When you’re thinking about a roof replacement, one of the most common comparisons in Minnesota is cedar shake vs. metal roofing. When harsh weather is expected year-round, the roofing material you choose for your home can impact everything from your utility bills to your insurance rates and the time you spend on home upkeep. Cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, and metal roofing are all popular options around the Twin Cities, with some distinct pros and cons for each.
Cedar shakes provide a natural, rustic appearance that appeals to many Minnesotans. They may also seem like a more eco-friendly choice. Meanwhile, standing seam metal roofs are recognized for their durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and insurance benefits.
For this article, let’s focus on the differences between cedar shakes, wood shingles, and metal roofing in terms of performance and cost of ownership in Minnesota’s specific climate.
Cedar Shingles vs. Metal Roofs
What is a “standing seam metal roof?”
A standing seam metal roof is a popular type of metal roofing. It features long panels connected by raised seams. These seams prevent water from seeping in and are excellent for shedding snow. They’re durable and can last up to 50 years or more, with regular maintenance and inspection. They’re fire-resistant and reflect sunlight, which can help keep homes cool. Standing seam metal roofs are a versatile choice for full coverage or as an accent. Their customizable seam spacing and curved panel options make them ideal for various architectural features.
Cedar shake or wood shingle roofs are made from natural wood materials. They give homes a classic, rustic look. Cedar shingles can last 20-30 years with good care – they do need regular maintenance to prevent mold, rot, shingle loss, and ice or wind damage. Cedar shingles provide sound insulation, keeping homes warm in winter. Choosing between cedar shingles and standing seam metal roofs depends on your priorities, budget, and the look you desire for your home.
Durability of Standing Seam Metal Roofs vs. Cedar Shakes
Properly installed, high-quality standing seam metal roofs simply outperform cedar shake roofs when it comes to durability. Standing seam metal roofing is fabricated from durable options like bare galvanized steel, pre-finished galvanized steel, galvalume, zinc, and copper.
With proper maintenance, these materials will last 50, 60, or even 100 years. In contrast, cedar shake roofs usually last between 30 and 40 years, and you might fight shingle loss, rot, and other issues after severe summer storms, hail, or harsh winters.
Standing Seam Metal Roofs:
- Metal roofs resist harsh weather.
- They require minimal upkeep.
- They are less prone to leaks.
Cedar Shake Roofs:
- Cedar shingles offer natural beauty.
- They need regular treatment to prevent rot.
- Moss, algae, animals, and mildew can be issues.
Metal roofing offers greater longevity and requires less maintenance. Cedar shakes, while charming, demand more care. Both roofing options add value, but their durability is a big difference.
Maintenance Differences Between Wood Shingles vs. Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam metal roofs require minimal upkeep. Generally, they only need occasional cleaning to remove debris and quick, seasonal inspections for any loose fasteners or panels. A simple maintenance routine keeps these roofs in good condition for years.
Cedar shake roofs require more attention, maintenance time, and inspection. Homeowners must remove moss and algae regularly and treat or seal against mildew and water intrusion on a seasonal or annual basis. Cedar shakes should also be checked at least six times a year to see if any wood shingles need replacement.
Cedar shake roofing is particularly attractive to bats. So, you’ll also want to make sure your roof excludes all entry points and get yearly pest inspections. Even so, you may need bat or other animal removal services from time to time throughout the life of your cedar shake roof.
In short, proper maintenance and routine inspection help wood shingle roofs last longer, but it can be much more time-consuming.
The yearly cost of maintaining a standing seam metal roof is typically lower than that of a wood shingle roof. Estimates suggest that maintenance costs for metal roofs may only be around $150 annually. In contrast, cedar shake roofs can cost up to $750 each year due to frequent cleaning and shake replacements, and that’s without the cost of pest treatment, bat exclusion, or animal removal.
Choosing between these roofing materials often depends on how much maintenance you’re willing to undertake.
Energy Efficiency Comparison: Cedar and Wood Shake Roofs vs. Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are more energy efficient than cedar shake or wood shingle roofs, thanks to the reflective properties of metal roofing. Standing seam metal roofs are highly energy efficient. They reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. This can significantly lower cooling costs during warm months.
Cedar shake and wood shingle roofs absorb more heat, which can make your home warmer and increase the need for air conditioning, especially on the upper levels of a multi-story home.
Comparing the Lifetime Cost of Ownership for Metal Roofs vs. Wood Shingle Roofs
Choosing a roof isn’t just about the initial cost. It’s about how much it will cost over time. Metal roofs might cost more to install, but they offer savings in other ways. Though installing metal roofs costs more upfront, they last longer and require less maintenance. Their durability means fewer roof replacements over time.
Metal roofs often qualify you for discounts on your homeowner’s insurance, too. Their resistance to fire, wind, and hail makes them a safer choice, and that durability can save homeowners money on premiums.
Cedar shakes can be damaged by fire, lightning, hail, pests, wind, heat, and cold. These risks can lead to increased insurance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Standing Seam Metal Roofs
From their long lifespan to their impact on insurance costs, metal roofs are an attractive option for Minnesota residents, and Sheridan Sheet Metal Company has installed many throughout the greater Twin Cities in the last 75 years.
Here are a few questions we regularly get about longevity, impact on insurance, and safety during storms:
How Long Will a Standing Seam Metal Roof Last?
A standing seam metal roof made with the right gauge of material and installed by experts should typically last around 50 years. In comparison, asphalt shingles, cedar shake, or wood shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan, usually around 20-30 years. The longer life of metal roofs means fewer replacements over time, saving homeowners money. This longevity also translates to fewer roof installations, reducing the inconvenience of roof-related disruptions.
Does My Roofing Material Impact My Homeowner’s Insurance Cost?
Insurance companies consider roofing materials, among other things, when setting your premiums. With less risk of fire and weather-related issues, insurers often offer policy discounts for homes with metal roofing.
Are Metal Roofs More Likely to be Struck by Lightning?
A metal roof is no more likely to be struck by lightning than any other type of roof. Every roof, regardless of material, has the same chance of being hit. Plus, if your metal roof were struck, it’s actually safer. Metal roofs are non-combustible and can handle lightning strikes better than cedar shakes or wood shingles. This makes them less prone to catching fire in the rare event of a strike, offering an extra layer of protection for homeowners.
Replacing Your Cedar Shake Roof With Long-Lasting Metal
If you’re switching from cedar shakes or wood shingles to a metal roof, you’re making the right investment. Before you start your project, you’ll need quality materials and skilled workmanship.
The quality of the material matters. Lighter gauge metal can lead to problems like oil canning, where the metal looks wavy or damaged. Improper installation, uneven decking, and inexpert panel design can also cause oil canning.
That’s why workmanship is crucial, too. Incorrect installation can cause aesthetic issues and reduce your metal roof’s lifespan. Always hire experienced roofers and seek out union workmanship when possible – union workers are better educated, more skilled, more professional, and more reliable.
Speak to reputable companies that work in your area year-round, and avoid traveling or out-of-state roofing companies, like those that pop up after major storms.
Since 1950, Sheridan Sheet Metal Company has manufactured, distributed, and installed custom metal gutters, architectural accents, and standing seam metal roofs to shelter our neighbors’ homes and businesses from Minnesota weather.
We serve the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and beyond. If you’re curious about the cost of replacing a cedar shake roof with a metal roof, get your custom quote today, and our team of experts will be in touch to help you choose the materials that fit both your home’s needs and your budget.
