Is a Cedar Shake Roof Worth It Compared to Asphalt Shingles?

Roofing construction Choosing a roofing material is not only concerned with curb appeal, but also is a permanent, long-term decision that will influence the resale value, comfort, maintenance and energy consumption of the home. The cedar shake roof is one of the most controversial in the current market, along with asphalt shingles. Each has its devotees, and each has its advantages to offer.

Now, which is better…the one to fit your home? Between the two, however, let us examine in equal measure their respective advantages and disadvantages, so that you can make the most informed decision.

What Is Cedar Shake Roofing?

Split logs Cedar shake roofing material consists of split logs, normally western red cedar, and is usually rough-textured and clustering. Their natural appeal and high-quality finish made them a popular choice over the centuries, especially in cottage-style homes and upscale buildings.

Natural insulation is one of the outstanding advantages of cedar. Cedar also ensures that you control inside temperatures well compared to asphalt shingles, which would be an added advantage to your utility bill and particularly in the Canadian changing weather.

Cedar is not only good-looking, though. It is also well known to be very robust. A cedar shake roof typically lasts 30 to 50 years or more before needing replacement. It withstands wind and impact, making it ideal for areas prone to storms.

With that being said, this is not a set-it-and-forget-it option. Cedar is a natural material; this can make it exposed to moss, rot and bug challenges unless treated and maintained properly. Proper examination, cleaning, and occasional treating with chemicals are needed.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing explained.

When cedar is the upscale alternative, asphalt shingles are the solid horse. There must be a reason why it is the most widely used roofing material in North America; it is less expensive, easy to install, and very readily available.

The current varieties of asphalt shingle roof, e.g., architectural shingles with an appearance resembling wood shake, are much more inexpensive. They come in virtually any colour, making it easy to find one that matches the rest of your house's exterior.

Speaking of durability, asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, which also depends on the quality of materials used and environmental factors. Another thing is that they are not very demanding, which is quite a pull to the busy homeowner.

Nonetheless, there are certain disadvantages to them. Asphalt shingles react more to radical changes in temperature, dissolving when consistently exposed to the heat or becoming brittle when left in a long-term deep freeze. Neither are they environmentally friendly, since they are made of petroleum and are more cumbersome to recycle.

Durability & Longevity

But as far as lifespan is concerned, cedar shakes are the winners--so long as it is well maintained. Cedar can have a lifespan 10-20 years longer than asphalt. But there is a catch: cedar takes commitment. Unless you feel like doing seasonal check-ups, clearing out debris, and wood-rot preventing treatment, your life can be dramatically reduced.

Although asphalt shingles do not last as long, they require much less maintenance. Asphalt might be the safer choice when there are homeowners who emphasize convenience and dependability most of all.

Cost Comparison

Asphalt shingles have an unambiguous advantage in upfront costs. It can be installed more quickly, and labour costs are lower. Additionally, the materials used themselves are much more affordable. The roofing of my house is asphalt, averaging a cost of $ 3 to $ 5 per square foot, with cedar shake costing $ 6 to $ 12 per square foot and higher.

With that said, one should keep long-term thinking in mind. Some of that initial investment can be recouped long-term because Cedar has a longer lifespan and is energy efficient. All these depend on your budget, plans for the house and your priorities for the aesthetics.

Aesthetics and House Value

No,w come on, cedar looks fantastic. The aesthetic nature of natural wood is much warmer in texture and brings in a maturity and charm which asphalt shingles frequently can not compete with. Cedar is particularly well-suited for heritage homes, luxury houses, or cabins.

That said, the high-end architectural asphalt shingles are yet to take off. Others are created to look like cedar or slate exactly, and, until you get up close, many cannot distinguish them.

Homes with cedar shaker roofs will have a high resale value because they will be able to attract potential buyers who want to have luxury finishes. The roof could, however, be telling potential buyers not to buy it, especially when it is about to wear out or appears to have been left unattended.

Environmental Considerations

When it comes to sustainability, cedar makes a good argument. It is a renewable material, biodegrades, and when harvested in a responsible manner, can be an eco-friendlier option. It also acquires less embodied energy relative to asphalt in production.

Conversely, asphalt shingles are not easy to recycle, and they contain products of petroleum products. Some manufacturers, however, now have recyclable or cool-roof-certified shingles that decrease absorption of heat and energy consumption.

Weather Performance

Roofing materials are exposed to test in the unpredictable climate of Canada. Cedar resists wind, rain, and even snow, but it does not love moisture when ventilation is not good. It may dry up and wear away quicker if it is not in a well-circulated atmosphere.

Asphalt shingles are durable in a wide variety of weather conditions, but ice dams or excessive sun or the quick-freeze thaw process may harm them. When the area you need to apply asphalt has a high rate of temperature changes, it is best to get products of a higher quality.

Maintenance

This is among the largest determining factors for most homeowners. Cedar requires:

• Regular inspections

• Moss Mould Cleaning

• Sometimes sealing or treatment

• Repair of broken or curling shakes before they curl up at once, to be repaired afterwards, if need be, to get currency

Asphalt, on the other hand, only needs to be visually checked after storms and occasionally has shingles replaced. That’s it. If you prefer to spend less time on property maintenance, asphalt may be a better fit for your lifestyle.

Which is the Roof That Best Fits?

This can be a life and preference breakdown in a nutshell:

• Recommend the roofing Cedar Shake Roofing when:

• You are fond of a natural-wood look.

• You are alright with maintaining.

• You will occupy the home on a long-term basis.

• You desire a more durable, energy-efficient material.

• Explain the pros of Asphalt Shingles in the case:

• One of the foremost things is the budget.

• You require low maintenance.

• And you are putting on a roof in selling.

• You want an easy repair and a fast installation.

Final Thoughts

Nobody can say that cedar shakes are better than asphalt shingles or vice versa; they each have genuine advantages. The decision you make should depend on your financial means, lifestyle, climate, and the duration of time you plan to live in your house. If you're looking for something that will never change or get old and will always stay beautiful, and are willing to take care of it, then cedar might be the standout choice. In case utter practicality and affordability are the chief concern, then there is always quality porcelain/asphalt shingles.

Long term, your roof is not merely a shelter but a lifelong investment in the feel and lifestyle of your home.

Timothy Cross is a seasoned freelance writer with over a decade of experience creating high-impact content in the fields of home improvement, technology, and sustainability.