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Cedar Roofs



The Timeless Elegance of Natural Cedar Roofing

Looking for true cedar roofing experts in the Greater Atlanta area? You've found them. While most roofing contractors treat cedar as an afterthought, Top Coat Restoration specializes exclusively in cedar—and we're one of the few companies in Greater Atlanta that does. We're not just roofers; we're cedar craftspeople with decades of experience preserving and installing the finest cedar roofs in the region.

Experience unmatched beauty, durability, and expert craftsmanship with premium cedar roofing from Top Coat Restoration. Discover why discerning Atlanta-area homeowners choose authentic cedar—and why they choose us.

50-60+
Year Lifespan
100%
Natural Material
+5%
Home Value Boost
Beautiful cedar roof with natural patina

What Makes Cedar Roofing Different?

Cedar roofing isn't just another roofing material—it's a premium choice that combines the best of nature and craftsmanship. Unlike manufactured asphalt shingles or composite alternatives, authentic cedar delivers timeless beauty that actually improves with age. But here's what most roofing contractors won't tell you: cedar requires specialists, not generalists.

That's where Top Coat Restoration stands apart. While other contractors dabble in roofing, we specialize exclusively in cedar. We're one of the few companies in Greater Atlanta that can claim true cedar expertise—and it shows in every project we complete. Our craftsmen don't just install cedar roofs; they become stewards of your investment, understanding the nuances that make cedar roofs last 50-60+ years instead of failing prematurely.

Natural cedar contains oils and resins that provide built-in protection against the elements. This isn't a coating applied afterward; it's part of the material itself. As cedar weathers, it develops a beautiful silver-gray patina that's impossible to artificially recreate and highly sought after in upscale Atlanta neighborhoods.

Why Cedar Stands Apart from Other Roofing Materials

While asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and hybrid composites all have their place, cedar offers something unique that serious homeowners recognize: authentic luxury that adds genuine value to your home. And in Greater Atlanta's competitive real estate market, that premium appeal matters.

Cedar roofing comparison and beauty

🌲 Cedar's Natural Advantages

  • ✓Natural Oils & Resins: Provide inherent protection against rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth without relying on chemical treatments
  • ✓Unmatched Insulation: R-value of approximately 1.4 per inch—superior thermal performance that reduces HVAC costs year-round
  • ✓Individual Character: Each shake is unique; no two roofs are identical, creating truly bespoke architecture
  • ✓Aging with Beauty: Unlike asphalt that simply degrades, cedar develops an increasingly beautiful patina over decades
  • ✓Sustainability: Renewable, biodegradable, and far more eco-friendly than petroleum-based synthetic alternatives

The Complete Cedar Roof Experience

Cedar roofing benefits and experience

Unmatched Natural Beauty

Cedar offers a warmth and character that no synthetic material can replicate. Each shake and shingle is unique, creating a one-of-a-kind roof that becomes more distinctive as it weathers to silver-gray.

Exceptional Durability

With proper maintenance, cedar roofs can last 50-60+ years. Cedar's natural oils provide inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage—durability that comes from nature, not chemicals.

Natural Insulation

Cedar's cellular structure provides superior insulation properties, helping regulate temperature and reduce energy costs. This natural R-value is built into the material itself.

Environmental Sustainability

Cedar comes from renewable, sustainably managed forests. It's completely biodegradable and doesn't release harmful chemicals. Unlike synthetic alternatives, it's genuinely eco-friendly.

Increases Home Value

A quality cedar roof is a luxury feature that buyers recognize and value. Homes with cedar roofs often command 3-5% higher prices in the real estate market.

Authentic Investment

Unlike hybrid/composite materials that fade and degrade, a treated cedar roof actually improves with age, developing a beautiful patina while maintaining structural integrity.

Types of Cedar Roofing

Cedar Shakes

Cedar Shakes

Hand-split wooden shakes offering the most authentic, rustic appearance with natural variations and texture.

