durability, aesthetics, and energy-efficiency mean paying a higher price. The cheapest option for a wood shingle costs $450 to $900 per square installed.

The higher-end varieties, such as the wood shakes, go for $650 to $1,110 per square installed. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, it is likely to be more expensive than asphalt shingles. Asphalt models range from $350 to $550 per square installed.

Con #2: Flammability

The fact that wood can catch on fire should not come as a surprise to anyone. While roof fires are rare, it is important to acknowledge the potential risk. Some building codes even restrict or ban the use of wood shingles for this reason.

Homeowners can invest in fire retardants and chemical preservatives to minimize their risk. Roofers or manufacturers apply these to the exterior of the shingles as a way of adding a preservative coating. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that asphalt shingles have a higher natural resistance to fire.