Are you ready for a new roof? Are you considering a standing seam metal roof or a cedar shake roof instead of the commonly seen asphalt?
The roofing material you choose determines a lot for your roof replacement, from pricing to lifespan to warranties. So, it's a decision you want to feel confident making.
And choosing between two premium materials like standing seam and cedar shake can feel overwhelming with their uniqueness. I want you to have the information you need to avoid that overwhelming feeling.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners make the best roofing material decisions with transparent information. So, let's do an honest break down and comparison between a standing seam metal and a cedar shake roof.
In this article, you'll learn the pros and cons of a standing seam metal roof and a cedar shake roof. After that, I'll break down how they match up on curb appeal, cost, lifespan, warranties, and maintenance.
A standing seam metal roof system is a series of panels locked together at the seams or seamed mechanically. Under each rib (seam) is a clip that fastens the panels together and allows them to glide back and forth when the metal goes through thermal expansion.
Because of its expansion and contraction capabilities, a standing seam metal roof is the recommended type of metal roof for residential purposes.
Standing seam metal roofing pros:
Standing seam metal roofing cons:
A cedar shake roof is a premium roof system made of natural wood (cedar) materials. The shingles come from large cedar trees in the Northwest United States or Southwest Canada.
They are split into 3 grades (types) of cedar shake shingles: common (most inferior), selects (80/20 split), and 100% straight grain (highest quality).
Cedar shake roofing pros:
Cedar shake roofing cons:
Now you know what a standing seam metal roof and a cedar shake roof is and their pros and cons. This is a great start, but we can dig deeper by comparing them on things that homeowners ask about the most.
Let's breakdown the matchup between a standing seam metal roof and cedar shake roof on things like curb appeal, cost, lifespan, and more help you decide which one is right for you.
| Standing seam | Comparison | Cedar shake |
| High | Curb appeal | Highest |
| $16.00 per square foot (steel) | Cost | $25.00 - $30.00 per square foot |
| 30 to 50 years | Lifespan | 30 years |
| Depends on painted finish (Steel and aluminum only) | Material warranty | None |
| Minimal | Maintenance | Annual (recommended) |
Both standing seam metal and cedar shake roofing have high curb appeals. However, a cedar shake roof is consider one of the best looking roofing materials available.
Keep in mind that looks and personal tastes are subjective. Even so, there are a couple things to consider about both.
Standing seam panels can be made out of multiple metal types, with premium metals like copper having incredible curb appeal. On top of this, steel and aluminum come with painted finish that give you more customization when it comes to color.
While cedar shake roofs have beautiful curb appeal, the fresh color doesn't stay forever. They actually show age and lose that freshness by fading. Some homeowners like it for the cottage feel the age provides, but others think it looks bad.
A cedar shake roof is more expensive than a standing seam metal, averaging at about $25.00 to $30.00 per square foot. Even so, a standing seam metal roof is still a large investment, plus the type of metal determines the price.
| Metal type | Standing seam metal roof price |
| Steel | $16.00 per square foot |
| Aluminum | $18.00 per square foot |
| Copper | $30.00+ per square foot |
| Stainless steel | $25.00+ per square foot |
| Zinc | $20.00+ per square foot |
So, a cedar shake roof is almost twice as expensive as the commonly used steel standing seam metal roof. Choosing a premium metal can make the two roofs more comparable pricewise.
Both a steel standing seam metal roof and a cedar shake roof last 30 years. Based on the climate and weather, both roofs can last longer.
However, cedar shakes age faster than metal panels, making them fail quicker. In fact, a steel standing seam metal roof with Kynar 500 painted finish can go past 30 years, getting up to 50 years in perfect conditions.
On top of this, premium metals like copper can last 50+ years, making them a lifetime roof.
A material warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. However, standing seam metal roofs and cedar shake roofs don't come with a standard material warranty like asphalt shingles.
A standing seam metal roof comes with a paint warranty on the painted finish applied to the panels. However, steel and aluminum are the only metal types that get a painted finish.
On the other hand, a cedar shake roof has no manufacturer material warranty because the cedar shakes are naturally made. Because there's no material warranty on your cedar shakes, the roofing contractor's workmanship warranty is your only fall back.
I always recommend getting roof maintenance at least once a year, no matter the roofing material. However, a standing seam metal roof is consider the lowest maintenance material available.
Boots and collars around pipes will never outlast any roof system, so it’s important to have checked out every few years. But other than that, a standing seam metal roof is virtually maintenance free.
However, a cedar shake roof needs roof maintenance at least once a year. The cedar shakes need to be regularly checked for cracking and curling, plus debris needs to be removed before it rots the wood.
Now you know how a standing seam metal roof and a cedar shake roof compare to each other on key factors. Both roofs are great options, but a standing seam metal roof is more functionally sound and last longer.
Ultimately, it’s up to the look you want and your budget when deciding which one you want for your roof replacement. And now, you’re better prepared to make the best decision.
But can you really do that with knowing how both of these roofs compare to the others? So, before making a final decision, I want you to have all the information you need to feel 100% confident.
Check out The Top 8 Roofing Materials to learn the pricing, lifespan, warranties, and the pros and cons of the most popular residential roofing materials.