The roof is the first, last and only line of defense for a home against everything Mother Nature has to offer. The roof is what keeps everything else dry and in good condition year after year. Over time, all roof materials begin to deteriorate and fall into a state of needing repair. When that time comes, there is a choice to be made about putting new shingles on the roof, or just repairing what is already in place. The most common type of shingle used is made of asphalt materials, but there are more and more homes going for the cottage roof style instead. This type of roof is made from wood shingles, in most cases cedar.
The first advantage to going with a cottage style roof construction is the appearance. There is nothing as beautiful as a wood or cedar roof that has been properly installed and stained. The wood gives the home a much more welcoming and warm feeling. Asphalt shingles are dark and don’t give off a lot of curb appeal. While appearance is nice, the performance of the shingles is the most important aspect.
Homes that have a cottage roof made from cedar shingles can take the elements much more easily. Cedar shingles are rated for over two hundred mile an hour winds, and they resist damage from hail much better than other materials. The durability of this type of shingle is so great that when they are properly maintained, they can last for decades.
The cottage roof is also so appealing to home owners because of the environmental impact that this type of roof has. The cedar shingles, and other wood products are made from renewable resources. These materials are harvested and used in a very ecologically friendly way. When this type of roof does need to be repaired or replaced some day, the material can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way as well. Other shingle materials are made from non renewable resources that cause more harm for the environment. The cedar shingles are very aesthetically pleasing, and they are a great option due to their durability.
