Choosing between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles involves weighing aesthetic appeal against practical considerations like cost, durability, and maintenance. Synthetic cedar shake offers the rustic, upscale appearance of natural cedar without the vulnerability to rot and insects, while asphalt shingles remain America’s most popular roofing material due to their affordability and reliability. This comparison explores the total cost implications of both options, helping homeowners make an informed decision that balances initial investment against long-term value.
| Comparison Factor | Synthetic Cedar Shake | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost (per square) | $400-$900 | $100-$500 |
| Installation Cost (per square) | $500-$700 | $250-$400 |
| Average Lifespan | 40-50 years | 15-30 years |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low | Moderate |
Synthetic cedar shake roofing represents innovative technology designed to mimic the appearance of natural cedar shakes while eliminating many of their downsides. These engineered products are typically composed of polymer composites, recycled plastics, rubber, or other synthetic materials molded to replicate the texture and dimension of real wood shakes.
Unlike natural cedar, synthetic versions resist insects, rot, mold, and fire while requiring minimal maintenance. Manufacturers have perfected the art of creating authentic-looking products, complete with grain patterns, varied thicknesses, and even the weathered appearance that many homeowners desire.
Most synthetic cedar shake products come with Class A fire ratings and warranties ranging from 30 to 50 years, significantly outperforming natural wood shakes. They maintain their appearance without the graying and deterioration typical of natural cedar, making them increasingly popular among homeowners seeking long-term solutions.
Materials and Manufacturing Process
The composition of synthetic cedar shakes varies by manufacturer, but common materials include:
- Polyurethane polymers
- Recycled plastic resins
- Recycled rubber
- Fiberglass reinforcement
- UV stabilizers and color pigments
The manufacturing process involves precision molding from actual cedar shakes to capture authentic textures and dimensions. Advanced technologies allow manufacturers to create multiple molds from various cedar profiles, ensuring each synthetic shake looks unique when installed on a roof.
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These products undergo rigorous testing for impact resistance, wind uplift, fire safety, and weathering. Many modern synthetic shakes include built-in UV protection to prevent color fading and deterioration from sun exposure, addressing one of the primary drawbacks of natural cedar.
Understanding Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles dominate the American roofing market, covering approximately 70-80% of residential homes. These ubiquitous roofing materials consist of a fiberglass or organic mat coated with asphalt and covered with mineral granules that provide color, UV protection, and fire resistance.
Asphalt shingles have evolved substantially over the decades, now available in three main categories: 3-tab (basic), architectural (dimensional), and premium (designer) shingles. Each category offers different aesthetic qualities, performance characteristics, and price points.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
The three primary types of asphalt shingles differ in appearance, performance, and cost:
- 3-Tab Shingles: The most economical option, featuring flat, uniform tabs with a single layer. These typically last 15-20 years.
- Architectural Shingles: Multi-layered for a dimensional appearance that can mimic wood or slate. These premium products typically last 20-30 years.
- Premium Designer Shingles: High-end options that replicate slate, wood shakes, or tile with enhanced aesthetic appeal and performance, lasting 25-30+ years.
Manufacturers now offer specialized asphalt shingles with enhanced features like impact resistance for hail-prone regions, cool roof technology for energy efficiency, and algae resistance for humid climates.
Initial Cost Comparison
The upfront cost difference between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles represents one of the most significant decision factors for most homeowners. In almost every case, synthetic cedar shake installation costs considerably more than asphalt shingle roofing—typically 2-3 times higher for comparable quality levels.
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Material Costs Breakdown
| Roofing Type | Material Cost (per square*) | Quality Variations |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles | $90-$150 | Basic, entry-level |
| Architectural Asphalt Shingles | $150-$350 | Mid-range, most common |
| Premium Asphalt Shingles | $350-$500 | High-end designer options |
| Entry-Level Synthetic Cedar Shake | $400-$600 | Basic synthetic versions |
| Premium Synthetic Cedar Shake | $600-$900 | Enhanced appearance and durability |
*One square equals 100 square feet of roofing material
Installation Cost Factors
Installation expenses vary based on several factors beyond just material costs:
- Roof Complexity: Steeper pitches, multiple levels, and unusual shapes increase labor costs for both options but affect synthetic cedar installations more significantly.
