Cedar Shakes vs Cedar Shingles
Cedar shakes and shingles are quite popular in the western U.S. The look of cedar on a roof gives an old, rustic appeal not seen in other roofing materials like asphalt and tile.
In Colorado, these cedar shakes and shingles can take a beating and may require more maintenance and upkeep compared to their asphalt counterparts.
Two types of roofing materials that share a similar name, cedar shingles and cedar shakes are really quite different from one another.
CEDAR SHINGLES
Simply put, cedar shingles are milled more precisely than shake and create a more uniform appearance on the roof. Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides and are much more uniform in appearance. They have a tailored appearance and are cut tapered.
Cedar shingles are more precise and can lay flat. They also do not require a layer of felt paper. Since they are not as thick as cedar shakes, the cedar shingles can be layered three shingles thick. This thickness provides an excellent weatherproof barrier to the roof. Cedar shingles are more precise and can lay flat. They also do not require a layer of felt paper. Since they are not as thick as cedar shakes, the cedar shingles can be layered three shingles thick. This thickness provides an excellent weatherproof barrier to the roof.
CEDAR SHAKES
Cedar shakes are a bit thicker and more irregular giving the roof a more rustic appearance. Cedar shakes are sawn on one side with the split side outward facing. This is what gives the cedar shakes the rustic appearance. They are typically sawed at an angle so one end is thicker than the other.
Since cedar shakes are more irregular in shape, they don’t lay flat when installed. This creates gaps between the shakes which can be caught up in wind gusts or penetrated by rain. Due to this, a layer of felt paper is required during the installation. The paper helps block the wind and precipitation. This layer of felt paper combined with a proper cedar shake installation provides a secondary barrier of protection for the roof.
If you are interested or have any other questions about cedar roofing materials, or other types of shingles, don’t hesitate to contact us.
BENEFITS OF CEDAR SHAKES/SHINGLES
Although we did just lay out a few disadvantages, cedar shakes and shingles do have advantages beyond the rustic appeal other roofing options don’t offer.
Cedar roofing provides superior performance for those in areas that experience harsh weather conditions, such as extreme wind and hail. Homeowners in the Denver, CO area would benefit from installing cedar roofing for their protection against weather elements alone.
GREEN EFFECT
Those of you looking for a green roofing option, consider cedar shakes or shingles as your material. Cedar is a wood material that’s biodegradable and a renewable source. There are very few materials that are considered a fully renewable building material such as wood. Additionally, cedar provides better insulation for your home which in turn lowers your energy costs. So if you’re planning on going green, cedar roofing is an environmentally friendly choice for you.
REPLACEMENT
Wait, there’s even more good news about cedar roofing in Denver! It’s possible to replace and repair parts of your cedar roof without concern over the new shakes or shingles looking significantly different in composition from your original cedar shakes or shingles. When cedar ages, it’s expected that some pieces will require replacement. With cedar roofing, individual shake or shingle repairs are possible. In fact, if you are proactive about your cedar roof, you can extend the life of your cedar roof.
Cedar shakes or shingles will provide your home with an aesthetically appealing look as well as provide long-term durability, sustainability and superior performance against harsh weather elements.
