Roof shingles vs. Cedar shakes

A quality roof serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it protects the occupants and contents of a home against the elements. On the other, a beautiful roof greatly enhances the appearance of a building and boosts its resale value. Both cedar and asphalt can achieve these goals, so what is the difference between the two. Here is a brief guide to help you decide between roof shingles vs. cedar shakes.

The Difference Between Asphalt Shingles & Cedar Shakes

To start with, and to state the obvious, shingles and cedar shakes are made of very different materials and thus have different sets of attributes. Cedar shakes are cut from real cedar wood, while shingles are made from asphalt, fiberglass and other materials. Asphalt shingles give a roof a smooth, sleek appearance, while shakes provide a rough, rugged, “woodsy” appeal. 

Cedar Shake Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles Cost

Generally speaking, cedar shakes are significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles. If you want a natural, all-wood roof, you can opt for cedar shakes, but you will need to pay a premium for doing so. After weighing up the pros and cons, you may decide the extra expense is worthwhile. It depends on your budget and the look you have in mind. On average, a cedar shakes roof could cost anywhere between $8.00 and $15.00 per square foot. A shingle roof is much cheaper - between $3.50 and $5.50. 

Pros and Cons of Cedar Shakes vs. Asphalt Shingles

Aside from the costs, there are several other factors you should consider as you try to decide between cedar shakes and asphalt shingles. Let’s take a look at the major pros and cons.

Asphalt Shingles

Shingles have become the market standard for a reason: they have most of the properties that homeowners and builders look for. These include:

• They are durable and have a good life expectancy
• You can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns
• They are suitable for DIY installation
• They are affordable
• They are energy efficient
• They can be installed on most roofs and are extremely versatile
• You can purchase shingles that have very wind ratings if that is what you require

On the other hand, there are some cons:

• Shingles are not as durable as some other roofing options
• They need a lot of maintenance to prevent breaking and mildew growth
• They can crack, which leads to leaks and further damage inside the home
• They are not as effective in cold climates
• They are not as elegant in appearance as shakes and other roofing materials

Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes offer the following benefits:

• They provide classic style and universal appeal
• They can last up to 30 years
• They are resistant to insects
• They offer excellent protection against wind and impact
• They provide better airflow
• They boost your home’s appearance and value
• They are extremely efficient insulators

Here are some cons to think about:

• Being made of wood, they are susceptible to fire. They can be treated to make them fire-resistant, but that increase the cost of installation.
• They retain moisture and will need to be cleaned of moss and fungi every few years
• They must be installed by a professional and are not a good option for DIY

Bob Harvey Roofing is a professional roofing company in Layton, UT. We have been providing excellent service throughout northern Utah for the past 30 years. We are happy to talk you through the pros and cons of roofing, and we install and repair all roofing types.Contact us for more information about your roofing options, especially if you are considering the relative merits of roof shingles vs. cedar shakes.