4 ADVANTAGES OF CEDAR ROOFING

Your roof is exposed to a great deal of different weather conditions throughout the year. Cedar is a building material that possesses a number of qualities that make it an ideal choice for your roof.

Understanding the advantages associated with cedar roofing can help you figure out whether or not a cedar roof is the right fit for your needs.

Cedar is an extremely durable material, both in terms of its physical strength and its natural resistance to pests, water damage and UV exposure. Unlike other types of wood, cedar possesses natural chemicals that prevent it from rotting, warping or otherwise degrading due to weather exposure.

Some types of cedar roofing are even treated with special chemicals that are designed to make it fire-resistant, which can be a major safety consideration. It should also be noted that cedar is resistant to shrinking and expanding when temperature changes, which helps it resist seasonal damage.

Cedar shingles are also thicker than standard asphalt roofing shingles, which means that they provide a higher degree of physical protection, not to mention wind resistance, making cedar roofing a great choice for areas that experience severe weather conditions like hurricanes and winter storms.

When coupled with the durability of thicker shingles, a cedar roof can thus reasonably survive for a few decades (as long as they are properly maintained) before they have to be replaced, reducing your long-run maintenance and replacement costs.

Cedar roofing can be sourced from sustainable forests, which can help reduce the overall environmental impact of your home. This benefit is further compounded by the fact that cedar roofing is completely biodegradable and can be recycled into mulch or other materials when it is eventually removed from your home.

This quality makes cedar roofing the ideal choice for homeowners looking for an environmentally responsible roofing material that is durable enough to protect their home.

A significant advantage of cedar as a roofing material is the fact that it develops a natural patina over time as it is exposed to the weather and fluctuating temperatures. The orange-brown shade of cedar will eventually develop a silvery coloring, which creates a distinctive appearance for your roof that many find attractive.

It's important to note that this color change will happen as your roof ages, but it doesn't indicate that your cedar roofing is any less durable than it was when it was initially installed: it's merely a superficial change. If the silver shade doesn't appeal to you, you can also have your cedar roof painted or stained another color of your choice, providing you with a multitude of design options.

Beyond the coloring, there are a few different types of cedar roofing materials available. Cedar shingles provide a relatively smooth look to your roof, whereas cedar shakes are thicker and rougher cut, providing a rustic appearance.

Cedar has strong insulative qualities, which means that it is able to trap both hot and cold air, depending on the season, within your home. This quality can help reduce your energy bills in both the summer and winter, and keep your home's interior at a comfortable level when the temperatures hit an extreme outside.

This property also translates into sound insulation, which can help reduce the amount of exterior noise that you hear within your home. Sound insulation can be a huge advantage if your home is near a major transportation route.