Why You Should Use Cedar Shingles
If your roof needs to be replaced or you are building a new home you have so many different materials to choose from today. For many years now the most popular choice has been asphalt shingles as they are probably the least expensive form of roofing material on the market. The latest offering is the metal roof made from either steel or aluminum and easy to install. However one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing roofing materials still seems to be cedar shingles.
Cedar shingles have been used for the last 2 or 3 hundred years if not longer and not only look good, but if properly taken care of can last for decades. Many people tend to dismiss cedar shingle roofs as far too expensive to even consider, but if you take the time to research more about cedar as roofing and siding material you may be surprised at what you learn. Cedar, when treated properly, can last 50 years or more. This is far longer than may asphalt shingles are guaranteed for and in some cases may last for many decades past 50.
When you use real cedar shingles you are installing your new roof with a sustainable natural resource. If you choose to go with asphalt shingles or a metal roof you are using non-renewable resources that will most likely end up in a landfill at the end of their useful life. Cedar is biodegradable, and the trees that the shingles are cut from are constantly being replanted faster than they are being cut down to ensure that the forests are never destroyed by logging.
For those who are interested in adding to the resale value of their home, cedar shingles have been shown time and again to add significant value to almost any home. Part of this is due to the curb appeal of a natural cedar shingle roof and part of it is the insulation factor of real cedar. By using real cedar instead of an artificial or manmade roofing product, research has shown that you will add a significant amount of natural insulation to your roof or walls. This of course will help to cut your heating and cooling bills by a fair amount over the year, which in turn will help offset the initial investment.
In the past people tended to shy away from cedar shingles as they had problems with mold, mildew and insects, not to mention fires. Today’s modern cedar is carefully treated to reduce these problems and as long as they are retreated on a regular basis should never be susceptible to these problems. With modern preservation methods the shingles and shakes are expected to last for many decades without any of the problems associated with the older varieties.
When you are ready to buy the cedar shingles you need for your roof or your next roofing project, you need to take a look at Direct Cedar Supplies. Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia they carry a full line of cedar shakes and shingles that are ideal for any project you might have in mind. Let their specialist help you find the perfect shingles for your next project.