5 Reasons Cedar Shake Shingles Are Perfect For Your Pennsylvania Home

To properly install a roof, it's crucial to choose a type that suits your local weather conditions. This ensures the longevity and durability of your roof and will help keep it resistant to changes in weather. Shortly, we'll delve into why cedar shake shingles are an ideal choice for homes in Pennsylvania. But first, let's consider the state's climate and the nature of cedar shake shingles.

If you're searching for the perfect roof for your Pennsylvania home, we invite you to continue reading this blog post. It provides five compelling reasons why cedar shake shingles should be your top choice.

What Are Cedar Shake Shingles?

Because they are durable and naturally beautiful, cedar shake shingles are a popular roofing option for homes in Pennsylvania. These shingles are made from high-quality cedar wood, which is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. Cedar shake roofing shingles are also great for insulation, which can help homeowners save on energy bills. They are also able to withstand Pennsylvania’s ever changing weather. However, cedar shake shingles require regular maintenance, including cleaning and resealing, to ensure their longevity. If you’re considering cedar shake roofing shingles for your Pennsylvania home, you must consult with a professional roofing contractor to ensure proper installation and maintenance.

Pennsylvania Climate And Frequent Weather Events

Pennsylvania's climate is characterized by its variety, featuring cold winters, warm and humid summers, and a considerable amount of precipitation throughout the year, including both rain and snow. Given these weather patterns, cedar shake shingles can be an excellent roofing choice for homes in the Keystone State. Cedar, as a natural insulator, performs well in both hot and cold temperatures, helping to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter, thereby contributing to energy efficiency. Its inherent durability also allows it to withstand the weight of heavy snowfall, a common occurrence in Pennsylvania's winter months. Additionally, cedar shake shingles are known for their resistance to wind, making them a good choice in the face of Pennsylvania's occasional strong wind events. Lastly, cedar's natural oils make the material resistant to moisture, reducing the likelihood of decay and damage due to Pennsylvania's frequent rains.

#1 Durability And Longevity

When it comes to choosing the right roofing material for your home, durability, and longevity are two of the most important factors to consider.

Thankfully, cedar shake shingles offer both benefits, abundantly. Not only are they highly resistant to damage from weather and pests, but with proper maintenance, they can last up to 50 years or more. Also, with durability and high heat reflectivity, these shingles can withstand the extreme temperatures and freezing cold that the state witnesses. 

The installation process for cedar shake roof shingles is also relatively simple compared to other roofing materials. Because they are lightweight and come in pre-cut sizes, they can be easily installed by a professional roofer without requiring extensive customization options.

Additionally, because cedar is a sustainable resource that grows abundantly throughout the country, using this material for your roof is an environmentally-friendly choice that will help reduce your carbon footprint over time.

#2 Resistance To Weather Conditions

Cedar shake shingles, as mentioned above, are known for their climate adaptability, which makes them a perfect fit for Pennsylvania homes. With hot summers and cold winters, cedar shakes provide excellent temperature insulation. Their high insulation properties and high reflectivity, keep the interior of a home cool during scorching summers and warm during freezing winter months.

Cedar shake shingles also have incredible wind resistance, allowing them to withstand the frequent storms in the state. Cedarwood, naturally present in North America and Africa, is sturdy enough to withstand high winds without cracking or breaking. Additionally, these shingles offer moisture protection by preventing water from seeping into your home's interior during heavy rain.

In addition, with its natural resistance to insects and decay, cedar shake shingles give you peace of mind knowing that your roof will remain intact for years to come. These qualities make it an attractive option compared to other types of wood roofing materials available on the market today.

#3 Natural Resistance To Insects And Decay

Cedar shake shingles not only withstand harsh weather conditions, but also offer natural resistance to insects and decay. This makes them an ideal choice for Pennsylvania homes, where the climate can vary significantly throughout the year.

One of the benefits of cedar shake shingles is their environmentally-friendly nature, especially regarding DIY maintenance. These shingles require minimal upkeep compared to other types of roofing materials, saving homeowners time and money in the long run.