- Removal of Existing Roofing: Tear-off costs range from $1-$5 per square foot depending on the number of layers and material types.
- Structural Reinforcement: Neither material typically requires structural reinforcement, unlike heavier options like tile or slate.
- Regional Labor Rates: Installation costs vary by location, with metropolitan areas generally commanding higher prices.
On average, professional installation adds $250-$400 per square for asphalt shingles and $500-$700 per square for synthetic cedar shake. The installation process for synthetic shake is more labor-intensive, requiring greater precision and specialized techniques.
Total Initial Investment Comparison
For a typical 2,000 square foot roof (20 squares), homeowners might expect these approximate costs:
| Roofing System | Materials | Installation | Total Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt (3-tab) | $1,800-$3,000 | $5,000-$7,000 | $6,800-$10,000 |
| Architectural Asphalt | $3,000-$7,000 | $5,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| Synthetic Cedar Shake | $8,000-$18,000 | $10,000-$14,000 | $18,000-$32,000 |
These estimates include typical accessories like underlayment, flashing, and ventilation components. Regional variations can shift these ranges by 10-30% depending on local market conditions.
Long-Term Value Analysis
When evaluating the true cost of roofing options, considering lifespan and maintenance requirements provides a more complete picture than initial costs alone. The longer lifespan of synthetic cedar shake significantly impacts its lifetime cost per year, often making it more economical over the long term despite the higher upfront investment.
Expected Lifespan Comparison
The durability gap between these roofing materials substantially affects their long-term value proposition:
- 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: 15-20 years
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: 20-30 years
- Premium Asphalt Shingles: 25-30+ years
- Synthetic Cedar Shake: 40-50+ years
This means a homeowner might replace an asphalt roof twice during the lifetime of a single synthetic cedar shake installation. When calculating lifetime cost, this factor dramatically shifts the value equation.
Maintenance Requirements and Costs
Maintenance represents another significant long-term cost factor:
| Maintenance Item | Asphalt Shingles | Synthetic Cedar Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Every 1-2 years, $250-$500 | Every 2-3 years, $300-$600 |
| Minor Repairs | More frequent, $300-$700 per repair | Less frequent, $400-$900 per repair |
| Moss/Algae Treatment | May be required in humid areas | Rarely needed |
| Inspection Frequency | Annual recommended | Every 2 years sufficient |
Asphalt shingles typically require more frequent maintenance, particularly as they age. Granule loss, curling, cracking, and wind damage occur more commonly than with synthetic cedar products. This maintenance differential further impacts the lifetime cost comparison.
Lifecycle Cost Analysis
Calculating the annualized cost offers a clearer picture of long-term value:
| Roofing Type | Initial Cost (20 squares) | Lifespan | Maintenance (Lifetime) | Total Lifecycle Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Asphalt | $12,000 | 25 years | $7,500 | $19,500 | $780/year |
| Synthetic Cedar Shake | $25,000 | 45 years | $6,000 | $31,000 | $689/year |
This analysis demonstrates that despite higher initial costs, synthetic cedar shake can actually represent better value over its complete lifespan. For homeowners planning to remain in their homes long-term, this consideration becomes particularly relevant.
Performance Comparison
Beyond cost considerations, performance differences significantly impact satisfaction and functionality. Both synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles offer distinct advantages and limitations regarding weather resistance, energy efficiency, and overall durability.
Weather Resistance
How these materials withstand environmental challenges directly affects their longevity and performance:
- Wind Resistance: Standard asphalt shingles typically resist winds of 60-110 mph depending on quality, while synthetic cedar shake products commonly achieve 110-150 mph ratings.
