Cedar roofing has adorned American homes for centuries, combining timeless beauty with remarkable durability. At Liberty Restoration Group, we’ve installed and restored countless cedar roofs throughout the years, giving us firsthand knowledge of their strengths and limitations. If you’re considering a cedar roof for your home, this guide will help you make an informed decision by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of this classic roofing material.
The Natural Beauty of Cedar Roofing
When it comes to aesthetic appeal, few roofing materials can match the natural beauty of cedar. Each shingle or shake possesses a unique grain pattern and warm, rich color that transforms an ordinary house into a distinctive home with a rustic yet sophisticated appearance. The wood roofing complements various architectural styles, from craftsman bungalows to modern mountain retreats.
Cedar’s Coloring
Cedar’s natural tones range from amber to cinnamon when newly installed, eventually weathering to an elegant silver-gray patina over time. This natural aging process enhances your home’s character and curb appeal in ways that manufactured materials simply cannot replicate.
Cedar’s Texture
Beyond the visual appeal, cedar roofs offer dimensional texture. Unlike the flat appearance of asphalt shingles, cedar shakes create depth and shadow lines across your roof. This three-dimensional quality catches light in interesting ways throughout the day, making your home stand out in the neighborhood.
Financial Benefits of Cedar Roofing
Many homeowners find that cedar roofing substantially increases their property’s perceived value. Real estate professionals often highlight cedar roofs as premium features when marketing homes, potentially offering a strong return on investment when it’s time to sell.
Environmental Benefits of Cedar Roofing
In today’s environmentally conscious world, cedar roofing stands out as a sustainable choice. Unlike petroleum-based asphalt shingles or metal roofing that require intensive manufacturing processes, cedar is a renewable resource that can be responsibly harvested and replanted. The production process requires minimal energy, and at the end of their lifespan — which can exceed 30 years — cedar shingles are biodegradable. Unlike asphalt shingles that often end up in landfills, cedar can return to the natural environment without causing harm.
The environmental benefits extend to your immediate surroundings as well. Cedar contains natural oils that resist insect infestation without requiring chemical treatments that might harm the local ecosystem. This makes cedar an excellent choice for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact while still enjoying a beautiful, durable roof.
Cost Savings Associated With Cedar Roofing
Cedar serves as an excellent natural insulator. The cellular structure of wood traps air, providing additional thermal insulation for your home. This natural property can help reduce energy consumption by keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, potentially lowering your heating and cooling costs.
Durability and Performance of Cedar Roofing
When properly installed and maintained, cedar roofing offers exceptional durability against the elements. Cedar contains natural preservatives that help it resist moisture, decay, and insect damage. These natural properties give cedar roofing impressive longevity, often lasting 30-40 years or more — significantly outlasting standard asphalt shingles.
The natural strength of cedar also allows it to withstand strong winds with less risk of damage. While no roof is completely immune to severe weather, cedar’s flexibility and impact resistance provide good protection against hail and storm debris. The individual shingles can flex slightly under impact rather than crack or break like some rigid roofing materials.
Finally, cedar’s performance in wet climates deserves special mention. Though all roofing materials require proper ventilation and installation, cedar’s natural properties allow it to handle moisture better than many alternatives. The wood can absorb and release moisture without compromising its structural integrity, assuming proper roof maintenance practices are followed.
Maintenance Requirements and Challenges
While cedar roofing has numerous benefits, it does require more maintenance than some alternative materials. Understanding these maintenance needs is essential for preserving your cedar roof’s beauty and extending its lifespan.
Routine Inspections
Regular inspections are crucial for cedar roofs. We recommend having your cedar roof professionally inspected every 2-3 years to identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems. Between professional inspections, homeowners should clear debris from the roof surface and gutters to prevent moisture accumulation.
Regular Cleanings
Cedar’s natural properties make it susceptible to moss, mildew, and algae growth, particularly in humid or shaded areas. These organisms can accelerate deterioration if left unchecked. Periodic cleaning by experienced professionals helps control these growths and preserves the roof’s integrity.
Occasional Shingle Replacements
Over time, cedar shingles may develop minor issues like curling, splitting, or cupping, especially if regular maintenance has been neglected. Individual damaged shingles can be replaced without requiring a complete roof replacement, but this requires the expertise of specialists familiar with cedar roofing.
Fire Protection
Fire safety represents another consideration for cedar roofing. Untreated cedar has natural flammability, though this can be mitigated with fire-retardant treatments. Many building codes require cedar roofing to be treated with fire retardants, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.
Cost Considerations for Cedar Roofing
The initial cost of cedar roofing typically exceeds that of standard asphalt shingles, often being compared to high-end materials like slate or metal. This higher upfront cost reflects both the quality of the material and the specialized labor required for proper installation.
Cost of Installation
The installation of cedar roofing demands specific expertise. Each shingle must be properly positioned and secured to ensure maximum performance and longevity. This specialized labor contributes significantly to the overall project cost but pays dividends in roof performance and lifespan.
While the initial investment is substantial, cedar roofing offers excellent value when considering its longevity. A properly maintained cedar roof can last 30-40 years or more, potentially outlasting multiple installations of less expensive roofing materials. This extended lifespan helps offset the higher initial cost over time.
Maintenance Costs
The maintenance costs should also factor into your budget planning. Periodic treatments, inspections, and occasional repairs represent ongoing investments in your roof’s performance. However, these maintenance expenditures help prevent more costly repairs and extend the roof’s functional lifespan.
Insurance Costs
Many homeowners find that insurance considerations also affect the total cost of cedar roofing ownership. Some insurance providers charge higher premiums for homes with cedar roofs due to perceived fire risks, particularly in regions prone to wildfires. Checking with your insurance provider before installation can help you accurately forecast the true cost of ownership.
Experience the Benefits of Cedar Roofing Yourself
At Liberty Restoration Group, we specialize in helping homeowners make informed decisions about cedar roofing. We also offer expert installation, restoration, and maintenance services to ensure your cedar roof performs beautifully for decades. Whether you’re considering a new cedar roof installation or need to restore an existing one, we invite you to schedule a consultation today and experience the timeless beauty and exceptional performance of cedar roofing with the guidance of our seasoned professionals.
