Cedar shakes are some of the most beautiful roofing materials available. They add a beautiful and timeless aesthetic to any home. Unfortunately, they are also one of the more expensive roofing materials available. Is there an option for your residential roofing replacement that is as beautiful as cedar shakes without the price tag? Yes! Synthetic wood shingles are an increasingly popular alternative. But are they right for your home? Here are the pros and cons.
Aesthetics
The number one reason to choose synthetic cedar shakes is to achieve the beautiful appearance of cedar but without some of the disadvantages like cost and upkeep. Synthetic wood shingles aren't actually made of wood at all. They're composed of a combination of resins and polymers, but they achieve a look that's strikingly similar to real wood.
Low Maintenance
Another major advantage of synthetic wood shingles is that they require much less maintenance than real cedar shakes. You won't have to worry about mold and mildew, one of the biggest issues with real wood shingles. And because of that, there won't be issues with rot and refinishing.
Cost Effective
Compared to real wood shingles, most synthetic wood shingles are much more cost effective. You can expect to pay between $7.50 and $14.50 per square foot for your synthetic wood shingles, depending on the quality of material that you choose and the size of your roof.
Durable
Synthetic wood shingles have excellent impact ratings and great fire resistance, resulting in a very durable product that will protect your roof for decades.
CONS
Less Natural
The biggest criticism of synthetic shakes is that the material is not natural. It's manufactured and that's a reason for many homeowners to turn away. However, many synthetic wood shingles are composed of recycled materials, and for some, that helps sweeten the deal.
Newer Product
Another drawback of choosing synthetic wood shingles is that they're a fairly new product in the marketplace. That means that their durability hasn't been field tested for decades like other more common materials, so it can be difficult to estimate exactly how long the product will last based on real-world experience.
Cost Comparisons
Although synthetic wood shingles are on average less expensive than real cedar shingles, they are more expensive than a cheaper roofing product like asphalt. However, if your desire is to have the look of real cedar without a lot of the drawbacks like mold growth and maintenance, they work as a great substitute.
Contact a professional for more information about choosing a material for a residential roofing replacement.