All roofing materials provide protection against the elements, but there is a huge difference in the value each offers. Cedar shakes are considered a premium roof tile, but everyone who uses the term may not be referring to a wood roofing product. Lowe’s cedar shakes are a siding product that is too thin to use on the roof, or an asphalt roof shingle made to represent a cedar shake roof.
Neither of these products are real cedar shake roofing tiles. Let’s look at natural wood cedar shake roofing, and then consider an alternative that provides the beauty and durability of cedar without the problems.
What Are Cedar Shakes?
Cedar roofing products are manufactured from cedar trees, usually found in the northwestern part of North America or in Canada. They are cut from trees that have been sawn into 2’ sections, and then hand split or machine split into shingle and shake roofing products. They were extensively used as roofing material in the 1800s, and some homes used cedar for siding and roofing due to its natural resistance to rot and insect infestation.
The term cedar shake is normally used in retail stores like Lowe’s to describe a sidewall shingle. It is real wood, but it is not approved as a roofing material. They can be found by the name of “perfection shingles”, and are the siding shingles you see on New England Cape Cod homes.
Natural Cedar Roofing Available In Two Styles
Cedar roofing products are available in two styles: shingle and shake. They are both used on the roof and are distinct in their appearance.
Cedar Shakes
Shakes are called hand-split because they mimic the appearance of an old-fashioned shake produced with an axe or mallet. They are intentionally rough looking and cut into various sizes, in order to give your roof a textured effect. Shakes are produced in 3 grades: Common, Selects, Straight Grain, and each grade is priced accordingly.
There are also two finishes available on shakes: hand-split and taper sawn. The hand- split shake is a uniform thickness and rough on both sides, to provide a rugged appearance. The tapered sawn is finished on both sides, like a cedar shingle, but still retains the impression of a hand cut shake.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are finished on both sides and are favored by customers who want a wood roof, but need a more refined expression than shake provides.
Pros And Cons Of All Natural Cedar Shakes
Determining the best roofing material for your new home or remodel depends on many issues: the amount of sun exposure you get, climate, how often you are willing to perform maintenance, and of course, your budget. Cedar shakes will need to go through the same scrutiny.
Benefits Of Cedar Shakes
- Cedar shakes are beautiful. Natural building materials have instant curb appeal and add value to your home.
- Cedar is durable. A cedar shake roof can provide years of reliable protection for your home, with proper maintenance.
- Wood is a natural insulator.
- Cedar shakes can be installed any time of the year, since they do not require adhesives to be secured.
Disadvantages Of Cedar Shakes
- Cedar shakes are expensive to purchase and install.
- They require regular maintenance to maintain their resistance to rot, insect infestation, and breaking.
- Requires an installer experienced with shakes.
- Some regions will not allow any wood shingles due to fire risk.
- As cedar ages, it is easier to damage.
Synthetic Cedar Shakes Offer Beauty And Less Maintenance
Synthetic cedar shakes are the best alternative to natural cedar. They provide the look of a classic cedar roof without any of the disadvantages. They are more durable than wood, will not rot, and can easily last 50 years or more.
Another notable feature of synthetic composite cedar shakes is that they are eco-friendly. They are made from 100%-recycled material and can be recycled again. They don’t have to be destined for a landfill when they come off a roof.
Synthetic shakes have been on the market for years and have proven to be a high- quality alternative to natural cedar.
Brava’s Synthetic Cedar Shake Is Better Than The Real Thing
Cedar shakes are desired for their natural rugged beauty. Brava Cedar Shake perfectly replicates this look. The shakes are made in 3 different widths: 5”, 7”, and 12”, and the thickness is varied to maintain the appearance of a wood shake.
Our synthetic blend of recycled materials offers decades of effective life without fear of rot or insect issues.In addition, Brava’s shake has:
- A Class C or Class A fire rating.
- The highest impact rating in the industry - Class 4.
- Our 50-year limited warranty.
- Unlimited custom color options, including solids and blends.
- Two colors that meet California’s Title 24 “Cool Roof” standards.
We offer free shipping on our roofing samples, and have a fully-staffed customer service department that can answer your questions about why synthetic roofing tiles from Brava are your best choice. Contact us today for more information.