- Hail Impact: Many synthetic cedar products earn Class 4 impact ratings (the highest), while most architectural asphalt shingles achieve Class 3 or lower.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Synthetic cedar shake exhibits superior stability during freeze-thaw cycles, with less expansion and contraction than asphalt.
Climate considerations should heavily influence material selection. In hurricane or tornado-prone regions, the superior wind resistance of synthetic cedar may justify its higher cost through avoided damage and replacement expenses.
Energy Efficiency
Roofing materials significantly impact a home’s energy consumption through their thermal properties:
| Efficiency Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Synthetic Cedar Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Reflectance | 0.05-0.15 (standard) 0.25-0.40 (cool roof) |
0.15-0.35 (varies by color) |
| Thermal Emissivity | 0.80-0.95 | 0.70-0.90 |
| Insulation Value | Low | Moderate |
The superior insulation properties and typically higher solar reflectance of synthetic cedar shake can translate to energy savings of 5-15% compared to standard asphalt shingles. However, specially designed “cool roof” asphalt shingles can narrow this gap considerably.
Aesthetic Longevity
Appearance retention represents another important performance metric:
- Color Retention: Synthetic cedar maintains its appearance with minimal fading for 20+ years, while asphalt shingles typically show noticeable color degradation after 7-10 years.
- Dimensional Stability: Synthetic products retain their shape and profile throughout their lifespan, while asphalt may curl, crack or lose granules over time.
- Visual Appeal: The dimensional depth and authentic appearance of quality synthetic cedar products generally surpass even premium architectural asphalt shingles.
For homeowners prioritizing curb appeal and consistent aesthetics, synthetic cedar’s appearance longevity provides significant value despite its higher initial cost.
Installation Considerations
Installation complexity, requirements, and contractor availability significantly impact both cost and project success. The installation process for synthetic cedar shake typically requires more specialized skills and takes approximately 30-50% longer than asphalt shingle installation.
Installation Complexity
Several factors contribute to installation differences:
- Pattern Requirements: Synthetic cedar shake installation demands precise pattern attention to create a natural, varied appearance. Asphalt installation follows more standardized patterns.
- Cutting and Fitting: Synthetic products often require specialized cutting tools and techniques, while asphalt cuts easily with standard roofing knives.
- Weather Limitations: Asphalt shingles can be installed in a wider temperature range than some synthetic products, which may have minimum temperature requirements.
These complexity factors contribute to the higher installation costs for synthetic cedar shake, as the process requires more labor hours and contractor expertise.
Contractor Availability and Expertise
Finding qualified installers represents another practical consideration:
- Contractor Pool: Virtually all roofing contractors have extensive experience with asphalt shingles, while fewer specialize in synthetic cedar shake installation.
- Manufacturer Certification: Many synthetic cedar manufacturers require contractor certification, limiting the available installer pool but potentially ensuring better quality.
- Scheduling Timeline: The smaller pool of qualified synthetic cedar installers may result in longer wait times for project starts.
This availability differential can impact both project timelines and costs, as homeowners may have fewer options for competitive bidding with synthetic cedar installations.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Environmental considerations increasingly influence homeowner decisions, with both short and long-term environmental impacts deserving attention. Synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles present different environmental profiles regarding manufacturing impact, service life, and end-of-life recyclability.
Manufacturing Process Comparison
The production of both materials involves significant environmental considerations:
- Asphalt Shingles: Petroleum-based production with high energy requirements. Manufacturing produces VOCs and other emissions.
- Synthetic Cedar Shake: Polymer production also requires significant energy, though some products incorporate recycled materials, reducing virgin resource consumption.
Neither option represents a truly “green” manufacturing process, though some synthetic cedar products achieve better sustainability through recycled content inclusion.
