Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing: What It Is and How To Maintain It in Illinois
Over the years, Illinois roofing styles and options have changed and evolved. One style has prevailed for centuries with all the new alternatives available: imitation wood shingles. This roofing style is popular because of the beautiful, rustic look it can bring to a home, but it is not an option for everyone due to the high installation cost, maintenance requirements, and the need to have an A-rated fire rating. Fortunately, faux wood roof shingle variations are available, allowing you to achieve this rustic look with a more durable synthetic material. This article is about faux cedar roofing, its installation, and whether it is possible to find a roofing contractor for this material in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
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Synthetic Cedar Shake Roof in IL: Pros and Cons
Synthetic cedar shakes provide the benefits of their traditional counterpart and more without drawbacks. The benefits of composite cedar shake roofing shakes include:
- сlass A fire rating, the highest possible rating;
- class 4 impact rating, the highest impact rating materials can achieve;
- available in a variety of colors, including fake cedar shake roof colors;
- less expensive to install and low maintenance;
- they do not absorb water, so they are resistant to mold and rot;
- can withstand extreme cold and heat cycles without damage;
- available in a variety of thicknesses, adding to the realistic look;
- it can be safely walked on without damage colour or will not fade.
The disadvantages of such a composite cedar shake roofing can be considered:
- Weak resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
- Loss of tightness of the tile joints during sudden temperature changes. This leads to the deformation of the material.
When choosing between natural and synthetic cedar shakes, it is important to consider extreme weather conditions that characterize Illinois state.
Natural Cedar Shake vs. Synthetic Cedar Shake
When it comes to roofing materials, the debate between natural wood look roof shingles and synthetic roof shakes has been going on for many years. Both options offer unique benefits and have their drawbacks.
When building with cedar in Chicago, you need to carefully select your building materials, paying attention not only to their performance characteristics but also to their environmental purity indicators. Cedar itself is completely environmentally friendly, but roofing materials may not meet environmental standards. The best option for near-me roofing repairs is natural roofing materials that look beautiful, last a long time and are completely safe for health, which is very much appreciated in the modern world.
Fake cedar roof shingles, often called composite roofing, are made using recycled materials or engineered polymers. These shake roof shingles are designed to imitate the appearance of natural cedar chips with authentic fibre patterns and deep grooves. One of the great things about synthetic cedar is the variety of colors and styles available. This versatility ensures that there is a perfect option for every home’s architectural style.
Both natural and synthetic cedar shingles boast impressive lifespans, but synthetic options tend to outlast their natural counterparts. Properly installed synthetic wood shingle roofing can last 40-50 years. In contrast, natural cedar roofing will typically last about 30 years in Chicago if properly installed and maintained.
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Insurance Benefits of Composite Cedar Shakes
Currently, when local roofers near you build houses, composite shingles are used as roofs. Thanks to this building material, beautiful cottages and other types of low-rise real estate are created in Chicago areas and suburbs. The central part of the composite cedar roof shingles is a steel sheet, which is responsible for strength and long service life. This element is covered with other materials at the base.
The material has many advantages. Such tiles are strong, durable, fireproof, and soundproof. They do not require a reinforced rafter system and are suitable for roofs of almost any shape (with a slope of 12 to 90 degrees). They are produced in small modules that are quite easy to install. It leaves little technical waste.
Here are the main advantages from close-to-me roofer installers:
- Aesthetic. A large number of shapes and colors of composite tiles will allow you to choose the best option for your home. It imitates not only natural ceramic tiles but also flat slate tiles, straw and even faux shake roof shingles.
- Solidity. A house with a faux cedar shake roof made of composite tiles looks solid, respectable and unusual.
- Durable. It is believed that composite tiles can last more than 50 years in Chicago. This is a profitable investment in your future. The steel sheet is reinforced with several protective layers and stone chips. It is resistant to deformation.
- Fire-resistant. Steel, like other protective layers – acrylic coating, primer, stone dressing and acrylic glaze – does not burn. This means that the material is suitable even for objects with high fire safety requirements.
- Noiseless. The granule layer perfectly protects against extraneous sounds. You will not hear the rain pounding on the roof or birds walking in Chicago areas or suburbs.
- Resistant to rust, fading, and bad weather. Steel is protected on all sides by several layers, so it is difficult for rust to reach the metal. Acrylic glaze reliably protects the granulate from ultraviolet radiation. Composite tiles do not crack in frost or heat and easily withstand temperature changes.
