Cedar Shake Roof vs Asphalt Shingle Roof

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by: denememd
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Word Count: 549
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2011 Time: 4:53 PM
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A cedar shingle roof remains highly coveted by homeowners. It's one of the oldest roofing components that has always been constantly being used over the 100's of years. As much as new roofing materials continue being developed, cedar shakes still endear by themselves to many. Below is really a relative analysis of a cedar roof versus an asphalt roof.

Pros of Cedar Roofing Shakes

Cedar shakes contribute to improved air circulation inside the complete home. The shingles permit the house to breathe well without trapping moisture inside. This helps to keep the structure of the house in good condition for longer. Cedar Shingles are durable and strong. They enjoy a high potential to deal with bugs. A cedar shingle roof will stand up well towards the various weather onslaughts. Storms, hurricanes, powerful winds and flying debris will barely hurt the surface of your cedar roof. The colour matures beautifully using the passing years, which makes it all the more desireable. A cedar roof adds a definite charm to your home. Cedar is instantly available in lumber yards and doesn't need a large amount of expertise or specialized tools to set up.


Cons of Cedar Roofing shingles

If rot sets in, you'd be compelled to replace the entire lot. It is not easy extracting only the affected pieces. They may happen to be nailed down in such a way that each elimination proves difficult. Cedar Shingles don't hold up well to constant wetting. If you live in an area where rainfall is heavy or frequent, cedar shingles aren't the ideal choice. Frequent wetting causes mold or mildew to create in. Replacement and repair can be a costly business. Your very best protection against constant wetting is always to use wide overhangs. Also, if your house is shaded by many trees or nearby buildings, cedar shakes tend to develop mildew. You'll be compelled to change them sooner than you planned. Cedar Shingles are more flammable than asphalt shingles. Many areas have a building code in position that restricts cedar shingles to lessen the risk of fire. To install a cedar shake roof, you need to have your budget on the higher side. Frequent maintenance can also be necessary to keep the roof in good shape. Mildew and rot are ever-constant threats to some cedar roof.

Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roof

An asphalt roof is among the most affordable to buy and install. These come in various designs and colours, ranging from a plain, flat look to a 3-dimensional look. Asphalt shingles have a high potential to deal with fires unlike cedar roofing. An asphalt roof can actually reduce the risk of fires brought on by flying embers. Asphalt roofs are easier and cheaper to install than cedar. They are also low maintenance roofs.

Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roof

Algae is much more likely to grow on asphalt roofing than cedar shingles. It causes the roof to build up somewhat of a stain which spoils the look. You will get an anti-algae coating done in your asphalt shingles but this increases the cost. In terms of stability, an asphalt roof is more likely to be blown off by strong winds than the usual cedar roof.

About the Author

You can learn more about cedar roof shingles, and get more articles and resources about cedar roofing shakes at cedar roof shingles and shakes website.