Are you considering a cedar shake roof? Well, have you heard of the alternative, synthetic cedar shake roofing?
A cedar shake roof is one of the oldest and most beautiful roofs in the roofing industry. Unfortunately, it comes with certain cons that some homeowners don’t think are worth the investment.
That’s where synthetic cedar shake roofing comes in. It provides the beautiful look you’d expect of natural cedar shakes, but without the same cons.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners like you make the right purchasing decision with transparent information. Let’s break down everything you need to know about synthetic cedar shake roofing, so you have the confidence to decide if it’s right for you.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn the answers to:
Synthetic (also known as composite) cedar shake roofing is made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials, like rubber and plastic, to look exactly like natural cedar shake. They have realistic grain patterns and deep grooves to truly mimic real cedar shake.
There are also multiple color options and styles to give your roof the look you want. However, synthetic cedar shake roofing is newer to the roofing industry, so there are some things still being refined.
But being newer doesn’t mean it’s not a good product or won’t last as long as the manufacturer states. In fact, I have a DaVinci slate synthetic shingle roof on my own home.
Knowing what synthetic cedar shake roofing is one thing. However, making the right decision comes down to what they offer and what they don’t offer.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing.
A synthetic cedar shake roof’s biggest advantages are long-term performance with strong durability and minimal maintenance.
The main pros of cedar shake roofing are:
Synthetic cedar shake roofing doesn’t have many drawbacks. However, the biggest con is that it’s incredibly expensive and specialized.
Cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing are:
As long as it’s installed correctly, cedar shake roofing should last around 40-50 years. Most brands come with a high impact rating (resistance to impact from hail, winds, etc.) to make them this durable.
For example, DaVinci synthetic cedar shake shingles have a Class 4 impact rating (the highest rating possible). Because of their durability, synthetic shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market.
Synthetic cedar shake roofing is incredibly expensive, usually costing three times the cost of architectural asphalt shingles (the most common roof in the United States). With that in mind, a new synthetic cedar shake roof will cost around $14.00-$20.00+ per square foot.
Where you’ll fall in the range or above it depends on:
Synthetic cedar shake roofing is considered a premium roofing material for a reason. However, you won’t know exact pricing until you get an estimate from a local roofer.
At this point, you know pretty much all the important information needed about cedar shake roofing. But remember, it specifically mimics natural cedar shake.
So, it’s important to understand how synthetic shingles compare to the natural option.
Both natural and synthetic cedar shake shingles have very high curb appeal. However, synthetic cedar shake shingles keep their appearance unlike natural cedar shakes that heavily show wear and tear.
While they still need it, synthetic cedar shake shingles require far less maintenance than natural cedar shakes. Natural cedar needs regular maintenance, treatments, and replacement of split or rotting shakes.
Both synthetic cedar shake shingles and natural cedar shakes have good lifespans. However, natural cedar shakes need the right climate to get most out of them.
So, synthetic cedar shake shingles have a more consistent lifespan.
Natural cedar shake shingles cost more and have long-term costs associated with wear and tear. So, synthetic cedar shake shingles are the clear winner when it comes to pricing.
A new synthetic cedar shake roof is a huge investment. So, it’s absolutely crucial to keep some things in mind before just right in.
Homeowners interested in cedar shake roofing must:
Synthetic cedar shake roofing is a great option if you want designer curb appeal with a long lifespan and less maintenance than natural. However, you must have an incredibly high budget to even consider this roofing material.
So, if budget is a concern, you need to consider another type of roof. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the top residential roofing materials, including the pros and cons, lifespans, pricing, and more.
Check out The Top 8 Roofing Materials (How to Choose the Right One) to learn which roofing material is right for your upcoming roof replacement.