A cedar wood shake roof can add a touch of elegance to your home. It’s a natural insulator that also offers protection from the elements. They are a great way to save money on your energy bill and improve the look of your house at the same time. However, a cedar roof is not without its own set of drawbacks. If you want a roof that lasts for years, you’ll need to take some steps to protect your investment.
The initial cost of installing a cedar wood shake roof is high. Typically, this type of roofing is twice as expensive as asphalt shingles. As a result, you’ll need to consider financing options to pay for the new roof. Fortunately, you’ll be able to get a better deal if you’re willing to shop around. You can find a good contractor by looking online or calling a local building contractor.
There’s a lot of maintenance involved with installing a cedar wood shake roof. The first thing you need to do is clean out your gutters. This will help remove debris that may cause your shakes to deteriorate. It’s also a good idea to install felt paper between courses of shakes to protect the roof from wind-blown precipitation.
Aside from that, you’ll need to perform a few other tasks to maintain your new roof. These include cleaning the surface and removing any fungi. In order to make your roof last as long as possible, you’ll need to apply treatments to it regularly. Using a quality product will help ensure your roof lasts a long time.
Choosing the best quality cedar shingles is important. Some manufacturers use a fire retardant to improve the durability of the material. Although these products are effective, they do tend to wear off over time.
Another step you should take to protect your shake roof is to power wash it. This will remove mosses and other fungi that may have accumulated on the shingles. Performing this maintenance routine every two to four years is a good idea. Also, removing tree branches will increase the drying time of your roof. This will decrease your risk of a tree catching on fire and setting your roof ablaze.
You’ll also need to check your homeowner’s insurance to ensure that your roof is covered. You can get a free estimate from a roofing company, like Shake Guys, who can answer all your questions.
One of the more impressive things about a cedar wood shake roof is its longevity. A properly installed shake roof can last up to 30 to 40 years. Compared to composition shingles, which only last about 25 years, a wood shake roof should be your top choice for a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof.
Ultimately, a cedar shake roof will help you save money on your energy bills. It will help insulate your home, making it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Plus, it gives your house a unique look and provides added curb appeal.