Additionally, cedar has insulative benefits that help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing energy costs. Cedar shake shingles are also fire-resistant, providing a layer of protection against potential disasters. All these features, combined with their unique texture, make cedar shake shingles a practical and attractive option for any homeowner looking for durability and sustainability alike.

#4 Enhanced Curb Appeal

Cedar shake shingles can enhance the curb appeal of your Pennsylvania home by giving it a rustic and natural look. The unique texture and warm color tones of cedar wood add an inviting charm to any property. Choosing cedar shake shingles for your roofing or siding is also a great way to incorporate design inspiration into your home's exterior.

With various sizes, shapes, and patterns available, you can customize the look of your house according to your preference. Another significant advantage of cedar shake shingles is their versatility when it comes to color selection. You can choose from a range of hues that complement the style and surroundings of your home.

To maintain its aesthetic appeal, you need to clean and maintain them regularly. However, compared to other roofing materials like asphalt or metal, cedar shake shingles require less upkeep while offering long-lasting durability. 

#5 Cost-Effective Investment

Did you know that cedar shake shingles are not only visually appealing, but are also a cost-effective investment for your Pennsylvania home?

Wooden roofing has an average lifespan of 30 years. This means that installing cedar shake shingles can save you money in the long run. In addition, they require replacement less frequently compared to other roofing materials. 

Apart from the cost, the installation process and maintenance requirements of cedar shake shingles are relatively simple. They can be easily installed on any roof type with basic equipment and skills. Additionally, cedar is naturally resistant to insects and rot, which reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements.

#6. Energy Efficiency And Insulation 

Cedar shake shingles offer excellent energy efficiency and insulation benefits for homes in Pennsylvania. With the state experiencing hot summers and cold winters, maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature is crucial. Cedar shake shingles provide natural insulation, helping to regulate heat transfer and reduce energy consumption. 

They act as a barrier against outdoor temperature extremes, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This insulation property helps to minimize the workload on heating and cooling systems, resulting in reduced energy costs for homeowners. By choosing cedar shake shingles for their roofs Pennsylvania homeowners can enjoy improved energy efficiency, enhanced indoor comfort, and lower utility bills. 

The Cost of To Install A Cedar Shake Shingle Roof In Pennsylvania

The cost to install a cedar shake shingle roof in Pennsylvania is higher compared to traditional asphalt shingles. The many benefits this roofing material offers are the reason for the higher price. The numerous benefits of this material, including its durability, extended lifespan, energy efficiency, insulation, improved aesthetic appeal, and potential to increase home value, do come with a price. Homeowners are typically required to cover this cost upfront at the time of installation. However, cedar shake shingles save homeowners from paying more for maintenance and timely repair, which asphalt shingles frequently require. 

The cost to install a cedar shake roof also depends on many factors, including, but not limited to, the labor cost, material and installation cost, the complexity of the project, your location, local weather, skill level, and the roofing company's reputation. On average, you can expect to pay between $8 to $12 per square foot for a cedar shake shingle roof in Pennsylvania, including installation.

Maintenance Considerations

Cedar shake shingles in Pennsylvania require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance. Due to the state's varying weather conditions and potential for moss and mold growth, it is important to keep the shingles clean and free from debris. Regular inspections are necessary to identify any damaged or loose shingles that need repair or replacement. 

Clean the roof: Remove debris, leaves, and moss regularly to prevent moisture buildup. Brush or rinse shingles with mild water and bleach solution if needed.

Trim trees: Minimize debris and storm damage by trimming overhanging branches.

Address moss and mold: Safely remove moss and mold using a specialized cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. Avoid pressure washers to prevent shingle damage.

Treat pests: Watch for insect infestations like termites or carpenter ants. Take immediate action with appropriate treatments.

Hire Us for A Cedar Shake Shingle Roof Installations In Pennsylvania

Are you looking to transform your Pennsylvania home with a stunning cedar shake shingle roof? Look no further than McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC. Our expert team is highly proficient in handling all types of roofing projects, including roof installation, replacement, and repair. With years of experience in the industry, we have honed our skills and techniques to ensure flawless installations that stand the test of time. 

Don't settle for anything less than the best. Call us today at (412) 353-5660 to discuss your cedar shake shingle roof installation needs.