Glencoe Area of Roofing Services

Cedar Shake Roof Replacement in Glencoe

Natural cedar roofs are some of the most durable roofs possible, at least in the first several years of their lifespan. That quickly changes as the cedar starts to age, wear out, and slowly disintegrate. While cedar roof replacements are very popular, there is noticeable trend of homeowner who replace their old cedar shake roofs with composite products to increase the roof's life expectancy and appearance.

The main culprit behind the slow move away from natural cedar shake is the change in the Chicagoland climate, particularly the north shore area. Cedar shake roofs in the Glencoe, Northfield, Wilmette, and Winnetka area are aging faster than before due to the increased swings in temperature between summer and winter, and the increased moisture. Both of these affect the natural abilities of cedar to seal, since cedar roofs are natural and go through cycles of absorbing water and drying out. When cedar shake roofs stay wet for longer periods of time, they begin to wear out faster and in many cases grow moss, which damages the shake even more. This is not the case with composite shake alternatives, such as Brava Shake or DaVinci Shake. Composite materials never absorb water and are much more impervious to the temperature changes. Natural cedar shake also gets thinner with age as running water slowly wears away at the natural wood. Composite alternatives also do not run into this issue, allowing them to last much longer than natural cedar. 

Despite these shortcomings, cedar roof replacements in Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northfield are on the rise, and some homeowners are still replacing old cedar with new natural cedar shake. While there are issues with cedar roofs, there are also a myriad of benefits. New natural cedar shake roofs are beautiful for one. New cedar is also very good at providing an insulating barrier due to the natural oils that are present in the cedar itself. Since natural wood can swell when wet, cedar roofs provide additional waterproofing during rains, closing any possible gaps in the roof, whether the cedar is old or new. 

We at Smart Roofing always believe in helping homeowners choose the right material for their roof. In many cases, a natural cedar shake roof will perform well for the expected life span of 20-30 years, and homeowners are more than happy knowing they have a natural product on their roof that will last for decades. That was the decision this homeowner made when performed this cedar shake roof replacement in Glencoe. The appearance of new cedar, combined with new copper valleys fabricated in our own sheet metal shop, plus the benefits of natural cedar, and the expected life span convinced this homeowner to choose natural over composite. The end result is a gorgeous roof that will last for a long time without any worries, providing a sophisticated aesthetic and exceptional waterproofing. 

 We also recommend that all homeowners, not just ones in the North Shore area, have their cedar roofs inspected often if they are over 20 years old. This proactive approach can prevent unnecessary headaches if the cedar roof is aging. We have performed numerous cedar shake roof replacements in Northfield, Winnetka, and Glencoe in the last few years, as many of the homes were built 20-30 years ago, and the cedar shake roofs in Winnetka, Glencoe, and Northfield are nearing the end of their lifespan. Whether homeowners decide to proceed with replacement of natural cedar shake in the North Shore area and choose composite shake or natural shake, we make sure they get the best roof they can. 

SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield and its surrounding suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Glencoe Roofing Contractor with plenty of experience with cedar shake roofs. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of virtually every type of new residential roof and commercial roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service, and exceptional results are the “SMART” roofing difference. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, to learn more, or email us for your residential or commercial roofing needs.

Featured Cedar Shake Residential Roof - Glencoe, Illinois

Smart Roofing, Inc. is proud to share this beautiful Western Red Cedar Shake roof installation in Glencoe, Illinois. This residential roof features Certi-Guard®  cedar shakes made from Western Red Cedar.

Cedar shakes are a highly durable roofing material. They hold up well during periods of heavy rain and snow and are impervious to bugs. Since cedar is a breathable material, it also helps preserve the structural integrity of the home by preventing condensation issues. This cedar shake roof installation features premium cedar shakes that have been pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant polymers to provide permanent fire protection. These products carry the label Certi-Guard® and has met C fire testing standards.

Another benefit of a cedar shake roof is that it is highly energy efficient. Testing has demonstrated that a cedar shake roof can keep an attic 28°F cooler during the hot summer months; and because the cell structure of wood makes it a natural insulator, the home will be kept warmer during the cold winter months. One of the main reasons so many people fall in love with cedar shake roofs is their unique look. No two cedar roofs look the same, so this is an ideal material if you want to add major curb appeal to your home.   (excerpts from roofcalc.org)

If you are ready for a new roof, contact Smart Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, or email us at contactus@smartroofers.com for your ALL of your residential or commercial roofing needs.