The architectural significance of an aged cedar roof hearkens back to colonial times and Cape Cod homes that sprung up in the early days of the colonization of America. Cedar was used as a roofing material for a number of reasons. It was plentiful in the northeast where many American colonies grew. It is also naturally rot and insect resistant. It was able to be easily split into “shakes” that could be attached to the roof to protect it from the elements.
In the early days of cedar shake roofing, sealants and stains weren’t available, so cedar was left to age naturally, eventually taking on a more weathered, gray hue with lots of natural variation. The color of an aged cedar roof is desirable not just for nostalgic reasons, but also because it gives the home a softer look that compliments many different home styles.
Despite their beauty, aged cedar roof shingles have downsides that make them difficult to incorporate into modern designs.
Downsides Of Aged Cedar Shingles
The Color Can’t Be Controlled
When a cedar shake roof ages, the color becomes naturally weathered, but there is no control over the final color. Stains can be used to exert some control over the final product, but the variation in hues and weathering patterns — shingles exposed to the sun or shade, for instance — can result in an aged cedar roof color that you weren’t expecting.
Significant Maintenance Is Required
Cedar shake shingles are naturally rot and insect resistant, but they still need regular maintenance to maintain their integrity and protect the roof. They should be stained and sealed regularly, but even when protected, they can absorb moisture and begin to warp, split, or crack. They are also prone to mold and mildew growth, especially in shaded areas.
They Are Difficult To Install And Repair
An aged cedar roof color is the result of a roof that has been exposed to the elements over a long period of time, but it begins with installation, which should be completed by a professional, since cedar shakes are difficult to install. It is also difficult to do repairs, and replacing sections of aged cedar shingles can result in an aged cedar roof color that isn’t uniform, since the new shingles will be a different color and will age differently than the original shingles.
A Superior Alternative To Aged Cedar Roof Tiles
This isn’t the 17th century anymore, and roofing materials have come a long way since the early days of America. Synthetic roof tiles made from recycled material have made creating an aged cedar roof possible without the downsides of using natural cedar roofing. Brava synthetic cedar shakes allow you to have an aged cedar roof color on your house that is easy to install, maintain, and repair.
Natural Color Without The Uncertainty
Traditional aged cedar shingles age at different rates depending on their exposure to sunlight, rain, snow, and wind resulting in a look that you can’t control. Brava has an aged and naturally variegated look that won’t change over time, so you know what you’re getting and how it will look on your home.
Sustainability
One of the benefits of a traditional aged cedar shingle roof is the use of natural materials and the fact that they can be disposed of at the end of their life. Brava Cedar Shake tiles are made from recycled plastics as well as other sustainable and recyclable materials that are diverted from landfills.
Our roof tiles are lightweight which saves on transportation energy and costs, and we also save energy because we aren’t harvesting trees that are necessary for natural aged cedar shakes.
Longevity And Durability
Our Cedar Shake roof tiles come with a 50-year transferable warranty, so you know at least how long your roof will last. Natural cedar shakes have an aged cedar duration of at least 30 years and have been known to last 50 years or longer, but this length of lifespan requires significant maintenance throughout the years, including periodic staining and sealing and quickly replacing old worn out or broken tiles.
Our durable material can also withstand hail because of its Class 4 impact resistance, and won’t crack when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles that can damage natural cedar shakes.
Safety
Natural cedar shakes are prone to fire damage, and some areas, homeowners associations, and building codes prohibit their use on the grounds of safety. Our Cedar Shakes come with a Class A or Class C fire resistance.
Let Brava Help You Create An Aged Cedar Look Without The Downsides
Brava synthetic roof tiles let you create an aged cedar roof instantly. Waiting on natural cedar shakes to age can take years of uncertainty and maintenance, but with Brava Cedar Shakes, our natural mineral hues and fire resistant material can achieve an aged cedar roof color that completes the aesthetic of your home without the downsides of natural cedar shakes.
Contact the experts at Brava today and let us help you create an aged cedar roof.
