There’s something enchanting about a wooden roof. Not only does it exude a countryside, nostalgic vibe, but it’s also distinctly elegant looking. A wooden roof matches a vast range of architectures, too. That said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Especially those who value longevity and expediency over visual appeal, they prefer an inorganic option. Wooden roof, however, has its fair share of beneficial qualities.
Why Choose Cedar Roof?
There are different species of trees that can produce good roof shakes or shingles, the most common of which are Cedar, Wallaba, and Teak. Each of these wood sources has great properties but cedar is the most sought after. Here are some of the reasons why cedar shakes are the wooden roof of choice for many homeowners across the Chicago area.
- Enduring Charm
- – One thing that distinguishes cedar from other types of wood shakes and shingles is its natural texture. People instantly fall in love with the warm colors of wood cedar offer, which is quite hard to mimic using vinyl, metal, and other inorganic materials.
- Excellent Insulation
- – Wood is naturally good at trapping heat inside the house. This makes it the best material for winter log cabins. It also helps keep the temperature in your home comfortable during summer. That’s all thanks to the air pockets in the inner grains of wood dispelling heat or cold before it reaches your home’s interior surface.
- Natural Aroma
- – There’s a huge difference in terms of smell between an asphalt roof and a cedar roof. The addictive, natural fragrance of cedar doesn’t go away fast. It can even be therapeutic for anyone who needs a break from the stench of the city. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, don’t forget to show buyers your attic and let them inhale the delightful aroma of your cedar roof.
- Timeless
- – Industrialization has given way to the development of different roofing materials. Despite that, cedar wood remains a classic favorite, thanks to its natural elegance and other prized qualities. With architecture evolving quickly, embracing new ideas and a clash of classic and modern styles, cedar shake is seeing a gradual comeback. Now, merging the rustic aesthetic it offers with the simplistic appeal of modern architecture is fast turning into a trend.
- Lightweight
- – Compared to brick, slate, and tile, wood like cedar is incredibly light. After all, cedar shakes and shingles are left to completely dry before use, which makes them very easy to install. Their lightness, however, doesn’t affect their durability and insulating qualities.
- Insect Repellent
- – One of the downsides to a wooden roof is its susceptibility to termite damage. Thankfully, cedar is among the very few species of plants that have a natural insect repellent properties. So, if you long to have a wooden roof but are scared of termite problems, choose cedar.
- Shape and Color Choices
- – Cedar shakes also come in a variety of shapes. Whether you want square shakes or those with rounded ends, you’re covered. Besides, you can actually cut the shakes yourself if the shape you want isn’t available.
Can cedar shake roofs be repaired?
While cedar roof can last for over 30 years, it will experience all kinds of damage from natural forces throughout its functional lifetime, whether it be in the form of dirt buildup or mold infestation. The only way to preserve its condition for a long time is through pressure washing or treatment.
When treating cedar shakes, make sure to use products that come with a material safety data sheet and safety precautions. It must be labeled as a cedar roof treatment product. If there’s no such label, there has to be a letter from the manufacturer in the packaging verifying the suitability of the product for cedar treatment. The best treatment products are also water repellent and registered in EPA as wood preservative.
When it comes to cleaning your cedar shakes, pressure washing is indeed the best method. However, if this is your first time using a pressure washer, let alone on cedar, it’s best to call an expert to at least give you tips. Otherwise, you’ll only end up damaging the shakes. Keep in mind that wood is many times more fragile than concrete or stone so it can break with too much pressure.
Proper treatment helps prolong the functional life of your cedar roof. Then again, you can’t expect your cedar roof to last forever. Time will come when cedar shake roof repair and maintenance will no long be enough. One good thing about cedar, however, is its color doesn’t change too quickly. So, even if you’re only replacing a few broken pieces with new ones, the difference in appearance won’t be too obvious. When the time to replace your roof finally comes, don’t hesitate to contact an expert roofing company such as Muller Exteriors to replace your roof.
They install all kinds of roof, so don’t hesitate to consider replacing your cedar shake with a new roof type if you’d like to try something different. They can repair and maintain the new roof, too. If you’re worried that installing the new roof might cause some interruptions in your family’s activity, don’t be. They use satellite-assisted imaging technology to get the exact features of your home and make accurate material cost estimates without ever entering your house. They can finish the installation within days, too, depending on the size of the project and the type of roof you chose to install.
