Getting the Rustic Look with Cedar Shakes in New York
The roof of a house is probably the most important part. It helps to seal off the home and protect it from the elements, provide insulation, and keep families safe from unwanted intruders.
Just like with other parts of the home, the roof is open to all sorts of design possibilities. What you choose for your home can depend on your style, your location, and even your budget.
But, regardless, there are countless roofing shapes and materials you can use, with each having plenty of advantages and disadvantages. Cedar shake roofing is one material that has been around for many years. Cedar shakes have long been a popular option for homeowners who want a natural, rustic look for their home.
What is Cedar Shake Roofing?
When it comes to rustic, natural roofing options, cedar shake roofs are the most popular. They are one of the oldest roofing styles in America, dating as far back as colonial times. Cedar shakes are made using split cedar or redwood logs.
Unlike other types of roofing shingles, cedar shakes are unique because each one is a little different, which helps create a unique look. With cedar shakes, everything from the grain to the length and thickness can vary from shake to shake.
The Popularity of Cedar Shakes
As mentioned before, cedar shake roofing is an incredibly popular roofing option. It is so popular that homeowners across the country are interested in choosing this kind of roof. They are popular because of the natural, rustic look that they offer, especially compared to modern options like asphalt shingles.
They aren't cheap, so not many homeowners have them as roofing. Those who do have cedar shake roofing have the added benefit of something uncommon for homes these days, allowing it to stand out more.
Cedar Shakes in New York
With cedar shake roofing such a nationwide trend, it is no surprise that now people want cedar shakes in New York. Unlike homes on the west coast, where real wood is a serious concern, homes in New York can have cedar shake roofing if they desire.
Cedar Shakes in New York are especially popular in the northern part of the state, in areas like Rochester, New York. But, cedar shakes can also work well in other parts of the state as well.
The Problem With Real Wood Shakes
As beautiful as cedar shakes are, they are not without their problems. For one, cedar shake roofing can be expensive to install and maintain, especially compared to the more common alternatives. They also add a lot of extra weight on top of your home, and to support that weight, your home may require additional structural support.
Beyond that, cedar shakes require a great deal of maintenance. Because they are real wood, there is always a risk of things like mold, mildew, moss, and even rot affecting the wood. You would have to perform regular maintenance to keep the shakes clean and replace any damaged shakes as quickly as possible.
You also need to keep in mind that because cedar shakes are wood, they are a highly flammable material. Unless you apply a special, protective coating, the roof will be extremely susceptible to fire and can end up destroyed if a fire is bad enough. They also may become loose and get blown away with high winds from hurricanes or other strong storms. There is no denying that cedar shakes are a beautiful, unique roofing option. But, there are some significant reasons to install an alternative to a real cedar roof.
