When it comes to building an environmentally friendly home, choosing green, sustainable building materials can make a big difference, and roofing materials are no exception. Choosing organic roofing materials can be an effective way to minimize the finished building's environmental impact, and cedar shake roofing is one of the most popular organic roofing materials used today.
A high-quality cedar shake roof won't just make your home more eco-friendly. Cedar shakes also have many practical advantages over clay tiles and other green roofing materials. However, they also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of.
Advantages Of Choosing Cedar Shake Roofing
Fully Sustainable
Cedar roof shakes are very environmentally friendly and will help keep your home's carbon footprint as low as possible. They are biodegradable, fully recyclable, and contain significantly less embodied carbon and energy than clay tiles, aluminum sheeting, and other common roofing materials.
To make sure your cedar shakes are as eco-friendly as possible, you should make sure that the timber they are made from was taken from a sustained source, such as a timber plantation. Ask your roofing contractor if the cedar shakes they use are sustainably sourced. Ideally, they should use shakes made from timber certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).
Energy-Efficient
Cedar shake roofing can also make your home more eco-friendly by reducing your reliance on furnaces and air conditioners. Cedar shakes have excellent heat insulation properties and can help to prevent unwanted heat transfer through your home's roof, especially if they are used alongside attic and ceiling cavity insulation. Installing a cedar shake roof can substantially reduce your monthly energy bills, saving your finances as well as the environment.
Longevity
The most eco-friendly organic roofing material won't be very sustainable if it has to be replaced every few years. Cedar shake roofing is remarkably durable and can last for several decades when properly maintained. This makes them more long-lasting on average than many non-sustainable roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles.
Disadvantages Of Choosing Cedar Shake Roofing
High Maintenance
Cedar shake roofing may be remarkably durable, but this durability comes at a price. To prevent mold and fungal rot from damaging your shakes, they must be treated with fungicidal sprays or coatings on a regular basis. You will also need to apply insecticidal treatments to deter termites and other wood-boring insects. These treatments are frequently toxic and should be applied by professionals to prevent accidental contamination.
Expensive Installation
Cedar shake roofing is also difficult and time-consuming to install and can only be installed by specially trained roofing professionals. As a consequence, fitting a cedar shake roof is usually significantly more expensive than choosing a simpler shingled or metal roof. However, the longevity of a well-maintained cedar shake roof can make it an excellent long-term investment.
Reach out to a residential roofing service near you to learn more.