Cedar roofs are not as common as, say, asphalt shingles. As such, many people do not consider these roofs because they do not understand them well. Below is an overview of cedar roofs.
Types
Cedar roofing is available in two main types.
1. Shingles
Cedar shingles are wedge-shaped pieces of wood that manufacturers produce by sawing both sides of the wood. The shingles' production method gives uniform pieces of wood with smooth surfaces on both sides. Many homeowners love cedar-shingles uniformity, especially on visible roof parts.
2. Shakes
Wood shakes are wedge-shaped like shingles. However, roofing manufacturers produce the shakes by sawing one side of the wood and splitting the other by hand. The shakes are relatively thicker and rougher than the shingles, especially on the former's hand-split side.
The production method of wood shakes also means they are not as uniform as shingles. Homeowners love cedar shakes for their rustic and natural look. The thick shake profile makes them durable and resistant to many weather elements. Shakes also cost more than shingles because they contain more wood.
Benefits
Cedar shingles have multiple benefits. For example, many people love cedar because:
- They are energy efficient. Wood is a poor heat conductor, so you don't have to worry about roof heat loss during the winter or heat gain during the summer. With a cedar roof, your air conditioner or heating system doesn't overwork to keep your home comfortable.
- They are environmentally friendly. Wood shakes and shingles are natural products, renewable, and recyclable. In addition, the materials don't contain chemicals or synthetics that hurt the environment.
- They look good. Enhanced curb appeal is one of the top reasons people opt for cedar roofing. The beauty of cedar roofing can help your home maintain or increase its value.
Maintenance
You must maintain your cedar roof properly to enjoy the above benefits. Below are the maintenance tips to observe:
- Treat your cedar roofing periodically to maintain its resistance to rot, fire damage, and pest damage.
- Regularly clean the roof to remove debris that retains moisture and encourages growths that deteriorate the roof.
- Maintain the roof's drainage system to ensure water doesn't stay long on the roof and cause damage.
- Trim overhanging branches that shade the roof and prevent it from drying; the overhanging branches also drop debris on the roof, which contributes to its degradation.
Talk to a roofing contractor about the right maintenance schedule for your roof.
