Your roof accounts for a large portion of the visible surface of the home. Although it’s important that the roof insulates and protects the house, it should also look beautiful and match the home’s exterior. Asphalt shingles and cedar shakes are two popular options, and here’s a guide to help you choose between the two.

Installation Time & Ease

Asphalt shingles are cost-effective and easy for professionals to install, while cedar shakes have a higher installation cost due to a complex application process. Since asphalt shingles are incredibly easy for roofers to install, the process will be relatively quick, allowing your household and neighbors to return to normalcy faster. On the other hand, cedar shakes require more knowledge and experience to install properly, so there may be a greater downtime until the roof is complete.

Life Span

You can expect an average asphalt shingle roof to last about 15 to 20 years; however, one made with superior asphalt can exceed this time frame. A cedar shake roof can survive anywhere between 25 to 35 years if it’s chemically treated and receives regular maintenance every two to four years.

Durability

Cedar shakes are thicker than asphalt, so they can better withstand wind. Since an asphalt shingle is light, it can easily come undone due to strong gusts, requiring immediate replacement. However, asphalt boasts superior fire resistance, and class A shingles can withstand flames for up to two hours. Additionally, asphalt shingles are better at deterring moisture. Since moisture can leave cedar shakes brittle and prone to breaking, you’ll have to keep them clean to avoid damage. Moss, mold, and mildew trap moisture against the roof and can create problems, like leaks and infestations, in cedar shake.

If you need help deciding between cedar shakes and asphalt shingles, contact the knowledgeable team at Akamai Roofing Inc, in Pearl City, HI. Since 1972, these professionals have provided Oahu homeowners with reliable roofing services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. In addition to asphalt and cedar, these experts are also experienced in handling metal and tile roofing. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, they’re licensed and bonded and proudly maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau®. View a complete list of their residential services online, or call (808) 486-5555 to request a free estimate.