Trying to decide between asphalt shingles and cedar shakes for your Nashville home? Wondering which roofing material lasts longer, handles our Middle Tennessee weather better, and costs more?
Asphalt shingles are more common than cedar shakes, but Nashville’s climate makes cedar shake roofing a popular option. However, it won’t be the best fit for most homeowners in Middle Tennessee.
Well, you can’t decide which is right without knowing the major differences between asphalt shingles and cedar shakes and how they compare on key factors.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided asphalt shingle and cedar shake roofing services to thousands of Nashville homeowners. So, let’s find out which one is right for you.
In this article, I break down:
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the United States. They consist of fiberglass, tar, and asphalt granules that sit on a fiberglass mat.
In Nashville and the United States, architectural (also called dimensional) asphalt shingles are the most common asphalt shingle and roofing material used on homes today. This popularity simply comes down to their balance of affordability, durability, and appearance.
Asphalt shingle roofs typically last 20 to 25 years in Nashville, specifically architectural shingles. However, the type of asphalt shingle determines the lifespan you can expect.
| Asphalt shingle type | Lifespan |
| 3-tab shingles | 15-20 years |
| Architectural shingles | 20-25 years |
| Luxury shingles | 30-50 years |
Keep in mind that there are many factors that determine how long a roof lasts, no matter if its asphalt shingles or another roofing material in general.
For labor and materials, a new asphalt shingle roof costs around $20,000 to $25,000 for a standard middle-class home in Nashville and Middle TN.
This very general price doesn’t account for the different shingle types, the brand, roof size/complexity, or other roofing cost factors. So, let's get more specific with the price per square foot of each type of asphalt shingle for you to apply to your roof’s square footage.
| Asphalt shingle type | Cost per square foot |
| 3-tab shingles | ≈ $4.00 per square foot |
| Architectural shingles | ≈ $5.00 - $7.00 per square foot |
| Luxury shingles | ≈ $8.00 - $10.00 per square foot |
While there’s no way to be exact, the price ranges above will give you an idea of the budget needed for a new asphalt shingle roof.
A cedar shake roof is a premium roof system made of natural wooden (cedar) shingles (or shakes) that are made of hand-split or machine-cut (tapersawn) pieces. The hand split method provides a rugged, rustic look, while tapersawn is a much smoother and uniform look.
Cedar shakes are chosen primarily for their high curb appeal, natural insulation, and great lifespan when properly maintained.
As long as they’re properly installed and with consistent maintenance, cedar shakes should last 30 years in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. With the highest grade of shingle, they can last longer and get up to 40+ years.
Just keep in mind that the humidity in Middle Tennessee will shorten the lifespan if maintenance is neglected.
For tear-off and installation, a cedar shake roof costs around $25.00 to $30.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN. The cedar shakes themselves are expensive, but the labor (and time) costs are also incredibly high.
So, the grade/quality of cedar shake, thickness, and installation expertise of the Nashville roofer significantly affect cost. Because of all this, cedar shakes won’t be in the budget for most homeowners in the area.
After learning about both roofing materials, let’s break it all down. The table below compares asphalt shingles to cedar shakes on all important considerations.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Cedar Shakes |
||
|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Asphalt Shingles | Cedar Shakes |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years (Architectural) | 30 years (Up to 40 with proper maintenance) |
| Cost Range | $5.00–$8.50 per sq. ft. (Architectural) | $15.00–$25.00+ per sq. ft. |
| Maintenance | Moderate; inspections and debris removal | High; cleaning and monitoring for moisture and rot |
| Performance in Humid Climate | Performs consistently with minimal issues | Can swell or decay without proper care |
| Storm & Wind Resistance | Strong (Class F Rating) | Strong |
| Fire Resistance | Class A | Must be specially treated |
| Curb Appeal | Standard, multiple style and color options | Very high, but loses "fresh" look as it ages |
Cedar shakes can outlast asphalt shingles, but only with consistent maintenance. However, luxury shingles offer a comparable lifespan and may even last longer depending on the manufacturer and shingle.
Properly installed asphalt shingles stand up well to storms, heavy rain, and sun exposure we get in Middle Tennessee. This is especially true with shingle manufacturers making more impact-resistant options.
Cedar shakes can swell during humid summers and dry out in extreme heat, requiring treatment to prevent rot or cracking. While both roofing materials fit our climate, asphalt shingles are the safer option when it comes to weather/maintenance.
Curb appeal is subjective, but cedar shakes are considered to have a better look than asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles offer uniform color and clean lines, but don’t stand out unless you get a luxury shingle.
Cedar shakes provide a high-end rustic look that many homeowners love, which is why even some architectural shingles mimic cedar shake style/color. If a premium look is important and your budget isn’t tight, a cedar shake roof is the winner when it comes to curb appeal.
Cedar shakes are much more expensive than asphalt shingles, even luxury shingles. Cedar shake roofing labor and material costs are incredibly high, especially because of things like metal flashing in valleys where the wood can’t fold to form a watertight seal.
Asphalt shingles are by far the most cost-effective choice compared to cedar shakes.
A cedar shake roof has no manufacturer’s warranty because the cedar shakes are naturally made. On the other hand, asphalt shingles come out of the package with a basic warranty.
However, if you use all of one manufacturer’s roofing components and hire a certified roofer, you can also qualify for an enhanced warranty. So, asphalt shingles are the clear winner over cedar shakes when it comes to warranties.
Both an asphalt roof and a cedar shake roof need roof maintenance to maximize their lifespan. I recommend yearly maintenance for both, but it’s more dire on cedar shakes.
Cedar shakes require more care, treatment, and inspections to check the wood for problems.
Asphalt shingles and cedar shakes are both great roofing materials for our area in Nashville. However, it’s up to you to determine which one is right for you.
At the end of the day, asphalt shingles are the practical choice for most Nashville homeowners. Cedar shakes are a premium option for Nashville homeowners prioritizing beauty with a high budget and who don’t mind the added maintenance.
After reading this article, you have the information needed to determine if asphalt shingles or cedar shakes are best for your Nashville home. As long as you keep everything here in mind, I’m confident you’ll make the best decision.
However, choosing a roofing material is just one decision you’ll make when replacing your roof in Nashville, TN. In fact, there may even be a better roofing material than the two I broke down here.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything Nashville homeowners need to know before starting the roof replacement process.
Check out 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN, to ensure you have all the information you need to get a new roof and not get taken advantage of by a bad roofer.