With their wood tones and grain patterns, cedar shake roofs are among the most beautiful. They are more difficult to maintain than other types of roofs and tend to be more expensive. Though natural cedar shake roofs have long been used in residential structures, synthetic cedar is now more widely available than ever and provides a number of significant advantages.
What is the distinction between synthetic and natural cedar shake shingles?
Synthetic cedar shake shingles are made from a composite material that is composed of recycled materials. They have the appearance of natural products but are man-made. They are adaptable, with a variety of color and pattern options to give the roof a more personalized appearance. Although you can see and feel the difference up close, your neighbors are unlikely to notice the distinction between synthetic and natural wood products.
Natural cedar shake shingles are constructed from natural cedar wood. The majority of this wood comes from Southwest Canada or the northwestern United States. There are three grades or quality types: common, selects, and straight grain, with the latter being the highest quality because it is made of 100% cedar straight grain. Any of these products can give a roof a beautiful, natural, and rugged appearance.
Which the best type of shingle for your roof?
It’s difficult to say which is superior because it all depends on what’s important to you and your budget. Here are a few key factors to consider when making a decision.
Lifespan of synthetic cedar shake shingles
Synthetic cedar shake shingles last longer than natural wood, with a lifespan of up to 50 years if professionally installed and maintained. Given the size of the investment, it’s a good thing they last this long.
Your natural cedar shake shingles can last for 30 years or more if properly maintained. Natural cedar will dry out faster in extremely dry environments, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
Manufacturer warranties for synthetic cedar shake shingles
Most roofing products come with warranties, but what they cover and how long they last vary depending on the manufacturer. Roofers will typically provide both a workmanship warranty and a material-related warranty from the manufacturer.
Natural cedar shake materials require no manufacturing because they are a natural product. These products are less likely to come with a material warranty. Because synthetic cedar is manufactured rather than derived from a tree, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. Some manufacturers provide lifetime warranties, while others provide shorter warranties. When it comes to synthetics, the warranty is a good indicator of the product’s quality.
Synthetic cedar shake singles normal wear and tear
Even with routine maintenance, all roofing systems experience wear and tear. However, some products are more capable than others. Natural cedar is made of wood. If you leave pieces of wood outside to weather, they will change color, warp, and even become brittle if the weather is too dry. As a result, cedar shake shingles suffer from the same issue. They will weather faster as they get older and go through seasons. This may include some rotting, curling, and cracking. In most cases, the color will also gray.
Because they are made of composite, often plastic, materials, synthetic cedar shake shingles do not do this. They will still become discolored and may fall off over time, but these are simple maintenance tasks. They do not crack and weather like natural wood does.
As a result, synthetic cedar shakes are less difficult to keep than natural products. With natural products, you will need to spend more time inspecting, repairing, and sealing areas. That’s not surprising for a roof, but natural cedar simply requires more investment over its lifetime than well-installed synthetic systems.
Do synthetic shingles add value to your home?
Both types of cedar shakes are excellent home investments. They are beautiful and are frequently regarded as one of the most appealing types of roofing products you can add to your home. They retain their beauty even as they age.
As a result, both products tend to increase the home’s curb appeal and value. Both can be an asset when selling your home if they are well-maintained, especially if they look fantastic.
How much does a synthetic cedar shake roof cost?
When deciding between natural and synthetic products, price is a major consideration. When compared to metal roofs or asphalt shingles, both of these materials are considered premium or higher-end products. They will cost more than the other products.
Most of the type, synthetic products will cost less than natural cedar. You may expect that to be the other way around, but wood costs are typically high, and since cedar needs to be sourced from a specific region, that’s more expensive, and product quantities are typically limited.
Natural cedar can cost up to $30 a square foot, while synthetic products can reach $18 a square foot (depending on location and material options).
What is their impact resistance, fire, and wind strength?
When it comes to wear and tear, one key thing to consider is the impact resistance of your roof. That is, things like falling tree branches and hail can create damage to the roof structure. Both products are durable and typically can handle typical weather conditions. You will find, however, that synthetic products are more durable and less likely to split or crack when something hits them.
They are also more fireproof and less likely to create a fire risk in your home. Most can also do a great job of withstanding strong winds if you live in an area of tropical storms or other high-wind events.
If you plan to purchase either natural or synthetic cedar shake shingles, do some research on the brands. Be sure you are also turning to a highly experienced roofing contractor to install them. Small details can make a big difference when it comes to getting the most out of these roofing structures. The good news is both of these materials can add significant value to your home and create an attractive appearance.
