When it comes to roofing materials, cedar is prized for its striking, natural, and rustic appearance. It also provides a high level of natural insulation, as well as being quite durable, with a cedar roof often lasting up to a quarter of a century.
Being a premium option, many people are concerned about the cost of a cedar roof. While it is one of the more expensive options, it can be well worth it for both its durability and its distinctive appearance, which can transform any home into a natural beauty.
Pricing Guide
To help you make an informed decision when it comes to a cedar roof, we have created a simple pricing guide. Generally, for a quality cedar roof, you can expect average cost to be as follows:
- 1,000 sf. roof / 10 squares = $10,000 to $15,000
- 1,500 sf. roof / 15 squares = $15,000 to $22,500
- 2,000 sf. roof / 20 squares = $20,000 to $30,000
- 2,500 sf. roof / 25 squares = $25,000 to $37,500
- 3,000 sf. roof / 30 squares = $30,000 to $45,000
- 3,500 sf. roof / 35 squares = $35,000 to $52,500
Please note, that these are just average price ranges. Many factors affect the price of a cedar roof, including location, current prices of materials, and roof shape. For a more accurate depiction of what you can expect to pay, please contact us for a free estimate.
Cedar Roof Options
While all cedar roofs are beautiful and have a natural look, you do have options. Knowing about the different types of cedar can help you choose the one that will suit your home perfectly.
Red Cedar
Red cedar has a crisp, rich aesthetic that is cherished around the world. It is commonly used for shakes and shingles where its natural appearance makes the building feel warmer and more welcoming. It is resistant to decay, dries fast, and is a sustainable choice for insulation, roofing, and many more projects.
White Cedar
White cedar’s outer sapwood layers are primarily white but have a hint of yellow, with a mostly pale brown heartwood with occasional red tones. The wood is finely textured and lightweight. White cedar makes for an efficient material that ages elegantly, smells great, and easily takes to stains and paints for easy customization.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shake roofing is cut by hand, rather than by a machine. Because each piece is made individually, there is more variance and the pieces are not uniform. This can greatly add to the aesthetic of your home and give it a more rustic and unique look. This hand made beauty does make a cedar shake roof cost more than its shingle counterpart.
Cedar Shingles
Cedar cut shingles are factory-made, ensuring that each panel is the same size and width. This makes cedar shingles less expensive than cedar shakes. Like cedar shake, cedar shingles are lightweight, easy to maintain, and energy-efficient. Many homeowners prefer the uniform appearance of shingles over shakes. It all really comes down to personal preference.
The Pros of A Cedar Roof
Cedar roofs have a number of benefits, including:
- Beauty: Cedar roofs are like no other. They add a rustic charm to your home that is otherwise impossible to achieve.
- Durable: Cedar roofing lasts up to 25 years, which is longer than a standard asphalt shingle roof.
- Eco-Friendly: Cedar roofing material is not only 100% biodegradable and friendly to Mother Earth, but it is also incredibly energy-efficient. It insulates your home while still allowing it to breathe, which saves on heating and cooling costs.
As you can see, a cedar roof provides a number of benefits to homeowners that choose this option.
Cons Of a Cedar Roof
There is no perfect roofing material. All will have some negative traits associated with them. For cedar roofs, these cons include:
- Drying Issues: Since cedar roofing materials are made from trees, they are more prone to drying out. That means your home is more susceptible to fire damage, cracking, and pest issues.
- Expensive: Cedar roofing is not the most expensive roofing option, but it’s certainly not the cheapest. Especially if you opt for cedar shake, you will be paying a higher price.
- Maintenance: They say that beauty is pain, right? Just like other beautiful aspects of your home, you will need to spend more time maintaining your cedar roof to keep it in tip-top condition.
Despite these issues, many homeowners feel that the benefits and striking visual appearance of a cedar roof far outweigh any cons.
Cedar Roof Installation
At Zhumas Construction, we are experts in all facets of roof installation, including cedar shingles and shakes. We pride ourselves on helping homeowners to find the roof that matches their aesthetic, maintenance, and durability needs. We only use the best materials and techniques, ensuring your home has a cedar roof that your neighbors will admire for years to come.