If you’re looking for roof replacement in Wichita, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What’s the best roofing material for my home?” Cost, durability, maintenance and overall appearance are always important considerations. And living in Wichita also means that you’ll have to take into account the potential for high wind, hail and storm damage. Dingers Roofing & Construction has extensive knowledge of roofing materials and can help you decide between shingles vs. cedar shakes in Wichita. This article will explore the pros and cons of each to help you choose the which roof is best for your home.
Shingle Roofing
Types of Shingles
When choosing a new roof, you’ll typically encounter three types of shingles: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. 3-tab shingles are the most affordable for residential roofs, but offer the least amount of protection and durability. Architectural shingles are a popular middle ground, providing a good balance of cost, durability, and protection. In fact, they’re the most popular shingle in the United States, making up over 80% of roofs, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association. Lastly, luxury shingles are a premium option, offering the most protection at the highest cost.
For this comparison, we’ll focus on architectural shingles and how they compare to cedar shakes.
Pros
- Cost-effective: Architectural shingles offer a good balance of affordability and quality. They are generally less expensive than premium roofing materials.
- Variety of Durabilities: They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including high wind, rain, and hail. Many architectural shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, offering protection against hail damage.
- Variety of styles and colors: Architectural shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles to complement different home designs. They can mimic the look of natural materials like wood shakes or slate.
- Fire Resistance: Most asphalt shingles have a Class A fire rating, the highest rating for roofing materials.
- Easy installation: They are relatively easy to install compared to some other roofing materials, which can help reduce labor costs.
- Low Maintenance: Asphalt shingles require minimal maintenance, typically just occasional cleaning and inspections
Cons
- Shorter lifespan: Compared to some other roofing materials, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan, typically 15-30 years.
- Susceptible to mold and mildew growth: In humid climates, algae growth can be a concern, although algae-resistant shingles are available.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Asphalt shingles can become brittle in extreme cold and soften in extreme heat, potentially affecting their lifespan.
- Not as Environmentally Friendly: Traditional asphalt shingles are petroleum-based and may not be recyclable in all areas.
- Fading and discoloration: Exposure to sunlight can cause asphalt shingles to fade or become discolored over time.
- Vulnerability to Wind Uplift: Strong winds can cause asphalt shingles to lift, curl, or even tear off the roofing deck.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Types of Cedar Shake Roofing
Beyond the different types of cedar wood, there are also important variations between wood shingles and shakes. In general, cedar shakes will be split from a block, where shingles are cut down to specific sizes and shapes. Typically suppliers offer either hand-split or taper-sawn shakes. Hand-split shakes will look more rugged, and have a textured appearance on their naturally split surfaces. If you prefer a more uniform look, taper-sawn shakes are cut on both sides for consistent thickness but still retain their textured face.
Pros
- Natural Beauty: Cedar shakes offer a classic, timeless beauty that enhances the curb appeal of any home.
- Long Life Span: With proper maintenance, cedar shakes can last 30-50 years, even in harsh climates like Wichita’s.
- Energy Efficiency: Wood is a natural insulator, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
- Wind Resistance: Cedar shakes are naturally resistant to wind uplift, making them a good choice for areas prone to strong winds and storm damage, like Wichita.
- Environmentally Friendly: Cedar is a renewable resource, and cedar shake roofing can often be recycled or repurposed at the end of its lifespan.
- Premium Material: Cedar shakes are considered a premium roofing material. This perception of higher quality can translate into increased home value.
Cons
- Cost: Cedar shake roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles. According to Angi, cedar shake roofing often costs 2-3 times more than asphalt roofing.
- Maintenance: Cedar shakes require regular maintenance, including cleaning, moss removal, and treatments to prevent rot and insect damage.
- Fire Risk: Wood is naturally combustible. It’s important to consider this factor, especially in dry climates like Wichita’s.
- Limited Style Options: The color options for cedar shakes are limited to natural wood tones, which may not suit all style preferences.
- Installation: Installing cedar shake roofing is more complex and time-consuming than installing asphalt shingles, which can increase labor costs.
- Susceptibility to Moisture: Naturally resistant to rot, cedar shakes can still absorb moisture, which can lead to problems if not properly maintained. Regular roof inspections and prompt repairs are essential.
Shingles vs. Cedar Shakes Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Asphalt Shingle | Cedar Shake Roofing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Lifespan | 15-30 years | 30-50 years |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate-High |
| Durability | Good, with options for impact resistance | Excellent, naturally resistant to rot and insects |
| Aesthetics | Wide variety of colors and styles | Natural, rustic appearance |
| Fire Resistance | Grade A fire resistance | Moderate, optional fire resistant treatments |
| Environmental Impact | Less eco-friendly | More eco-friendly, renewable resource |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Shingles vs. Cedar Shakes
- Budget: Asphalt shingles are more affordable than cedar shakes. However, cedar shakes may save you more money in the long run with higher durability and lifespan.
- Home Style: What style are you looking for? Asphalt shingles typically have more versatility, but cedar shakes offer an authentic, charming, look and texture.
- Personal Preferences: Don’t forget about your personal preferences. Simply put, which one do you like more? Or which one would bring you the greatest peace of mind.
- Wichita’s Climate: Lastly, consider how the material will hold up in Wichita’s strong winds, hail and fluctuating temperatures.
Ultimately the decision between shingles vs. cedar shakes comes down to your personal preferences, budget and style. Dingers Roofing & Construction is here to help guide you through the decision. Our expert roofing contractors in Wichita can assess your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free estimate.