Choosing A New Roof: Is Cedar Roofing Right For Your Home?
by William Gerard
When it's time to put a new roof on your home, you have a chance to choose a beautiful new look for the exterior of your house. There are many different types of roofing materials available, and each of them have a distinct look that can increase the curb appeal of your home. Cedar roofing is just one option to consider, but knowing more about this material can help you decide if it is right for your home. Here are a few things you should know about cedar roofing.
Design
Cedar shakes or shingles give your home a quaint look, making them a smart choice for country homes. Cedar can complement log cabins, country farmhouses, or cottages. The natural look is ideal if your home has wood siding, creating a stunning finishing touch for the building. They can also be arranged in a variety of patterns to create a unique appearance for your house.
Durability
Cedar roofing is durable, but you'll want to take into account the weather where you live before you decide on this roofing material. If you live in an area that sees excessive rainfall, you may want to consider another option. The wood can split or buckle after years of exposure to rain and wind. Because wood can also be damaged by exposure to sunlight, your home should have a decent amount of shade to protect the cedar shakes. You can opt for asphalt shingles with a wood look to create a similar appearance for your home if cedar shakes won't work where you live.
Maintenance
Cedar roofing can continue to look beautiful for years to come with the right maintenance. You'll want to clean the roof regularly using your garden hose and trim back trees to prevent leaves and debris from accumulating on the wood. Your contractor can refinish the shakes and apply sealer as it becomes necessary to keep your wood shingles or shakes looking great.
Cost
The average cost of a wood shingle, such as cedar, roof can cost between $6,800 and $14,700 for an average-sized ranch home, while a wood shake roof can run between $10,000 and $20,000. An asphalt shingle roof, on the other hand, can cost between $1,700 and $8,400 for an average ranch home. It's also important to remember that both asphalt and wood shingle roofs last about 20 years. If you want a roof that will last longer, you may want to consider a slate roof instead. Slate can last more than 100 years, but it can cost significantly more. Natural slate roofs can cost between $17,000 and $84,000, and synthetic slate averages from $11,900 to $18,900.
If you love the look of natural cedar roofs, be sure to take these points into consideration. Talk to your contractor about whether or not cedar is right for your home and the area you live in, and get ready to enjoy a beautiful new roof.
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About Me
Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!