Photo by Fotolia
Cedar shakes have a rougher texture and are thicker than cedar shingles, resulting in a more rustic look. Cedar shingles are more refined and work well with the traditional style of this house. Choosing one over the other is a matter of visual preference. Either way, a cedar roof generally costs more.
**Here are some advantages:**
* The natural oil in cedar repels water and insects
* Withstands storms (wind and rain) well
* In Canada's climate, with proper maintenance, you can expect it to last 40 to 50 years
* Ages well and naturally takes on a greyer hue after about 10 years
* Is easy to repair because they are installed individually
* Provides better ventilation‹air flows through cedar, which means lower heating and air conditioning costs
* Cedar is a renewable resource that is recyclable, reusable and biodegradable
* Looks good and goes well with copper (the recommended metal for roof finishings)
**What you need to know:**
* Cedar is graded and the grades of quality are very distinct. Look for a Certigrade label (visit the Cedar Bureau for more information)
* Cedar can rot more quickly if it is surrounded by a lot of foliage (sap and droppings cause damage)
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