The Different Cedar Varieties and Roofing Grades

There are several reasons why cedar roofing shingles are so popular. They offer a high level of protection, have excellent insulative capabilities and a low carbon footprint (qualities that would appeal to homeowners trying to go green) and can add a sophisticated elegance to any home. 

Keep in mind not all cedar shingles can offer the same benefits. Different materials and cedar roofing grades offer different advantages. Custom Installations, your trusted roofing and siding contractor, gives an overview of the most common wood varieties used to make cedar shingles as well as the different cedar roofing grades. 

Wood Varieties

• Western Red Cedar – This softwood is the most popular cedar variety used for cedar shingles. It’s highly resistant to rot (giving it a long lifespan), sustainable (it’s the most abundant cedar species), stains well (it doesn’t contain any pitch or resin), and cost-effective.
• Alaskan Yellow Cedar – This cedar species is the hardest known cedar variety and is known for its durability and moisture tolerance.
• Eastern White Cedar – Eastern White Cedar is less dense than other cedar varieties. In fact, it’s one of the softest and lightest woods that’s commercially available in the country.

Cedar Roofing Grades

• Grade 1 – Grade 1 cedar shingles are the premium grade shingles for roofs and sidewalls. They’re 100% heartwood, 100% clear and 100% edge grain.
• Grade 2 – Grade 2 cedar shingles are suitable for most applications.
• Grade 3 – These are mostly used on sheds and utilitarian buildings.
• Grade 4 – Cedar with this grade isn’t suitable for use on roofs and should only be used for underscoring of double coursed sidewalls.

Here’s a pro-tip: To find out which cedar variety and grade is best suited to your home or if a metal roofing replacement would be a better choice, consult a local contractor. Since they’re familiar with the local climate and building codes, they can make better recommendations. 

Looking for roofers near you? 

Custom Installations has been providing professional exterior and roofing services to local residents since 1969. To get a free estimate, call us at (847) 558-1967 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Glenview as well as the surrounding IL communities.