It’s Time to Rethink Your Cedar Shake Roof
Cedar shake roofs have long been admired for their rustic beauty and natural wood appeal, but while their look is undeniably charming, the constant maintenance, repair costs, and durability issues can leave homeowners second-guessing their investment. In this blog, we will dive deeper into why more homeowners are moving away from natural cedar shake roofs and instead choosing DaVinci Roofscapes, the smarter, longer-lasting choice!
Cedar Shakes Roofs: Why They Are Losing Popularity
Cedar shake roofs are undeniably beautiful, but many homeowners are realizing that the upkeep on natural cedar shake can be overwhelming and costly. You could be driving up to your home one day and notice that several shingles have cracked or curled after some bad weather. Or you notice moss is starting to grow after a damp season. There are several reasons why cedar shake roofs are losing popularity. Here’s a deeper look at some:
1. High Maintenance Requirements
Natural cedar demands constant attention to stay in prime condition. Homeowners often find themselves spending time and money on:
- Regular inspections to catch early signs of damage
- Annual maintenance and cleaning to prevent moss, mold, and insect infestations
- Reapplying sealants or preservatives every few years
- Repairing cracked, curled, or missing shingles
Even routine maintenance can be time-consuming and costly, which makes owning a cedar shake roof feel like a full-time job.
2. Susceptibility to Weather Damage
Cedar shakes are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions and stressors, such as:
- Moisture: rain, snow, and high humidity can lead to rot, decay, and mold growth.
- Heat: prolonged exposure to high temperatures can dry out the wood, causing warping and splitting.
- Sunlight: UV rays slowly break down the wood fibers, leading to surface deterioration.
- Hail and wind: even moderate storms can crack or lift shingles, opening pathways for leaks and water damage.
The challenge is that the weather is unpredictable, and homeowners can’t always predict when storms, heatwaves, or heavy rainfall will strike. This means problems can appear suddenly, often requiring urgent attention and costly repairs.
3. Limited Lifespans Compared to Alternatives
Even under ideal conditions, cedar shakes generally last 20–30 years. As noted above, environmental factors like weather extremes, poor ventilation, or improper installation can shorten that lifespan to 15–20 years. Homeowners may find themselves replacing their roof sooner than expected, which can add significant costs over time compared to longer-lasting options like DaVinci composite shakes.
4. Fire Risk
Cedar shakes are highly flammable unless they’ve been specifically treated. In dry climates or areas prone to wildfires, this can be a serious concern. Even a small spark from a nearby brush, a fire pit, or a lightning strike could ignite a roof made of untreated cedar, creating a major safety hazard and the potential for devastating property damage.
5. Insurance Companies are Dropping Coverage
Cedar shake roofs are increasingly viewed as a high-risk material by insurance companies, and homeowners across Wisconsin are feeling the impact. There are a few key reasons for this:
- Fire risk: Cedar is naturally combustible, and aged or dry shingles can ignite easily from sparks or embers. Homes with wood roofs are significantly more likely to be destroyed in a fire, and insurers are taking notice—even in areas with lower wildfire risk.
- Storm vulnerability: Cedar shakes are more prone to damage from hail and high winds than other roofing materials, leading to more frequent and costly claims.
- Maintenance and repair challenges: Ongoing upkeep is essential to prevent rot, moss, insect damage, and premature deterioration. Repairs can be difficult and expensive, and inconsistent quality or climate impacts can further shorten a roof’s lifespan.
Because of these risks, insurers are adjusting policies for cedar shake roofs in several ways: higher premiums, limited coverage for certain types of damage, non-renewal of policies, or shifting from full replacement coverage to partial cash-value coverage. In many cases, homeowners are being forced to replace their cedar roof quickly with a fire- and storm-resistant alternative like DaVinci Roofscapes to maintain insurance coverage.
Why DaVinci Composite Shakes Outperform Natural Cedar Shakes
1. Zero Maintenance
DaVinci composite shakes are made from a proprietary polymer that resists fading, cracking, rotting, and insect damage. You’ll never need to stain, seal, or replace individual tiles due to weathering. Once they’re installed, you can mostly forget about them. This can save homeowners both time and money over the life of the roof.
2. Built to Withstand Extreme Conditions
These synthetic shakes are engineered to handle harsh weather:
- Hail: Class 4 impact-rated for maximum resistance
- Fire: Class A fire-rated for safety in dry or wildfire-prone regions
- Wind: Tested to withstand gusts up to 110 mph
- Sun: UV-stable to prevent fading or discoloration
Whether your home faces storms, heat, or freezing temperatures, DaVinci roofing materials are designed to last without unexpected problems.
3. Lifetime Beauty
DaVinci products are designed to mimic the color variation and texture of natural cedar shakes, but they don’t weather unevenly, crack, warp, or deteriorate over time. You get the same curb appeal, without the unpredictability.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
DaVinci Roofscapes uses recyclable materials and produces minimal waste during manufacturing. Plus, fewer replacements over time mean less roofing waste in landfills.
5. Limited Lifetime Warranty
DaVinci offers an industry-leading Lifetime Limited Material Warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects, including cracking, fading, or performance failure. It’s backed by the manufacturer, not just the installer, and is fully transferable if you sell your home, adding value to your home when selling.
Natural Cedar Shakes vs. DaVinci Composite Shakes: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Cedar Shake | DaVinci Roofscapes |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | 20-30 years | 50+ years |
| Maintenance | High | None |
| Fire Resistance | Low (unless treated) | High (Class A fire-rated) |
| Weather/Hail Resistance Curb Appeal | Poor; Rustic, natural wood look | Excellent (Class 4 impact-rated); Authentic look with long-lasting color |
| Cost Over Time | High | Low (built to last) |
The Smart Choice for Long-Term Peace of Mind
While cedar shakes may look beautiful on day one, their high maintenance, shorter lifespan, and vulnerability to the environmental elements make it a risky long-term investment. DaVinci Roofscapes delivers timeless beauty, unbeatable performance, and true peace of mind, all without the upkeep. If you’re considering replacing your cedar roof or building a new home, composite cedar shakes are the upgrade your home (and wallet) will thank you for!