✓ Advantages:
  • • Most dramatic appearance
  • • Greatest character & charm
  • • Premium aesthetic appeal
⚠ Considerations:
  • • Highest maintenance
  • • Most expensive
  • • Varies in quality
Cedar Shingles

Cedar Shingles

Sawn from cedar wood, these provide a more uniform appearance while maintaining natural beauty.

✓ Advantages:
  • • Classic look
  • • More uniform than shakes
  • • Easier installation
⚠ Considerations:
  • • Requires maintenance
  • • Moderate to high cost
  • • Fuels can cause fire concern without treatment

How Cedar Compares to Other Roofing Materials

When choosing a roofing material, it's important to understand how each option stacks up. Here's how cedar compares to common alternatives:

FeatureCedarAsphaltMetalHybrid
Lifespan40-60+ Years20-25 Years40-70 Years30-40 Years
AppearanceNaturally Beautiful, Weathers to GrayStandard, Limited ColorsModern, Industrial LookCedar Look, Uniform
Weather ResistanceExcellent (w/ Treatment)GoodExcellentVery Good
MaintenanceRequires Regular CareMinimalMinimalLow to Moderate
Cost$$$$$$$$
Environmental ImpactRenewable, BiodegradableNon-renewableRecyclableMixed Materials
Insurance DiscountsVaries by ProviderStandardMinor DiscountsStandard
Home Value AddedHigh (Premium Appeal)NeutralModerateModerate

Why Choose Authentic Cedar Over Hybrid/Composite Alternatives?

The market is flooded with "cedar-look" composite and hybrid roofing materials that promise cedar's appearance without the maintenance. Here's the reality: they're not even close to the real thing. Don't settle for an imitation when you can have the authentic investment.

Why Authentic Cedar Wins

Hybrid Limitations:
  • ✗ Artificial appearance; lacks natural character
  • ✗ Colors fade or become uneven over time
  • ✗ No authentic patina development
  • ✗ Buyers recognize it as budget alternative
  • ✗ Often needs replacement in 30-40 years anyway
Authentic Cedar Delivers:
  • ✓ Natural, irreplaceable beauty
  • ✓ Develops more beautiful with age
  • ✓ Premium buyers recognize & value it
  • ✓ 50-60+ year lifespan with care
  • ✓ True long-term investment

Detailed Comparison: Cedar vs Hybrid

AspectAuthentic CedarHybrid Composite
Material Composition100% natural cedar woodCedar-look composite (fiberglass, asphalt, synthetic materials)
Natural PatinaDevelops beautiful gray patina over time; can be maintained or restainedUniform color stays consistent; no natural aging character
Personality & CharmEach shake/shingle is unique; creates distinctive character unmatched by any other materialManufactured uniformity; lacks individual character and authenticity
Cost Over 50 YearsHigher upfront, but premium long-term investment with superior value retentionLower upfront cost, but may need replacement in 30-40 years
MaintenanceSeasonal treatments and cleaning preserve beauty and extend lifeMinimal maintenance but no real preservation of beauty
Home Value ImpactSignificant premium for natural cedar; buyers recognize quality and authenticityModerate appeal; seen as budget alternative, not premium choice
Fire RatingClass B/C naturally; can be Class A with fire-retardant treatmentOften rated Class A without treatment
SustainabilityRenewable resource from managed forests; fully biodegradableSynthetic materials have environmental concerns; petroleum-based components

Cedar Roof Maintenance: The Smart Investment

Yes, cedar requires maintenance. But here's the thing: smart maintenance extends your roof's life 50+ years and keeps it looking increasingly beautiful. This isn't a burden—it's an investment in preserving a valuable asset.

Cedar Roof Care Timeline

Year 1-3
Year 1-3

Monitor for algae or moss growth; inspect flashing and gutters regularly

Year 3-5
Year 3-5

First cleaning recommended; professional power washing to remove oxidation and growth

Year 5-7
Year 5-7

Apply protective cedar treatment to maintain color and provide UV/weathering protection

Year 10+
Year 10+

Inspect for damage; touch-up treatments and repairs as needed; consider full restaining

Our Complete Cedar Roofing Services

At Top Coat Restoration, we specialize exclusively in cedar roofing. Our craftsmen bring decades of experience to every project, from new installations to preservation and restoration of existing cedar roofs.

