Cedar vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Better?

The roof of a home is extremely important not only for aesthetic appeal and resale value but also for the health and safety of your family. After all, a new roof installation can be expensive, and if not done correctly, it can also be harmful to the home. With that in mind, selecting which materials to use on your new roof becomes a more important decision than you might have imagined.

Two of the most commonly used roofing materials are asphalt shingles and cedar shake shingles. Each of these selections come with a variety of pros and cons. Visiting with a Johnson County roofing contractor will give you further guidance, but here are some well-known differences between these two popular picks.

Physical Appearance

Wood and asphalt shingles differ tremendously in how they are made, which means they vary widely in how they look, too. Cedar shingles are crafted from real wood, while asphalt shingles are composed of organic materials and fiberglass. The materials used to make these shingles create very different looks.

With wood shingles, you’ll find that no two look alike, varying in thickness and length and giving your rooftop a more woodsy, rustic design. Asphalt shingles are much more uniform, providing a cleaner, more sophisticated feel. Aesthetic preference is the name of the game when it comes to these two types of shingles.

Cost Differences

The second thing a Johnson County roofer will likely point out is the cost difference between the two shingle types. For homeowners on a budget, this may be the single deciding factor. Asphalt roofs tend to ring in much cheaper than their cedar-made counterparts. It’s important to visit with your Johnson County Roofing contractor regarding price before moving forward with your new roof installation.

Long-Term Durability

Wood and asphalt shingles both have long lifespans, lasting up to 30 years without issue if well cared for and well maintained. But they differ in how they handle various natural elements. For example, wood tends to be highly resilient when it comes to things like insects and strong winds, yet cedar shakes falter when it comes to things like excessive water or fire hazards. Asphalt holds up well against moisture, but strong winds can take a toll on these fiberglass shingles. Taking notice of the weather patterns in your region of the country can help you make the best choice for your home.

City Restrictions

Another thing to note here is that many neighborhoods now ban the use of cedar shake shingles for new roofs because of the fire hazard associated with them. Asphalt roofs are an excellent choice for these neighborhoods because of that factor. Also, asphalt roofs may be a better option anyway, because they now come in a variety of styles and colors that make it easy to change the look of your home.

Looking for a Johnson County Roofer? Look No Further Than Shamrock Roofing!

It’s easy to see that there are pros and cons to both cedar and asphalt shingles. The experts at Shamrock Roofing and Construction are here to help you sort out these differences. If you need more guidance before making your decision, give us a call. We offer free consultations and free roof inspections. We’ll help you choose the shingle that’s right for you!