07 Mar Should You Opt for Cedar Roofing in Glenview, Illinois?
As time passes, roofing materials become more and more sophisticated. However, there’s one roofing material that’s never changed. That roofing material is cedar. Cedar shakes were used on homes hundreds of years ago and are still used on homes today.
Are you curious about using cedar roofing in Glenview, Illinois? Wondering if you should install it on your home? This article should help.
Below, we’re going to lay out both the pros and cons of cedar roofing, helping you to decide whether or not it matches your aesthetic and functional preferences. Let’s begin.
Pros:
Cedar roofing is a truly high-end roofing material, outshining other residential roofing materials on a variety of different fronts. Its pros are as follows:
Aesthetically Appealing
Perhaps the primary reason that homeowners install cedar shakes on their roofs is that they find it aesthetically appealing. After all, while aesthetic preferences are largely subjective, it’s hard to argue against the rustic brilliance of cedar.
Durable
While it’s not nearly as durable as slate and tile roofing, cedar roofing is still more durable than asphalt shingles. Whereas asphalt shingles will typically provide around 20 years of use, cedar shakes will typically provide around 30 years of use.
Weather Resistant
You may think that, because it’s a type of wood, cedar is susceptible to water damage. While cedar can fall victim to water exposure over time, it generally takes decades in order to do so. As long as you keep cedar shakes free from residue, and away from constant moisture exposure, they likely won’t suffer any substantial water damage.
Insulative
When it comes to insulation, cedar roofing is one of the top materials. This thick, dense wood does a superb job of stopping heat, cold, and sound waves in their tracks.
The result of this? Lower energy bills, and a quieter, more peaceful home.
Cons:
For the most part, cedar roofing is an excellent roofing material. However, like all roofing materials, it’s not without its faults. Those faults are as follows:
Expensive
The simple fact of the matter is that cedar roofing is expensive. In fact, it’s substantially more expensive than standard asphalt shingles. Whereas asphalt shingles are available for around $80 to $100 per square, cedar shakes generally go for between $600 and $670 per square.
If you’re paying to have cedar shakes installed, you can expect the cost to run anywhere from $16,000 to $27,000 in total.
Maintenance Intensive
Though cedar isn’t as vulnerable to water as you might think, it’s still a lot more vulnerable than asphalt is. For this reason, cedar shakes require more maintenance than asphalt shingles.
While you don’t have to stain and seal your cedar shakes, it’s wise to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re clear of any residue. If algae, moss, tree branches, or other types of residue are allowed to exist on your cedar shakes, they will trap water and eventually lead to water damage.
The best practice for maintaining a cedar roof is to clean it every 6 months or so. If you don’t, it will likely start to take on algae growth, and its structural integrity could become compromised.
Utilize Professional Roofing Company in Glenview, Illinois
Is cedar roofing the right material for your home? Are you interested in utilizing a professional roofing company in Glenview, Illinois? The expert roofing contractors with Aspen Exterior are the people to see.
We’ve been in business since 1978 and have installed cedar roofing on countless homes throughout the Glenview area. Our team of seasoned and skilled roofers would be happy to do the same for your home.
Contact us now to start the roofing process!
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