The Advantages of Cedar Roofs
In any conversation about cedar wood roofs, the first thing to come up is the beauty of this roofing material. A statement as simple as “cedar makes the most beautiful roof” is rarely countered with an argument. Its color gradients, organic texture, shadows, and light make it incomparable in beauty and sophistication.
But cedar’s benefits don’t stop with its aesthetic appeal. Cedar shakes and shingles provide natural insulating power—as much as double that of asphalt shingles. That equates to significant energy savings, and you know what that means: money savings!
Contrary to popular belief, cedar shake roofs are also remarkably resistant to wind and weather. They will endure downpours, long soaking rains, snow, hail, and high winds with outstanding resilience. And if roof repairs are needed, they can be done any time of year because a cedar roof’s construction does not depend upon sealants.
This last advantage is a big one. You can expect cedar roofs to last for up to 50 years when installed properly in conjunction with the correct metal flashings, valleys, and ridge caps. Even in the harshest Canadian environments, building owners have known this roof type to hold firm for up to 30 years.
So if you’re looking for an attractive roofing option that can save you money, presents very little need for repairs, and will last for half a century, choose cedar for your commercial building.
The Potential Drawbacks of Cedar Roofs
Every type of specialty roofing has its disadvantages, and cedar is no different. First, it can be more expensive than other types of commercial roofing. That’s simply because it’s a high-end roofing option with a longer lifespan than other materials. A cedar roof is an investment in your structure.
And that life expectancy of up to 50 years? It happens when a cedar roof is in an ideal environment and maintained correctly—and this roofing system requires more maintenance than typical roofing materials.
You must regularly remove debris and leaves from the roof to reduce the chances of moss, mold, and mildew growth. Replace cracked, worn, or molded shakes promptly to preserve the integrity of the entire roof. We often recommend that trees be kept trimmed back from the roof to decrease the amount of problematic debris.
But don’t let the need for maintenance deter you from the cedar roof of your dreams. Our preventive maintenance program will keep that roof in great shape—for the next 50 years.