WHY WEDGE WOOD CEDAR DOESN’T LAST? No cold roof system installed most likely! Read on.
Have you heard that a Cedar Roof should last 30+ years? That they are extremely reliable, long lasting, insulating and cost effective? Where does this rumour come from?
Out in British Columbia, Cedar roofs are a lot more common than they are in Alberta, and are frequently used by hotels at ski resorts. Where the volume of snow, wind, and weather variations is much higher than in your average Edmonton home.
So why then, are the cedar roof tops in the community of Wedgewood looking old after 10, 12, 15, years?
Because they aren’t installed properly – that’s why!
In Alberta minimum “Code” says that the installer can properly ventilate according to code, and install the cedar directly on the plywood deck of the roof. Problem is, that although that works for code, it doesn’t work for manufacturers specifications for warranty, or for the long lasting promise of a cedar roof.
The proper way to install cedar is onto pine strapping for a cold roof system. This reduces ice dams, condensation, mold and accelerated wear and tear. This requires a lot more work, mind you, and about a 20% increase in the cost of installing the roof, but what it does do, is double the life of the cedar.
Learn More about How Roof Ventilation saves you Thousands!
This is well documented in the manufacturer’s warranty booklet for low slope roofs, as well, many premium roofers in areas all over North America agree. There are plenty of other installation considerations to take into account, but proper ventilation of the cedar, allowing it to breathe, and remain dry is the most important!
Every roof we have inspected, repaired, or re-roofed in Wedgewood is installed this way, and we see roofs getting re-roofed this way. Yet when you go to the community of Windermere, you see the homes being installed on the pine strapped grid that we recommend.
Check out the above video to see another roofing companies explanation of a cold roof system and its value to you, the home owner.
View our Gallery to see a Strapped Cedar Installation!
You can also check out our Gallery for pictures of rooftops in Wedgewood that we have fixed.
If you have any more questions, please contact us!