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Asphalt vs. Red Cedar roofs

When building your home, you want to make sure every aspect is perfect. Therefore, it’s so important to choose the right roofing. If you’ve narrowed it down to asphalt or red cedar, then hopefully this article sheds some light on the right decision. I will be comparing the two roofing material and you can make up your own mind on which is best. Red cedar roof is regarded as one of the best materials for roofing by homeowners. It is one of the oldest roofing materials and has been in use for hundreds of years. Even as new materials get made every year, homeowners still stick with traditional red cedar wood. Below I have compared the pros and cons of red cedar wood and the newer asphalt roofing methods. Pros of red cedar Red cedar contributes to improved air circulation within the entire house. The roofing lets the house breathe and doesn’t trap moisture in the house which can lead to damp. Preventing damp and mold within the house is one of the defining elements and most appealing factors of red cedar roofs. Red cedar roofs also act as strong support and maintain the durability and structure of the house. Their resilience is what makes so many homeowners favor this material. It’s are also protective against bugs and the natural elements. In addition, material can endure the worst of the weather. Over the years, the color matures to create a stunning deep red hue. This is another factor that makes red cedar so appealing. One of the main factors is also the accessibility and ease of which red cedar can be installed on your home, requiring no expertise or specialized tools.   Cons of red cedar One of the downsides to red cedar is that it is prone to rot. And once one area begins to rot, there is a chance that a whole roof will need replacing. Red cedar doesn’t do well with constant wetting and it can be difficult to remove a targeted area. Considering this fact, red cedar may not be the most ideal material for houses located at the waterfront. The cost of repairing or replacing the red cedar can be a high one. They are also prone to mildew and mold. Another negative of red cedar is that it is much more flammable than asphalt for example. Many areas don’t allow the use of red cedar to prevent fires spreading, but not on Cape Cod.   Pros of asphalt The most desirable quality of asphalt for many homeowners is its affordability and low price to install and purchase. They come in a variety of designs and colors and unlike red cedar, are fire resistant. Many homeowners use asphalt to reduce the risk of fire in certain areas. They are also much easier and cheaper to install and have low maintenance needs. Cons of asphalt One of the biggest cons of asphalt is the likelihood that it will grow algae. This is much less likely with red cedar. The algae aren’t damaging to the material but ruins the overall aesthetic and is undesirable to most homebuyers. Anti-algae coatings and protection are available but at a costly price.
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