As any cedar shake roofing contractor will tell you, there is a lot to like when it comes to this type of roof.
- It provides better insulation in the winter, for one thing. That means you do not have to run your central heating unit as often, which is good for the environment.
- There are benefits in the warmer weather as well. A cedar wood roof keeps your home cool when it starts to get hot outside, which means that you will spend less in energy bills each month.
- Furthermore, this type of roof lasts longer than other roofs, including asphalt models. In fact, cedar roofs last approximately two thirds longer than asphalts roofs. Asphalt roofs also do not break down naturally and must go to a landfill, which is much different than the cedar wood roof.
Here are more reasons that wood roofs are good for you and good for the world:
Sustainable
In the Pacific Northwest, there are beautifully managed forests where cedar shakes and shingles are derived. In these areas, which are located in both British Columbia and the United States, both replanting and harvesting takes place. Almost all of a harvested tree is turned into something else. The five percent that is not becomes compost that is then used to help other trees grow.
Biodegradable
When a cedar roof has to be removed, it can then be recycled. Many times, it is turned into garden mulch. This is much different than other roofs, which often wind up in landfills. Landfills in the United 
States have millions of tons of asphalt shingles dumped into them every year. When it rains, chemicals from the shingles have the potential to infiltrate our water supplies.
Oxygen
Many people look at the trees in a forest and do not realize all the work that they are doing. In fact, cedar trees take in carbon dioxide and generate oxygen, which human beings need in order to breathe. Commercial forests are important to this process, because younger trees are better at doing this than older trees. Because these forests are managed well, most of the trees are younger and are therefore great oxygen producers.
Eco-Friendly
Cedar is a natural insulator. That means that a roof that is constructed from cedar will keep your attic insulated, making your property cool when it is hot and hot when it is cool. As a result, you will not need to run your heater or AC unit as much. That’s good for the environment and also good for your wallet.
Helpful
One type of greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Trees take carbon dioxide from the air and keep it in their wood. This means that we are able to breathe easier and that extra carbon dioxide does not continue to float around, causing trouble for the Earth.
A cedar wood roof is an excellent choice for many reasons. However, you have to make the right decision for your household. Think through the benefits listed above. Determine what you want to do at your home, and then go from there.
If you ready to re-roof your current cedar shake roof or are looking for a new installation, We can help! Call Us at (815)356-9020 or Get a Quote Here.
