How to Avoid Costly Cedar Shake Roof Replacements
When considering roofing options, cedar shake roofs are often chosen for their rustic beauty and classic appeal. However, their longevity and the cost to replace roof shingles are important factors to weigh. While cedar shakes offer charm, they also bring the challenge of regular maintenance and replacement over time.
Thankfully, there are ways to extend your cedar shake roof life expectancy and avoid costly replacements.
Understanding Cedar Shake Roof Life Expectancy
The cedar shake roof life expectancy depends on several factors, including the quality of the wood, installation, and consistent maintenance. In ideal conditions, a shake shingle roof life expectancy can range from 20 to 30 years. However, this lifespan has decreased in recent years due to the scarcity of high-quality, old-growth cedar.
Proper care is essential to maximize the wood shake shingles life expectancy. Without it, homeowners may face premature deterioration, leading to frequent and expensive replacements.
The Cost to Replace Cedar Shake Roofs
A cedar shingle roof life expectancy might sound appealing, but the cost of replacement is significant. Cedar roofs are often twice the price of asphalt shingles, ranging from $17,000 to $26,000 for smaller homes. For larger roofs, these numbers only climb higher, especially if the cedar used is new-growth wood, which has a shorter lifespan compared to old-growth cedar.
In addition to the initial installation costs, cedar roof maintenance is required every few years, costing between $500 and $1,000. With time, even the most well-maintained cedar shake roofs will eventually need to be replaced, which can make the overall investment costly.
Factors Affecting Cedar Roof Longevity
A cedar roof life expectancy hinges on several elements:
Wood Quality: Old-growth cedar shakes last longer than new-growth varieties.
Installation: Correct installation by a skilled roofing contractor is critical for ensuring the longevity of your roof.
Climate: Harsh weather conditions, including high humidity, heavy rainfall, or extreme UV exposure, can reduce the shake shingle roof life expectancy.
Maintenance: Regular upkeep, such as removing debris and ensuring proper ventilation, will help extend your cedar shakes life expectancy.
How to Replace Cedar Shingles When Needed
Even with proper maintenance, natural aging of the wood will eventually lead to deterioration. If you find yourself needing a cedar shake roof replacement, assess whether it’s necessary to replace individual shingles or if the entire roof needs attention.
Replacing individual shakes is a less costly solution, but it’s important to ensure that the new shakes match the rest of the roof. If significant damage is present, or if the wood shingle roof life has run its course, replacing the entire roof might be the more viable option.
Reducing the Cost of Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Replacing a wood shake roof can be an expensive process, but there are alternatives available. While the traditional cedar roof look is appealing, synthetic alternatives can provide the same aesthetic while reducing costs and maintenance needs.
The CeDUR Alternative: Durable Synthetic Cedar Shakes
CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shakes offer the perfect solution for homeowners who love the look of a cedar roof but want to avoid the high maintenance costs. These shakes are molded from real cedar but made from durable polyurethane. This gives them the authentic appearance of cedar wood with significantly less upkeep and a longer life expectancy.
Benefits of CeDUR Synthetic Shakes
Extended Lifespan: CeDUR synthetic shakes have a lifespan far exceeding that of traditional wood shakes, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Low Maintenance: With CeDUR shakes, you eliminate the regular maintenance costs that come with real wood. No need for sealants, chemicals, or replacing rotted wood.
Durability: With Class 4 Impact Resistance, Class A Fire Resistance, and the ability to withstand 115 mph winds, CeDUR synthetic shakes are built for extreme weather conditions.
Moisture Resistance: Moisture is the leading cause of damage to wood shakes. CeDUR’s synthetic shakes are moisture-resistant, ensuring a longer lifespan without rot or mold concerns.
Enhance Roof Longevity with CeDUR Synthetic Shakes
Maintaining a cedar shake roof can be a costly and time-consuming process, but with modern synthetic options like CeDUR, you can achieve the same look without the hassle. Cedar shake roof life expectancy is greatly improved with CeDUR’s durable, weather-resistant synthetic shakes, offering you a worry-free roofing solution.
If you’re ready to eliminate the worry of replacing cedar shakes and invest in a roof built to last, contact CeDUR today. Our team can help you find the perfect roofing solution for your home.