The Great Look of Cedar Shake Shingles in Wyoming

Where you live determines many things in your day-to-day life: the weather, how you dress, and, of course, what style of home you have. Weather and home styles are not set in stone, of course, but it does give you an idea of what you should choose for your own home. Wyoming is a Northwestern state, bordered by Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Utah. It is the state with the smallest population but is home to some breathtaking views thanks to the Rocky Mountains, the Plains, and the two National Parks, including Yellowstone.

Based on the surroundings and the weather, it isn't hard to choose a style of home in Wyoming. Here is what you should know to design your perfect Wyoming home.

Climate in Wyoming

Wyoming is a semi-arid state, prone to extreme temperatures. It is drier and windier than other states, with warm summers and sometimes freezing winters. Depending on the elevation of the area, both temperature and precipitation can vary, but numbers tend to be fairly moderate overall. This gives Wyoming residents the freedom to choose any style and material they desire for their home.

Housing Styles in Wyoming

Wyoming is a state that has, like most states, seen a variety of popular styles over the years. Between 1900 to 1940, the number of architectural styles across the state had increased tremendously and the classic Victorian style was replaced with new styles.

Architects began taking different paths for home styles: some looked to the present and future for their design ideas, while others looked to the past. As a result, classic styles like the Tudor, Mission, and Colonial-style homes became popular, and newer styles like Authentic American, Craftsman, and Bungalow style homes also became common during this time.

Each style offers its own unique look, and one thing that sets classic styles of architecture are the roofing options. One traditional option is cedar shake roofing, which has long been popular all across the country.

The Popularity of Cedar Shake Shingles in Wyoming

Cedar shake shingles are a beautiful, classic roofing option made up of hand-split cedar logs that vary in size, length, and thickness. They create a very rustic look that can bring together any home exterior.

Cedar shakes are a natural material that has a distinct charm unlike other materials. They are a durable material that can withstand wind, rain, and harsh conditions, to a certain extent.

However, they are not a perfect option: as  they are both heavy and expensive. While they are durable, they do still suffer damage from strong winds, hail, and, of course, fire. 

Another downside to cedar shake shingles is that they require regular maintenance to remain in good condition. Without regular moss and mildew removal, moisture can damage the shake shingles, leading to things like mold and rot. In addition, without stains and special coatings, the wood can become damaged.

An Option Like Cedar, but Better

Cedar shake shingles are beautiful, but their hefty price tag and difficulty to maintain makes them inaccessible to most people. This has led to companies coming out with alternatives that resemble real cedar, without the drawbacks of real cedar.

The top brand for synthetic cedar shakes is CeDUR Roofing Shakes, a brand of polyurethane that is molded from real hand-split cedar and look so realistic that you won't know the difference. CeDUR products offer many benefits:

1. Fire Resistance

In addition to their authentic wood-shake look, CeDUR shakes have a stand alone Class A fire rating, the best in the industry.

2. Impact Resistance

Real wood like cedar, while tough, is still prone to chipping from the elements, such as large hail. Once the shingles become damaged, you have to replace them. Otherwise, they will continue to sustain damage, and it will spread until you need to replace the whole roof.

Another benefit of CeDUR shakes is that they have a Class 4 Impact Rating. This is the best rating in the industry, and it means that they are rated to withstand even the most substantial hail impact better than other types of shingles.

3. Withstands HighWind Speeds

Although cedar shingles can withstand strong winds to an extent, there is still the possibility of ripping of the shingles. With CeDUR wood shakes, this isn't a concern, as they are uniquely designed to withstand winds up to 115 mph. This makes them an excellent option for homes in states where winds can be strong, like Wyoming.

Other benefits to CeDUR shake roofing  is that, unlike real wood, it will never split, rot, or warp. It is a sustainable option that will last 50 years or more. CeDUR shakes are a lightweight material, weighing just 170 pounds per square foot. It is also more affordable, and still provides a beautiful option for any style of home.

Choosing a Roof in Wyoming

With the roof being the most important part of your home, you want to choose a good one, but also one that matches the style of home you have chosen. For many home styles, cedar shake shingles are a good choice, but when it comes to cedar shake shingles, Wyoming is not necessarily the best place for them. Between the cost, maintenance, and the weather in Wyoming, cedar shingles may not be an investment everyone is willing to make.

Instead, you can turn to a synthetic option like CeDUR Roofing Shakes. They have that same beautiful, rustic appearance of traditional cedar, without all the maintenance issues, added weight, and high cost. You won't even be able to spot the difference; what you will see is a beautiful, incredibly durable roof that completes the look of your home.