A cedar roof is one of the most popular choices for homeowners. Cedar "shakes" or shingles are made from cedar, a softwood tree. Cedar grows naturally in many parts of the world. It is also cultivated to provide timber for furniture and construction. Cedar is widely available in lumber yards. Wooden shakes are one of the oldest roofing materials in use. Of all wood types, cedar is the most widely used for roofing purposes. It has remained the top choice through the centuries. Following are 6 reasons for you to purchase a cedar roof.
1 - Durable
Cedar shakes are among the most durable in roofing. With proper maintenance, many cedar roofs last for up to 50 years. They hold up well to strong winds, storms and hail. Cedar also withstands damage by UV rays fairly well. The naturally occurring oils in cedar give it a high resistance to rot. This boosts durability of cedar roofing. The softwood is also resistant to bugs. This will save you costs on the frequent maintenance necessary to prevent and clear bugs.
2 - Easy to Install
Cedar roofing is one of the easiest to install. Some roofing varieties are complicated and require a qualified professional to do installation. You can choose to install a cedar roof on your own. This will save you on installation costs. You can also undertake most of the general repairs and maintenance on your own. It adds to the overall cost-effectiveness of a cedar roof.
3 - Affordable
You can install cedar roofing without straining the budget. It is durable and attractive at a reasonable rate. It is one of the cheaper roofing materials, yet it competes favorably with most varieties. Should you choose to install yourself, it will save you further on costs. Cedar roofing is good value for your money.
4 - Improved Insulation
Cedar is structured in a unique way. Several large cells of air are found within the wood. Air makes an excellent insulation material. Cedar roofs help make the house warmer during the winter and cooler in the summer. Consumption of energy for heating and cooling is reduced. This gives you some savings on gas or electricity costs. The reduced energy consumption that a cedar roof enables has a favorable impact on the environment. With all the environmental concerns nowadays, cedar roofing makes an excellent green choice for roofing needs.
5 - Versatile
Some roofing materials limit you to a single style. Not so with cedar roofing. Cedar shingles can be used with various architectural styles. This allows for greater flexibility in construction. You can achieve the house of your dreams with affordable, yet durable cedar roofing.
6 - Aesthetic Value
Cedar shakes give a house a historic look and feel. The rustic appearance of the house that a cedar roof creates appeals to many. Cedar has a unique color changing ability. The honey or cinnamon hues develop in time to a distinctive silvery color. This gives the home a natural, beautiful and elegant look.
