brava roof

When shopping for a new roof, many homeowners can do their own research with a multitude of information outlets available. The problem some homeowners run into that too many sources of information may offer too much or not enough of the most important information that comes to the carious roof replacement options. Here at Smart Roofing Inc. we decided to put together a comprehensive list of the pros and cons of cedar shake roofs (also cedar shingle roofs), asphalt shingle roofs, and synthetic roofs (also composite roofs). We will be discussing the opinion they hold with insurance companies and how the trends are regarding insuring a cedar roof, insuring a shingle roof, and insuring a synthetic roof. We will talk about the longevity of cedar roofs, the longevity of shingle roofs, and the longevity of synthetic roofs. Then we will list how each type of roof compares in terms of the cost of cedar shake roofs, the cost of asphalt shingle roofs, and the cost of composite roofs. With all that out of the way, let’s dig right into the details.

There is a lot of information to review and make the ultimate decision. Here is a chart summarizing the comparison of Cedar Shake Roof vs Asphalt Shingle Roof vs Composite Roof. For a more in-depth review, continue to the article below the chart. 

Cedar Shake Roofs or Cedar Shingle Roofs:

First off, what is the difference between cedar shake and cedar shingle? According to the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, CSSB, a high-quality cedar shake features a rough split face and sawn back. This means they are rougher and in some ways more natural-looking. Cedar shakes are installed with a larger, usually 10″ exposure, meaning you can see 10″ of the cedar shake on your roof. Cedar shingles on the other hand are smooth sawn and architecturally uniform. This means they have a more smooth appearance. Cedar shingles are installed in a smaller, usually 5″ exposure. 

Both cedar shakes and cedar shingles are made from the same wood, cedar, and both are natural materials. Due to material usage and labor involved, cedar shingles are often more expensive than cedar shakes. In turn, cedar shingles can last a few years more than cedar shakes if installed properly by a professional installer such as Smart Roofing Inc. Cedar was very popular due to the natural oils produced by the wood, which offered a unique appearance and great weather protection for the roof. However, over the last several years, the quality of cedar has decreased in some cases and better alternatives have entered the market, slowly phasing out cedar as one of the main roofing choices. 

Pros of cedar shake roofs and cedar shingle roofs:

• Appearance:  Naturally beautiful cedar shake and cedar shingles have a rustic, timeless feel that is almost unmatched for homes with traditional or historic designs.
• Environmental Concerns: Cedar is biodegradable, renewable, and sustainably harvested when sourced from providers rated with the CSSB, making them a “green” roof choice. 
• Durability: Cedar is naturally waterproof and UV resistant.

Cons of cedar shake roofs and cedar shingle roofs:

• Cost: Medium to High. Cedar roofs can be fairly expensive, depending on the market conditions for the cedar materials.
• Maintenance: Cedar roofs require regular inspections and maintenance consisting of repairs, cleaning, and possible treatment. Cedar roofs that are not maintained can degrade and develop moss growth and missing pieces that can lead to leaks. 
• Fire Risk: Unless specifically treated with fire-resistant chemicals, natural cedar shake is much more combustible than other roofing options. This is one of the issues that insurance companies have with insuring cedar shake roofs. 
• Durability: Cedar shake roofs can vary in quality, depending on the mill they were produced in. This can lead to durability issues, and when combined with our wetter climate, cedar shake can quickly warp, crack, or rot. Many cedar roofs are also prone to moss growth in elevations that do not experience much sunlight, degrading those roof elevations even faster.
• Warranty: Since cedar is a natural material, there is no warranty provided on the cedar shakes or cedar shingles,   
• Lifespan: Cedar Shake is expected to last around 20-25 years in our climate with maintenance. 
• Insurability: More and more insurance companies are dropping their coverage of cedar shake roofs or simply not offering coverage for new owners of cedar shake roofs. This is due to the fire risks, the cost vs durability payoff, and the quick degradation of cedar. 

Asphalt Shingle Roofs:

An asphalt shingle is the most common and widely used roofing material for residential properties. It is made up of a fiberglass base mat that is coated with waterproof asphalt, and topped with ceramic or mineral granules. The fiberglass offers strength and durability, the asphalt an additional layer of waterproofing and cohesion, and the granules offer the shingle color, texture, and extra weather protection. There are different styles of shingles, such as old school 3-tab, current architectural, and designer shingles, as well as different manufacturers, but in most cases the components are all the same. 

Architectural shingles are the most popular due to their thicker, three-dimensional appearance that also adds extra durability. 3-tab shingles have been getting phased out by architectural shingles due to being inferior and new architectural shingles having a longer lifespan. Designer shingles mimic the look of high-end roofing materials such as slate or cedar. Because of the cost effectiveness of asphalt shingles, this roofing material is the first choice for many homeowners. 