Composite shingles are a practical and aesthetically pleasing modern material that is widely used by roofers in the Chicago area and the Chicago suburbs. The variety of colors and technologies have resulted in unique roofs all over Illinois.
Typical Сost Analysis for Synthetic Cedar Shakes Broken Down
Recently, there has been a tendency to use traditional materials in construction, so the demand for fake wood shingles is growing every year. The cost of this material, due to the peculiarities of its production, cannot be low, and the price of shingles is determined by:
- The volume of work. It, in turn, is determined by the size of the roof, its shape and the complexity of the design. The more complex, the more labour is required for installation.
- The selection of materials This item includes absolutely everything, from the outer coating to the rafters and insulating films. It should be noted that at this point you cannot go into excessive savings. The quality of the source materials is the durability of the roof and the comfort of living in the house: normal temperature, humidity in the premises, no leaks and subsidence, and so on. As a rule, experts from qualified roofing services near me can advise on which material you can be a little “greedy”, and on which – in no case, and their advice should be listened to.
- The season. In winter, installation and arrangement of roofs is somewhat more difficult. Temperatures affect the physical characteristics of the materials. If there is no way to wait for warm weather, you will need to provide for the costs of more expensive installation. Objectively, such work costs more and takes longer.
- The cost of logistics. This should include the estimated costs of delivery of materials. This point is sometimes forgotten – and then people are very surprised where such figures come from.
- The costs of additional materials and tools. Craftsmen will need a lot of staples, fasteners, nails, plates, perforated fasteners, in some cases sand, and cement.
Experienced close-to-me roofing contractors, after assessing the building structure, including the roof, almost immediately indicate the pool of works and approximate calculation.
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What to Consider When Installing Synthetic Cedar Shakes on Your Roof
Professional roofing services in Chicago Neighborhoods and Chicago suburbs focus on complex and local construction work. The list of works of roof installers near me includes the following processes:
- Preparatory work (creating a project, drawing up an estimate, selecting materials, determining the schedule for their delivery to the site).
- Erection of a supporting structure. The list of faux cedar shake roofing works cannot be divided into categories of importance, each of them requires attention, responsibility and compliance with requirements.
- Roof installation. Laying roofing material. The features of its technology depend on the type of roofing used and on the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Finishing of cornices, overhangs – material, as well as the finishing method by the type of roof, roofing material, and customer requirements for design and appearance.
The motto of any roofing service in Chicago is – everything starts with the basics. In this case, with the rafter fastenings to the roof. The procedure for installing the roof begins with the construction of the roof base, regardless of the size and purpose of the roofing material. A vapour barrier membrane is attached to the underside of the rafters. A solid base is mounted on the grating.
When it comes to job safety, it is important to mention qualified roofing contractors. Our company provides roofing services to homeowners in the Chicagoland area. The home of your dreams with a roof made of artificial or natural cedar is possible – just contact us, and the dream will begin to come true!
Faq
How does synthetic cedar shake roofing compare to real cedar shakes?
While both options provide a similar aesthetic, synthetic cedar shakes are often more durable, lighter, and require less maintenance than real cedar shakes. However, some homeowners may prefer the natural aesthetics and authenticity of real wood.
Is synthetic cedar shake roofing environmentally friendly?
Many synthetic cedar shake products are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option. However, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications regarding sustainability practices.
What is the lifespan of synthetic cedar shake roofing?
Synthetic cedar shake roofing typically has a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, depending on the quality of the materials used and the installation. This is comparable to, if not longer than, traditional cedar shakes.
Does synthetic cedar shake roofing require maintenance?
Synthetic cedar shake roofing requires minimal maintenance compared to natural wood. Regular inspections, cleaning debris, and ensuring proper drainage are generally sufficient to maintain its performance and appearance.
How much does synthetic cedar shake roofing cost?
The cost of synthetic cedar shake roofing can vary widely based on the brand, quality, installation, and location. Generally, it can be comparable to or slightly less than the cost of high-quality natural cedar shakes.
Can synthetic cedar shake roofing be installed over existing roofing?
In many cases, synthetic cedar shake roofing can be installed over existing roofing materials, but it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines and local building codes. Proper installation is crucial to ensure performance and longevity.