Cedar shingles have been a go-to roofing choice for homeowners who want something that’s both practical and eye-catching. As more homes in Ottawa begin to mix traditional designs with natural materials, cedar stands out for its warm, textured look that fits right in with the tone of the city. While some trends fade, cedar has stayed in style for generations, partly because it does more than just look good.
Our summers are hot and humid and winters can be sharp, snowy, and windy. That mix of extremes makes it important to have a roof that holds up year after year. Cedar shingles aren’t just a design choice. They’re a smart long-term investment that handles Ottawa’s weather while boosting curb appeal and helping cut down on energy use.
Durability And Longevity Of Cedar Shingles
Roofs in Ottawa face a bit of everything, from heavy snowfall in winter to soaking spring rains and sticky summer humidity. Cedar shingles are naturally strong in these conditions, which is one reason they last so long even without chemical treatments. They handle moisture well, which is important in damp climates, and they’re also resistant to pests like termites and carpenter ants. That built-in protection helps your roof stay in good shape longer.
Think about how quickly freeze-and-thaw cycles wear down asphalt shingles. Compared to that, cedar is a much tougher material. It’s less likely to crack, curl, or split from temperature shifts. Cedar naturally adjusts to changes and holds its shape better over time.
Here’s why cedar tends to outlast many other roofing options:
1. It has natural oils that guard against decay and rot
2. Cedar is lightweight but dense, which helps it handle strong winds and storms
3. It’s easy to spot small trouble areas before they turn into bigger problems
4. With the right upkeep, cedar shingles can perform well for decades
If durability is a top concern and you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, cedar offers strong value. It’s not just about toughness either. It’s about staying power in a place where the weather doesn’t cut corners.
Aesthetic Appeal And Curb Appeal Boost
Cedar shingles add charm that few other materials can match. They start out with warm reddish-brown tones and slowly fade into a soft silvery grey with age. That weathered look, often seen on older homes and cottages, feels timeless and gives a roof character without the need for regular staining or painting.
A well-installed cedar roof doesn’t just blend with a home’s exterior, it enhances it. Whether your house is traditional or modern, cedar offers a natural finish that ties it into its surroundings. For neighbourhoods with plenty of mature trees and older architecture, cedar often looks like it was meant to be there.
Visually, it’s hard to beat cedar. You get:
1. A natural finish that complements brick, stone, siding, and stucco
2. Unique grain patterns that make every roof different
3. A soft, textured surface that breaks up harsh lines
4. The ability to age gracefully instead of wearing out
Homes with cedar shingles often stand out for the right reasons. And if you’re thinking long-term, strong curb appeal can make a big difference when it comes time to list your property. Even if selling isn’t on your radar just yet, coming home to something that looks that good every day is its own kind of reward.
Environmental Benefits
Cedar shingles offer more than just good looks and long-term durability. They’re also one of the more nature-friendly roofing choices out there. Unlike synthetic options that are mass-manufactured using chemicals or plastics, cedar is a renewable material that comes straight from managed forests. That means it has a smaller impact on the environment when sourced responsibly.
Cedar shingles also help regulate indoor temperatures. Thanks to their natural insulation properties, they keep warm air from escaping in the colder months and help block intense heat during summer. That means your home can stay at a more comfortable temperature without always relying on your HVAC system. Over time, this can lead to noticeable differences in both comfort and energy use.
The benefits of cedar as a sustainable choice include:
1. Made from biodegradable and low-impact materials
2. A lower carbon footprint than some roofing types
3. Lasts long enough to reduce roofing waste over time
4. Keeps homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter
For Ottawa homes looking to be more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible, cedar shingles check more than a few boxes.
Maintenance And Care For Cedar Shingles
One of the reasons cedar shingles stay in good shape for so long is because they’re easy to take care of. That doesn’t mean they never need attention, but routine care goes a long way. Homeowners who stay on top of inspections and light maintenance usually avoid bigger repair issues down the road.
The good news is cedar is easy to work with, so you don’t need to replace the whole roof if one area takes on damage. Individual shingles can be swapped out if needed. This helps keep repair costs manageable and avoids the hassle of full replacements before you’re ready.
To keep your cedar roof looking and working like it should:
1. Clean off moss and debris before they take hold
2. Trim nearby trees to prevent constant shade or falling branches
3. Have a professional inspect your roof every few years to catch small issues early
4. Don’t ignore things like dark spots, curling edges, or warped areas
Ottawa’s changing weather can be tough on roofing materials, but cedar holds its own with the right care. Staying ahead of small jobs helps extend the life of your roof and keeps it looking great.
Why Cedar Shingles Are A Long-Term Win
Choosing cedar shingles isn’t just about picking a natural material. It’s about choosing something built to last, something that looks better the longer it’s up there, and something that feels right for the kind of seasons Ottawa dishes out.
You can’t always predict what’s coming with the weather, but you can set your home up to stand the test of time. From the way cedar stands strong through deep snow and summer heat, to its natural charm and low visual wear, it’s a smart match for both older homes and new builds. It’s rare to find a roofing material that grows even more attractive the longer it’s exposed to the elements, but cedar fits that bill.
If you’re planning to stay in your home for years to come, or just want a roof that won’t need a full redo after a short time, cedar gives you that peace of mind. It’s a smart, good-looking, and lasting choice that fits right into the Ottawa landscape.
Ready to make a timeless investment in your home? Learn how cedar roofing can bring long-lasting protection and natural beauty to your property. Burnham Brothers Roofing is here in Ottawa to answer your questions and help you get started with expert advice and quality installation you can count on.