Cedar Shingles -The Benefits of Using Cedar

by on January 25, 2012

If you are considering remodeling the outside of your home, cedar shingles is a great choice. These shingles are like no other, as cedar has characteristics which many other woods do not have. Western Red Cedar carries a rustic color which may turn silver to the eye once it ages.  Either way, cedar looks beautiful on any building or home. It is used by most roofers in Canada, and is very popular in the United States as well as here in the UK. Some benefits of using cedar shingles:

  1. Great Insulation
  2. Repels Bugs
  3. Beautiful
  4. Durable
  5. Long Lasting

 Lower Energy Bills

Cedar Shingles UKOwning a home can mean high heating costs, unless it is built efficiently with materials such as cedar. A timber such as cedar will insulate the home, keep out the cold, and making energy bills far cheaper. By using cedar on the sides and roofing of the home, your bills will decrease dramatically. Placing cedar shingles on your roof, will not only make your home look good, but you will also be saving money.  Cedar shingles are not very expensive, and you will make your money back on them through lowe heating costs.

Repels Bugs

Never worry about bugs getting into your home again. Nobody likes bugs, and for the ones which somehow make their way into your home, it can be an anxious time for some. However, by installing cedar on your house, you don’t have to worry about bugs making their way into your home.  Many roofs are damaged due to bugs eating away at the materials, however with cedar shingles on the roof and sides of a building, bugs will be repelled keeping your home safe from these unwanted nuisances.

Cedar Shingles uk

Durability

If you are looking to change your roof, chances are it’s not made with cedar shingles. This is because cedar shingles are very durable, and can withstand most any weather. If you’re having a heavy downpour your shingles will happily see you through it. Cedar is so durable, it will prevail through snow, hail, heat and other conditions which are known to damage roofs.  Although cedar is more of a soft wood, it is very durable and can withstand just about anything which it is put up against. A roof covered in cedar can last up to forty years and more, so it is worth every penny spent on it.

Cedar is a wood which does not easily deteriorate, and will hold on for a very long time.  If you don’t plan on changing your roofing for a while, cedar shingles are a great choice for roofing.

Cedar Shingles Leads to Cheaper Insurance

Because the condition of a home is one of the leading factors in determining the cost of home insurance,  having cedar shingles on your home can decrease insurance costs.  As stated above, shingles are durable against hail storms, but even more-  they have been recognized in some states in the US as being able to repel hail during some of the heaviest hail storms.

After being put through an “impact” test, which is a test given to determine what a material can withstand. This test determines if the shingles can  qualify for UL-2218 Class 3 & 4 impact resistance ratings. As a result, cedar shingles passed, giving insured individuals up to a class 4 impact discount, which meant because of the durable qualities, and less chance of damage, insurance prices were decreased.  Though insurance companies vary, and whether they currently have such discounts  may be questionable, this test showed just how durable cedar shingles are.

Adding Color to Your Shingles

While cedar can range in color from a yellowish to a reddish brown, most will have a more rustic appearance.  However, if you would like your shingles a bit darker, using clear stains will accomplish this. There are stains which are specially made for the wood, to keep in line with its natural color and beauty. Cedar can be dense, which makes it difficult for normal wood stains to penetrate through. However the specially made stains will get around this. Stains are available in clear, semi transparent, semi solid and solid colors. This is by far the best way to paint and treat shingles.

While clear stain is nothing more than  making the shingles look wet, the semi transparent stain adds a hint of color while still giving off a clear appearance.  For those looking for a bit of actual color, the semi color stain, which is a step above the semi transparent, provides natural and more subtle tones. Even though cedar looks great naturally, some individuals prefer color. For this, solid color stain is available.

Cedar Shingles UK – The Best Option for Shingles

Cedar Shingles are a great choice, if you are looking to save money on your heating bills, beautify your home, or keep unwanted pest out.  As one of the most durable woods available, cedar provides customers with a quality wood that lasts for years.  With all of it’s benefits, cedar will be even more popular in years to come.

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