Although metal and various other construction materials are gaining popularity these days, wood and in particular western red cedar (cedar shingles for roofing) still remains one of the most preferred options for many homeowners. There is definitely something about them that makes them so cozy, mystical and comfortable. Just imagine a country home, where roofs are made using cedar shingles and walls, stairs, and floors are made using various species of wood.
For this reason, there are many homeowners who still love to use cedar shingles for roofing. It is due to its various advantages and inherent beauty. Wood has been known as a long lasting material for centuries. As long as wood is not exposed to too much moisture, it can last for decades. Even if cedar shingles are prone to fire, they can still provide much better insulation during the cold winter months .
If you are looking to replace your roofing shingles, cedar shingles are an excellent way to enhance the curb appeal of your house while increasing its value. It’s not difficult to understand why somebody would like to add cedar shingles to their house. Cedar is very beautiful when compared to any other roofing material, but how do you choose the kind of cedar shingles for the roof on your house? Well, it is not that difficult, we will explain in the following paragraph.
Cedar shingles that are available on the market are either CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treated or they are not CCA treated. CCA is a kind of preservative that helps in driving insects away from your cedar roof. Therefore, CCA cedar can enhance the life of your cedar roof. You can also get Cedar shingles that are fire treated, but they will have to be specially ordered by your roofer. Cedar shingles that are CCA treated will normally cost about 16-20 percent more than the non CCA cedar. The majority of cedar roofs are not treated using CCA.
Cedar shingles are resistant to the elements and this is the primary reason why they are widely used across varied climatic conditions. These cedar shingles are available in various qualities including white cedar and red cedar. The red cedar shingles have tight grained particles that are saturated with tannic acids which is a natural preservative. These cedar shingles are also dipped in creosote for preventing corrosion and are highly preferred by homeowners as they add to the looks of one’s property.
Long Term Investment
Using cedar roof shingles is definitely a good investment decision as this roofing lasts for about thirty to seventy years. The actual longevity of the cedar shingles will depend on various factors, including the roof slope, climate and the roof preservation methods used by the homeowners.
Generally, cedar shingles used in roofs with steep slopes are less prone to damage as the slope prevents any accumulation of snow or rain thereby lowering any chances of damage to the wood. Flat or a roof with less slope will allow elements to build up and can cause added weight on the roof structure. Excessive weight is not ideal for the roof structure and can cause numerous problems including the need for replacing the cedar shingles within few years of installation.
After the installation of your cedar shingles, your house roof will have a more natural covering, which will last for decades, because wood can withstand various types of elements and other natural occurrences, and cedar shingles will need minimal maintenance as the years go by. With age, they will develop a more rustic look which will add a touch of class to any home.
The Benefits of Using Cedar Shingles for your roofing
Due to the inherent property of cedar wood, cedar shingles are a desired addition to any home, for the folowing reasons. First, they are totally odor free. They can easily absorb moisture due to their porous ability and can also absorb a significant amount of noise as well. This quality makes cedar wood perfect for the insulation of your home and cedar shingles perfect for the roof structure.
The smell of cedar wood can drive insects such as moths, away from roofs made using cedar shingles. This helps in extending the life of the cedar roofs by decades. Cedar shingles contribute to much better circulation of air within the house. They help the house to breathe naturally without trapping the moisture inside the house. Therefore, you can maintain the structure of your house in much better shape for a long time. Cedar shingles are strong and durable. They have a much higher resistance to bugs and cedar shingle roofs can easily withstand the elements.
The color of cedar shingles matures with the passing years and this makes them even more beautiful and desirable. With a cedar roof, you can easily add a distinct charm to your house. You can get cedar from many suppliers or lumber yards and you don’t need too much expertise or tools for installation. Depending upon their specifications, cedar roofs can be a good green roofing option for you. Installing roofs using Cedar Shingles UK can cut down your cooling and heating bills due to the enhanced insulation of your house against the cold weather.
Roofs made using cedar shingles can last for 40-70 years with the proper maintenance. Therefore, you can easily minimize your repair and installation costs for decades. However, you will have to take the usual maintenance precautions to keep your cedar roof in excellent condition. For instance, if you are living in areas with a humid climate, roofs should be treated with fungicides after one year of use. This helps in preventing the growth of fungus and mildew. If you are living in a fire-prone area, you can add fire-retardant properties to your cedar roof to extend its life.
Cedar Shingles Installed the Professional Way
The decision to install cedar wooden roofs is done in a meticulous way by professionals who have expertise in the installation of roofs made from cedar shingles. These professionals will also advice you on ways to maintain the overall look and quality of your cedar shingle roof.
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