Cedar shakes are wood shingles used in roofing. They’ve been popular for decades, but homeowners have gravitated to other materials for a number of reasons. You can still get a roof made with cedar shakes in most areas. However, you have to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of cedar shakes before choosing that material for your new roof.

Advantage: Great Insulation

Cedar shakes provide some insulation to your home. You can’t use them in place of actual attic and wall insulation. But they still contribute to better energy efficiency. If you want to reduce your use of air conditioning and heating, a cedar shake roof could help you reach that goal. The shakes tend to be on the thicker side, and that thickness helps stop a lot of heat transfer through the roof.

Disadvantage: They Can Be Heavy

The shingles in cedar roofing can be natural cedar or composite. Composite is relatively light, but cedar can be heavy, depending on the thickness of the shingles. If you get a natural cedar shake roof with no composite material, that could add a lot of weight to your home if the shingles are very thick. (You can find thinner shingles made of cedar, too.) You’ll have to ensure the house can handle the weight. In most cases, the house should be fine. However, you should still verify with the roofer that the weight of the cedar won’t exceed what your house can support.

Advantage: Long Lifespans

Cedar shakes can be a terrific choice if you don’t want to worry about replacing your roof for many years. The material is generally pest-resistant. The better the quality of cedar, the better the chances are that the roof will last a very long time with proper care.

Disadvantage: Not a Low-Maintenance Material

Cedar shake roofs are not low-maintenance roofs. They require regular care, including cleaning and inspections. If you don’t give the material the attention it needs, the roof could end up rotting or suffering from other damage. The shingles can crack and curl if not maintained.

Advantage: Cozy Appearance

Cedar shake roofs make a house look a little more cozy and homey. If you’ve wanted to avoid the colder, utilitarian look of materials like metal roofing, cedar provides a good alternative.

Disadvantage: Increased Fire Risk

Cedar is a fire risk. If your home catches fire, an untreated cedar roof could easily burn. Any cedar shingles you use need to be treated to increase their fire resistance.

Ask a Professional Roofer

Cedar shake roofing has a long history, and it’s a material that many people like. However, because it has some disadvantages, anyone considering cedar as a roofing material needs to choose carefully. A qualified roofer can help you decide whether cedar shakes are appropriate for your roof. When you need cedar shake roof services in Portland, OR, contact Bliss Roofing.