Struggling to decide between cedar shakes and slate roofing tiles when it comes to giving your roof a makeover? The truth is that it is all a matter of preference. In an effort to help you make an educated choice based on your personal circumstances, we highlight a few pros and cons of both cedar shakes and slate roofing tiles below.
From an aesthetic perspective, cedar shakes help to create a rustic, more traditional look for your home. Cedar shakes are also a great choice for people who live in regions where weather conditions can be quite extreme. They can withstand most elements while maintaining their durability and original dimensions. This is because cedar is one of the world’s strongest, hardiest woods. Speaking of extreme weather conditions, cedar is a natural insulator, which means that cedar shakes will play a part in keeping your home cozy and snug regardless of what the weather looks like outside.
One of the only cons of cedar shakes is that they tend to be more expensive to purchase and install when compared to other roofing options in Canada.
Slate roofing may give a home a more contemporary visual appeal. It is also a traditional material and is known to be even more durable than cedar shakes and shingles. Many experts refer to it as the ‘lifetime’ roofing choice as it is likely to stand the test of time for many, many years following installation. This obviously means that slate roofing is quite low maintenance as well. So, while you are likely to spend a lot when first purchasing and installing it, you will save money in the long run.
One of the cons of slate roofing tiles is the fact that, although extremely durable, they are quite fragile. Never, ever walk on slate roofing tiles unless you know what you are doing. They are also quite heavy, which means that you may have to install additional reinforcement to ensure that the structure of your home is able to withstand the weight of a slate roof.
Whether you are looking for cedar shakes or slate roofing tiles, Heather & Little Ltd. can help you find the right slate roofing solutions to suit your needs – and we will even install them for you! Contact us today to learn more.
And if you are looking for a second opinion on your project or have a particularly complex issue that needs a fresh eye, we’re here for that too. Tackling tricky challenges is our specialty and we welcome the opportunity to provide consulting advice, with the same exacting attention to detail we bring to all our commissions.
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