What is Cedar Roofing and What is It Made of?

Are you looking to give your home a stately, timeless look? Consider cedar roofing! Cedar roofs are an attractive and durable option for many homeowners.

Not only does cedar give off a beautiful, rustic aesthetic that can nonetheless fit seamlessly into any neighborhood, but it also lasts significantly longer than other roofing materials.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different cedar types and what makes them so strong and long-lasting compared to standard asphalt shingles. Plus, we’ll explain why investing in a cedar roof is often worth it—particularly when it comes time to sell your house!

What Is Cedar Roofing?

Cedar roofing is a popular option for many homes and businesses because of its durability and beauty. The term “cedar” refers to a group of trees known as conifers, belonging to the Thuja genus or the Cupressaceae family.

These evergreen trees are native to North America and are widely distributed across temperate regions of the world. The lumber obtained from these trees has been used in construction since ancient times due to its strength, unique appearance, and natural resistance to decay.

Modern cedar roofing is made with either redwood or western red cedar, two species known for their exceptional strength and weather resistance properties.

Types of Cedar Roofing

When considering cedar roofing options, it’s important to understand that several different types are available on the market today. 

Shingles are the most popular form of cedar roofing, consisting of thin strips of wood cut into various shapes or sizes. Shingles come in various thicknesses and colors, ranging from light red tones to deep browns.

Additionally, shingle roofs can be treated with preservatives to increase their longevity and coloration. Wood shakes are another type of cedar roofing material that consists of thick pieces of wood split directly from logs; they tend to be darker than shingle variants due to their heavier composition.

Lastly, wood tiles are a traditional form of Mediterranean-style cedar roof that consists of large rectangular pieces cut into standard lengths before being installed on rooftops.

What Is Cedar Roofing Made Of?

At its core, cedar roofing is made up mainly of timber cells composed mainly of lignin and hemicellulose polysaccharides which give them flexibility when exposed to moisture and enable them to reshape before returning into place when they dry out again after exposure to rainfall, etc.

As mentioned, these timbers have also been treated with preservatives to preserve them during more extreme conditions, such as harsher winter climates.

And lastly, each timber piece can sometimes even be decorated with other external layers like metal sheets and ceramics for extra decoration and their natural beauty.

Advantages & Disadvantages

When compared against other materials commonly used for roofs, such as asphalt shingles or metal sheets, one great advantage of cedars is their lightweight property, allowing them easier installation while still offering excellent lifespan performance when properly taken care of. Another positive point worth mentioning is their excellent fire resistance property caused by (their high flame retardant characteristics). However, despite those benefits, this view option is not recommended if your budget is limited due to its cost price, which can easily double over other alternatives.

Verdict!

Cedar roofs offer a host of advantages to homeowners and businesses alike. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also incredibly durable and can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. They’re also fire-resistant, lightweight, and easy to install. 

Ultimately, cedar roofing can save you money in the long run, adding value to your home or business. So if you’re looking for a roofing material that offers beauty and longevity, consider contacting an attic insulation contractor or cedar roofing specialist!

However, it is important to keep in mind the potential drawbacks of cedar roofing, such as its higher cost than other materials and the need for regular maintenance. 

If you’re considering cedar roofing for your home or business, consider these factors before deciding to ensure it is the best option for you.