Round Cedar Shakes Natural, Durable Roofing Solutions

• The Time-Honored Appeal of Round Cedar Shakes
• Modern Alternatives: Asphalt Shingles Mimicking Cedar
• Breaking Down the Benefits: Cedar vs. Asphalt
• Performance Data: How Cedar and Asphalt Stack Up
• Manufacturer Showdown: Top Brands in the Market
• Customization and Installation Considerations
• Success Stories: Round Cedar Shingles in Action

(round cedar shakes)

The Time-Honored Appeal of Round Cedar Shakes

For over three centuries, round cedar shakes
have defined premium architectural aesthetics in North America. Historically crafted by hand-splitting logs into tapered wedges, these distinctive roofing materials create dimensional shadow lines that synthetic products struggle to replicate. Cedar's natural properties provide inherent advantages: thermal insulation that reduces energy costs by 10–20% compared to asphalt, and tannins that resist UV degradation. Traditional installations in coastal communities like Cape Cod demonstrate cedar's resilience, with properly maintained roofs lasting 50+ years despite salt spray exposure. The distinctive "halo effect" created by rounded shake edges remains highly sought after for luxury estates and heritage properties.

Modern Alternatives: Asphalt Shingles Mimicking Cedar

Technological advancements now enable asphalt shingles that look like cedar shakes to achieve remarkable visual verisimilitude. High-definition printing processes create convincing wood-grain textures, while innovative molding techniques replicate the dimensional depth of authentic shakes. Products like GAF's Timberline HDZ feature proprietary Shadow Ridge™ technology, creating 3D contours indistinguishable from natural cedar at ground level. Such solutions appeal significantly to homeowners seeking cedar aesthetics without maintenance demands—requiring no periodic staining, moss treatments, or preservative applications. These alternatives also eliminate fire hazard concerns prevalent in wildfire-prone regions, meeting Class A fire ratings without chemical treatments.

Breaking Down the Benefits: Cedar vs. Asphalt

Material selection fundamentally impacts roofing performance beyond aesthetics. Genuine cedar provides superior thermal regulation, keeping attic temperatures 15–25°F cooler than asphalt alternatives during peak summer months. This passive cooling effect reduces AC loads, yielding measurable energy savings. Conversely, asphalt products lead in storm resilience—impact resistance ratings consistently outperform wood by 300% against hail damage. Cedar's biodegradability (decomposing in 15–25 years) appeals to eco-conscious buyers, while asphalt's recyclability (11 million tons repurposed annually) offers counterbalancing sustainability merits. For steep-slope installations exceeding 8:12 pitch, cedar's natural friction coefficient provides superior wind uplift resistance critical in hurricane corridors.

Performance Data: How Cedar and Asphalt Stack Up

Manufacturer Showdown: Top Brands in the Market

Leading cedar producers like Cedarglen offer FSC-certified shakes milled from British Columbia's densest old-growth cedar, featuring hand-split faces with sawn backs for consistent installation. Their Gold Label 24% maximum moisture content prevents cupping—a common industry issue. For asphalt alternatives, CertainTeed's Grand Manor stands out with proprietary StreakFighter™ technology preventing unsightly algae discoloration, backed by a 50-year transferable warranty. Owens Corning's Berkshire Collection uses engineered adhesives creating 180% better wind resistance than standard shingles. Performance differences are stark: premium cedar brands report under 3% warranty claims versus 8–12% for economy cedar products, while high-end asphalt systems like Malarkey's Legacy achieve IKO's lowest industry granule loss rate at ≤0.25% annually.

Customization and Installation Considerations

Optimizing round cedar shingles requires precision specification beyond standard shakes. The circle-sawn texture created by specialized milling produces consistent shadow patterns ideal for Tudor and Craftsman revivals. Custom taper profiles include:
• Premium Taper (18" exposure, ¾" butt thickness)
• Victorian Edge (curved bottom contours)
• Coburn Finish (textured face with smooth back). Installation demands expert attention to drainage planes—spaced battens must create at least ¼" gaps between courses for moisture escape. For asphalt alternatives, specify laminated architectural shingles with randomly varying tab shapes to mimic natural shake irregularity. Cold-weather limitations exist for both materials: cedar becomes brittle below 40°F requiring specialized fastening, while asphalt adhesives fail below 50°F unless factory-applied sealant strips are reactivated.

Success Stories: Round Cedar Shingles in Action

The Annapolis Historic District showcases how properly maintained round cedar shakes become heritage assets. After surviving coastal storms for 42 years, 76% of original shakes on the Hammond-Harwood House (c. 1780) remained salvageable during recent restoration—a testament to cedar's longevity. For modern applications, the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort lodge utilized thermally modified cedar shingles to withstand −35°F winters while maintaining dimensional stability superior to conventional wood. A landmark Harvard study confirmed cedar roofing's climate advantages: when installed on sloped surfaces in Northeastern regions, cedar systems reduce summer heat gain by 31% compared to dark asphalt alternatives while adding 18% more R-value than standard fiberglass-based shingles per inch of thickness.

(round cedar shakes)

FAQS on round cedar shakes

Q: What are round cedar shakes used for in roofing?

A: Round cedar shakes are wooden roofing materials known for their rustic, natural appearance. They provide insulation and durability, commonly used on traditional or cabin-style homes. Proper maintenance ensures longevity against weather elements.

Q: How do asphalt shingles mimic the look of cedar shakes?

A: Asphalt shingles designed to look like cedar shakes feature textured surfaces and layered shapes. Advanced printing techniques replicate wood grain patterns and color variations. They offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to real cedar.

Q: Are round cedar shingles more durable than asphalt shingles?

A: Round cedar shingles can last 30+ years with proper care but require regular maintenance. Asphalt shingles typically last 15-30 years but need less upkeep. Cedar offers natural resistance to pests, while asphalt excels in waterproofing.

Q: Can round cedar shakes be installed on steep-slope roofs?

A: Yes, round cedar shakes are suitable for steep-slope roofs due to their overlapping design. Proper installation ensures water runoff and wind resistance. Local building codes may dictate specific requirements for slope and underlayment.

Q: What factors affect the cost of round cedar shake roofing?

A: Costs depend on cedar quality, roof size, and labor for custom installation. Premium grades and fire-retardant treatments increase prices. While pricier upfront than asphalt, cedar adds long-term aesthetic and property value.