3 Benefits of Installing a Cedar Shake Roof
Some people decide to install a cedar shake roof simply because of the way these shingles look. You get a natural and distinctive look if you take this route. While cedar shingles can turn your roof into a thing of beauty, this option also has a range of other useful benefits. What are they?
1. Effective Insulation
Wood is a natural insulation material. So, if you install cedar shingles, you may find that your home becomes more energy efficient. Your shingles will keep the heat out of your home during warm months and the cold out during colder seasons.
Additionally, any AC or heating you use at home will stay in your home; it won't escape out of your roof. This makes your cooling and heating systems more cost-efficient to run.
2. Natural Strength
Cedar shingles are strong and robust. They have a good track record of withstanding wind and storm damage. While they aren't invulnerable — no roofing material is — they can cope with pretty adverse weather and stay in good shape.
Cedar handles moisture and sunlight well. It is also pest resistant. Even termites won't be attracted to cedar since it contains a chemical that these insects tend to avoid.
You can also have your shingles treated to give them extra protection. So, for example, you can treat against fungal growth and fire if you think that these factors might affect your roof at any time.
These factors result in a roof that takes care of itself most of the time. It stays strong, keeps its shape, and is unlikely to suffer from external damage.
3. A Greener Footprint
If you want your home to be environmentally friendly, then cedar shingles are a good bet. For a start, you'll be using a natural wood rather than a manufactured product. Typically, cedar trees are replaced any time one is harvested to keep growth at a good level and to prevent stock depletion.
Plus, while your roof will last for years, there may come a time down the line where you decide to replace it. Some roofing materials aren't recyclable or reusable and end up in landfills where they could harm the environment. If you use cedar shingles, then they can be reused or recycled. For example, they could be chipped and used in gardens once they've reached the end of their useful life as a roofing material.
To learn more about these and other benefits, contact cedar shake roofing specialists near you.