While the phrase “home is your castle” may be overused, it originates from a fundamental truth. In fact, we believe your home goes beyond being just a castle and serves as an embodiment of your unique self – a manifestation of your character in tangible form.
As you look for the best roofing options, it only makes sense to treat your castle, yourself, and your family with the utmost care. Your home and loved ones deserve nothing but the best, and settling for anything less is out of the question. You’re also taking a practical approach.
Although it may require a higher initial cost, the purpose of investing in quality is to ultimately see a return. By paying extra for a premium roof, you can be sure that decades from now, it will still maintain its attractive appearance and functional integrity.
At AGR, our go-to choice for premium roofing are cedar shake shingles. In the following section, we will delve into the various advantages of cedar shake shingle roofing and how it can benefit you as a homeowner.
A Quick Intro to Cedar Shake Shingles
The timeless charm of natural wood will never fade. Its rustic elegance effortlessly catches the eye without being too overwhelming or flashy. It makes a statement without being too bold. The textures exude richness and the rugged, earthy charm lends an authentic air, while still maintaining a refined and nuanced feel.
The sought-after cedar shake roof is primarily desired for its natural wood aesthetic. As a result, homeowners are often willing to pay extra for this feature.
Although both asphalt and metal roofs are functional and can be designed with aesthetic appeal, natural wood surpasses them in terms of quality and appearance.
The cedar used for these shingles is sourced from either Southwest Canada or the Northwest US. After harvesting, the wood is cut into two-foot sections and then undergoes a process of either hand-splitting or sawing, with the latter resulting in tapered thickness.
The cedar can be transformed into a rugged look through handsplitting. On the other hand, using tapersawing provides a smoother appearance to the wood.
There are three variations of cedar shakes shingles to choose from:
- 100% straight-grains.
- Selects.
- Common.
Due to the high quality of cedar shake shingles, they are custom-made upon request rather than being kept in storage. In simpler terms, the shingles will only be hand-split or tapersawed after you have made a purchase. As a result, it may take up to two months for your cedar shake shingles to be delivered and ready for installation.
The Two Main Sizes of Cedar Shake Shingles
When ordering cedar shake shingles, you have the option of selecting from two main thicknesses: half-inch or three-quarter-inch pieces.
The three-quarter-inch shingles are known for their durability and higher cost compared to the half-inch shingles.
In addition, there are a variety of exposure options available for cedar shake shingles, such as 12-inch and 7.5-inch sizes, which can produce distinctive and individualized visual effects.
Discovering the Variations of Cedar Shake Shingles
In the following section, we will explore the three variations of cedar shake shingles previously mentioned.
Common Cedar Shake Shingles
Common cedar shake shingles, as their name implies, are the least expensive option initially. Therefore, they may not be of the same caliber as the other two choices. These shingles are sourced from various parts of the cedar tree. Essentially, they are lower quality remnants from superior cuts.
As a result of their inferior quality, common cedar shingles are more prone to warping and splitting compared to other types.
It’s important to keep in mind that quality is subjective. While common cedar shakes are still considered a top-notch choice, they may not measure up in terms of quality when compared to select and 100% straight-grain shingles.
Select Cedar Shake Roofing
Selects are a blend of primarily straight grain wood, making up 80% of the total, with the remaining 20% consisting of common cedar.
These intermediary choices fall in a price range higher than commons but lower than those with 100% straight grains.
Be sure your contractor carefully sifts and handpicks the highest quality choices for your installation project.
100% Straight-Grain Cedar Shake Shingles
This top-of-the-line cedar shake shingle is of superior quality and has unmatched aesthetic appeal. Every shingle is carefully examined to guarantee the use of only the best materials available.
By carefully choosing 100% straight-grain cedar shake shingles, your contractor can lay them flat to prevent any future curling. These shingles have proven to be the most durable out of all the options we’ve discussed, giving your roof a significantly long lifespan.
How Long do Cedar Shake Shingles Last?
When it comes to the lifespan of a roof, there is no definitive answer. Numerous factors come into play, regardless of how well it was installed. That said, we can offer an educated estimation on the longevity of cedar shake roofs, as long as certain conditions are met.
With proper installation and maintenance, both common and select cedar shake roofs can typically withstand up to 30 years. However, using exclusively straight-grain shingles made of cedar, along with other optimized roofing materials, can significantly prolong a roof’s durability to 50 years.
The duration of your cedar shake roof’s lifespan is influenced by the local climate. Wet environments can significantly reduce the durability of cedar shake shingles. In contrast, dryness or moisture levels can prevent cedar shake shingles from adequately drying, resulting in faster aging.
Using Maintenance to Maximize the Life of Your Cedar Shake Shingles
As with most premium products, regular upkeep is crucial for cedar shake shingles. It is advised to carry out these maintenance duties twice a year in order to identify any potential problems early on, such as spotting cracks that may result in leaks or structural harm.
Regular maintenance involves clearing away debris from both your roof and gutters. If this debris is left on your cedar shake shingle roof when wet, it can significantly decrease its lifespan. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to remove it in a timely manner, as doing so will bring significant benefits in the long run.
Factors to Consider Regarding Warranty
For the most part, a new roof investment comes with two warranties:
- Contractor’s quality warranty.
- Roofing material manufacturer’s warranty.
However, unlike other materials, cedar shake shingles do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Instead, the contractor typically provides a quality warranty.
Although cedar shake shingles offer a unique look, it’s important to remember that you only have one warranty to rely on – based on the quality of the contractor’s work. It’s essential to choose a trustworthy professional who will do the job correctly. With 20 years of experience installing roofing for happy customers, AGR is the perfect choice. Get in touch with us now for more information on our installation process and pricing options!