Lifecycle Environmental Impact
When considering complete lifecycle impacts:
| Environmental Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Synthetic Cedar Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Service Life | 15-30 years | 40-50+ years |
| Replacement Frequency | 2-3 times in 50 years | 1 time in 50 years |
| Landfill Impact | High (10-12 million tons annually) | Lower due to extended lifespan |
| Recyclability | Limited, though improving | Varies by composition |
The significantly longer lifespan of synthetic cedar shake represents its most substantial environmental advantage, potentially halving the embodied energy and material consumption over a 50-year period compared to asphalt shingles.
End-of-Life Considerations
What happens when roofing reaches the end of its serviceable life matters environmentally:
- Asphalt Shingles: Approximately 15% currently recycled (primarily into road paving materials), though most still enter landfills.
- Synthetic Cedar Shake: Recyclability varies significantly by product composition. Some polymer-based products can be recycled, while composite materials may pose greater challenges.
Both industries are improving recycling capabilities, but current end-of-life scenarios still present environmental challenges. Homeowners particularly concerned about environmental impact should inquire about specific manufacturer recycling programs and commitments.
Warranty and Insurance Considerations
Warranty coverage and insurance implications represent significant but often overlooked factors when comparing roofing options. Synthetic cedar shake typically comes with longer, more comprehensive warranty coverage than asphalt shingles, providing additional value beyond the physical product.
Warranty Comparison
Standard warranty terms differ significantly between these roofing types:
| Warranty Aspect | Asphalt Shingles | Synthetic Cedar Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Material Warranty Length | 20-30 years (limited) | 40-50 years (limited) |
| Full Coverage Period | 5-10 years typically | 15-30 years typically |
| Transferability | Usually once, with registration | Often 1-2 transfers allowed |
| Labor Coverage | 2-10 years (varies widely) | 10-25 years (varies widely) |
This warranty differential provides additional value for synthetic cedar products, potentially covering a much longer percentage of the product’s useful life compared to asphalt warranties.
Insurance Considerations
Roofing material choice can impact homeowner’s insurance premiums:
- Impact Resistance: Many insurance companies offer premium discounts of 5-25% for impact-resistant roofing (Class 4), which includes many synthetic cedar products but fewer asphalt options.
- Fire Ratings: Both materials typically achieve Class A fire ratings when properly installed, though some synthetic cedar products require specific underlayment to reach this rating.
- Replacement Cost Policies: The higher cost of synthetic cedar may require insurance policy adjustments to ensure full replacement coverage.
Homeowners should consult their insurance providers before making final roofing decisions, as potential premium savings with synthetic cedar can partially offset higher initial costs in some regions.
Making Your Final Decision
Choosing between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles ultimately requires balancing multiple factors according to individual priorities. The decision matrix should include initial budget constraints, long-term occupancy plans, aesthetic preferences, and regional climate considerations.
When Synthetic Cedar Shake Makes Most Sense
Consider synthetic cedar shake when:
- You plan to remain in your home for 15+ years, maximizing the return on investment
- Authentic cedar appearance is a high priority for your home’s architectural style
- Your home is in a severe weather region (high winds, hail, extreme temperature fluctuations)
- You value lower maintenance requirements and longer intervals between roof replacements
- Your insurance provider offers significant discounts for impact-resistant roofing
- Initial budget allows for the higher investment in exchange for lower annualized costs
When Asphalt Shingles Make Most Sense
Consider asphalt shingles when:
- Initial budget constraints make lower upfront costs the primary consideration
- You anticipate selling your home within 5-10 years
- Your neighborhood predominantly features asphalt roofing
- Local contractor availability for synthetic products is limited
- Your home’s architecture doesn’t specifically benefit from shake aesthetics
- You prefer the wider color selection available with asphalt products
For many homeowners, the decision ultimately balances budget reality against aesthetic preferences and long-term value considerations. Those planning to remain in their homes through multiple roof cycles often find the investment in synthetic cedar shake justifiable, while those with shorter-term horizons typically benefit from asphalt’s lower initial costs.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.