Professional Installation

Expert installation of premium cedar shakes and shingles, ensuring proper ventilation, drainage, flashing, and structural integrity from day one.

Repair & Restoration

Expert repair of split shakes, damaged shingles, flashing issues, and rot damage while maintaining your roof's authentic appearance and integrity.

Protective Treatment

Application of premium cedar treatments that provide UV protection, waterproofing, and fungal resistance while preserving natural beauty and patina.

Cleaning & Restoration

Professional power washing and restoration to remove oxidation, algae, moss, and weathering, revealing the beautiful wood beneath and prolonging lifespan.

Maintenance Programs

Customized seasonal maintenance plans that keep your cedar roof pristine, prevent costly damage, and maximize the lifespan of your investment.

Inspections

Comprehensive professional inspections identify potential issues early, helping you stay ahead of problems and protect your cedar roof investment.

The Long-Term Value Proposition

Initial Investment vs Lifespan

50-60+
Years Cedar Lasts
20-25
Years Asphalt Lasts

While cedar has a higher upfront cost, premium cedar roofs often outlast asphalt by 25-40 years. When you factor in replacement costs, cedar becomes the better long-term investment for discerning homeowners.

Home Value Impact

Cedar Roof: Adds 3-5% to home value

Asphalt Roof: Neutral impact (expected baseline)

Hybrid Roof: Potential negative perception (budget alternative)

Discerning buyers recognize cedar as a premium feature. On a $500,000 home, a cedar roof could add $15,000-$25,000 in perceived value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Roofs

How long does a cedar roof really last?

With proper maintenance, cedar roofs typically last 40-60+ years, with some reaching 80 years. This is significantly longer than asphalt (20-25 years) and competitive with metal roofing.

Doesn't cedar require a lot of maintenance?

Cedar does require periodic maintenance—cleaning, inspection, and protective treatments every 5-7 years. But this maintenance actually extends your roof's life and keeps it beautiful. Think of it as an investment in preservation, not a burden.

Is cedar better than metal roofing?

Both have advantages. Metal is more low-maintenance and has strong durability. Cedar offers unmatched natural beauty, better insulation, and premium curb appeal. Choose cedar if aesthetics and character matter; choose metal if you want ultimate low-maintenance durability.

Why shouldn't I just choose a cedar-look composite/hybrid instead?

Hybrids are cheaper upfront but lack the authenticity, beauty, and long-term value of real cedar. They're manufactured to look like cedar but lack the natural character that develops over time. Savvy buyers recognize hybrid roofs as budget alternatives, potentially hurting rather than helping home value.

Will my insurance company accept a cedar roof?

Most insurance companies accept cedar roofs. Some may offer discounts for fire-retardant treated cedar. Always check with your insurance provider about specific coverage and any available discounts for cedar.

What's the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?

Cedar shakes are hand-split, creating a rustic, dramatic appearance with natural variations. Cedar shingles are sawn, offering a more uniform but still natural look. Shakes are more striking but require more maintenance; shingles are slightly easier to install and maintain while still offering authentic cedar beauty.

Why Choose Top Coat Restoration for Your Cedar Roof

Cedar roofing is our specialty, not an afterthought. We've built our reputation as Greater Atlanta's premier cedar roofing specialists, delivering exceptional cedar installations and restoration that our customers are proud of for decades. When you choose Top Coat Restoration, you're choosing the experts that other contractors refer their toughest cedar projects to.

Cedar Specialists

We focus exclusively on cedar—not as a side service. Our craftsmen bring decades of specialized experience. We're one of the few companies in Greater Atlanta specializing solely in cedar roofing.

Trusted Experts

Fully insured and licensed. The go-to cedar specialists recommended by Greater Atlanta homeowners and referred by other contractors for their toughest cedar projects.

Cedar Guarantee

We stand behind every cedar roof with a comprehensive guarantee. Your cedar investment is protected by the region's leading cedar specialists.

Our Services

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