Pros of asphalt shingle roofs:

• Appearance: Available in a wide range of colors, styles, and designs that do not fade color or change over time. Any aesthetic can be chosen to match a homeowner’s taste.
• Cost: Low to Medium, depending on style and design choice. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most cost-effective option for a roof replacement.
• Maintenance: Asphalt shingles are virtually maintenance free for the duration of their life expectancy.
• Fire Resistance: Asphalt shingles are fiberglass based and offer a Class A fire rating – the highest level of fire resistance possible.
•  Durability: Most asphalt shingles have a wind rating up to 130mph and can hold up to freezes, beaming sunlight, and small hail. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we at Smart Roofing Inc. can offer an unlimited wind warranty on Timberline HDZ shingles. All of the materials were manufactured to withstand the elements and keep your home waterproof. There is a standard manufacturing practice with control systems to ensure a uniform shingle that is free of defects every time.
• Warranty: Manufacturers offer warranties between 25-50 years for shingle materials. 
• Lifespan: Shingle roofs have a standard lifespan between 20-30 years, depending on the style and design, as well as the climate conditions. 
• Insurability: Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common, the most cost effective, and relatively durable to all elements, making them extremely easy to insure. While a roof over 20 years old may need to be inspected, insurance has no problems writing policies to cover shingle roofs.

Cons of asphalt shingles:

• Environmental Concerns: Since asphalt shingles are made from petroleum products and difficult to recycle, they are not considered green and have a more larger environmental footprint. 
• Heat Absorption: Some asphalt shingles can absorb more heat than other roofing materials, potentially increasing the temperature in the attic. This can be avoided with proper roofing ventilation and insulation and is a minor concern.
• Installation Issues: Being the most common roofing material means that a lot more people believe they know how to install shingles, which can lead to issues. A professional roofing contractor can ensure proper nailing, water drainage, and waterproofing, where an inexperienced installed may not be as effective. This can cause damage to shingles, slipping or fallen shingles, or even make the roof more susceptible to wind damage.

Synthetic Roofs and Composite Roofs:

Synthetic roofs and composite roofs, what is the difference? The truth is, there is no difference. These are just different names for the same products, and are interchangeable as you will see on this list. They refer to a group of products derived from polymers or plastics, which in most cases can last longer and can mimic the appearance of cedar shake, slate, or tile very effectively. The two most common brand names for these composite or synthetic roofs are Brava Roof Tile, which offer all 3 types, shake, slate and tile, and DaVinci Roofscapes, which offer shake and slate. Here at Smart Roofing Inc., we are certified installers of both manufacturers, allowing us to offer the best choice for each and every home. If going with a cedar shake, natural slate, or clay tile is not a compatible option, this composite group of products offers the middle ground many homeowners are looking for. We will see why.

Pros of composite roofing products:

Appearance: Some brands have an almost indistinguishable similarity to natural cedar shake, especially some of the aged colors. The slate composite roofing products are also very similar in appearance to natural slate. With a variety of colors to choose from that will not fade, homeowners can find one that will match their home’s aesthetic and look great. While some worry about the products looking synthetic, most cannot tell the difference between real aged cedar and slate roofs and some colors of synthetic products. 

• Environmental Concerns: Most composite roofing products are manufactured from recycled plastic, meaning they do not have a large ecological footprint. These products, however, are not recyclable past their long lifespan. 
• Maintenance: Manufactured from polymers, composite roofs are resistant to cracking, warping, rotting, or moss growth, requiring essentially zero maintenance over their lifespan.
• Fire Resistance: Made specifically with roofing in mind, these products often carry a Class C or even Class A fire resistance rating.
• Durability: This is the biggest pro of synthetic roofing products. They were specifically engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions. Manufactured with strict control systems, these products are checked and tested to ensure proper products reach the homeowners. They often have a Class 4 impact resistance along with a Class C fire rating, making it one of the best materials to put on your roof. They have an expected lifespan of 50+ years, and will hold up to high winds, freezing winters, scorching summers, pounding rain, hail, and in worst cases fire.
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranties are usually standard from the most popular manufacturers for 50 years. 
• Lifespan: Synthetic and composite roof products have an expected lifespan of 50+ years. 
• Insurability: With a high fire resistance and hail impact rating, synthetic roofs are easy to insure and may even qualify homeowners for an insurance premium discount. 

Cons of synthetic roofs and composite roofs:

• Cost: Medium to High. Composite roofs can be pricey but fall right in line with natural cedar shingles. When their expected lifespan is taken into account, the investment pays off in the long run.
• Appearance: Some homeowners are put off by the synthetic appearance.
• Environmental Concerns: Synthetic roofing products are at this time not recyclable past their long lifespan. 
• Installation expertise: Composite roofing products need an experienced and professional roofing company to ensure proper installation, flashings, and intersections that will last for the long expected lifespan of the roof. 

SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor. Certified by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB), a Preferred Installer of Brava Shake, Brava Slate, and Brava Spanish Tile, a Masterpiece Installer of DaVinci Shake and Davinci Slate, and a GAF Master Elite shingle installer, we have the experience and expertise you may need for all your roof replacement needs. 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. Serving Chicago its surrounding suburbs. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404 or fill out our Contact Us form to learn more about the different roofing products, or email us for your residential roof replacement needs.