
Not only does it look terrific, but some of them have a life expectancy of close to 100 years. Metal roofing is the proven choice for log cabin style and timber frame homes. Have you noticed that most of the Log Home Builders’ and manufacturers’ brochures and pictures on the web display their homes with beautiful metal roofs? There is a good reason for that. Log Home with Standing Seam Aluminum Metal Roof Workmanship/labor warranty would depend on the contractor doing the installation. The factory warranty is virtually non-existent, when you read the exclusions. The cons: Expensive, not a very sustainable product, short life, and a fire hazard. The pros of cedar shake roofing: They are beautiful.
#Cabins with metal roofs install#
Some states have actually banned wood roofs where risk of wild fires exist.ĭo you currently have a wood roof on your log home? When you have it removed to install your new roof, pile it up in the back yard it makes great kindling. If you live in a forest fire prone area you may want to consider not putting wood on your roof. In our experience, we expect the average life of these wood roofs to be around 15 years. These trees were several hundred years old and provided a much more stable, rot resistant, and stronger wood product than the new younger tree stock that grows more quickly and is less dense. Most of the old-growth forest was depleted in the 1940s. This is the big reason that cedar does not last as long as you would expect. Most of the cedar today is from new-growth trees rather than old-growth trees. Both are good choices however, the Alaskan Yellow is a very tough tree and is among the hardest and most durable, known for its longevity.

The most common cedar woods for roofing are Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Then there is the choice of which cedar to pick. The installation of wood shakes takes more time to install than just about any other roofing material, so expect to pay a premium. This is a classic option for your log home in this writer’s opinion. Workmanship / labor warranty terms depend on the contractor doing the installation. Typically has a 25-50 year limited factory material warranty, with exclusions that end up in reality boiling down to a 10 year warranty. The cons: Poor environmental choice they will end up in landfill problematic in the winter months due to ice dams not a very attractive roof. The pros of an asphalt roof: Cheap, easy, and quick to install. Here in New England life expectancy is about 15-17 years. It is just a matter of time before the roof needs to be replaced again.

They are exposed to the summer sun and winter conditions. These products begin to break down due to the elements as soon as they are installed on the roof. The product is made by producing a large roll of paper, felt, or fiberglass mat which is then saturated in limestone and petroleum followed by a final top-coating of ceramic granules in various colors. They are not great choice if you are attempting to be environmentally friendly. Asphalt or composition shingles are a petroleum-based product. It is chosen because it is the least expensive way to go. It is definitely the most frequent choice but NOT because it is the best option. What are your best options for your log home long- or short-term?įirst, and Most Frequently Chosen, Option The decision as to what goes on the roof should be carefully and thoughtfully made and evaluated. It is the primary source of protection against the elements.


The roof is the first line of defense against the weather. Whether you are building a new log home or re-roofing an existing home you need to know your options. It sounds like a warm and comfy inviting retreat. Log Cabin Homes invoke nostalgic images of a place of safe and cozy refuge nestled in the woods or by the lake or river. So You Need to Choose a Roof for Your Log Home?ĭecem| By Mike Gonet | Filed under: Articles, Education, General, Metal Roofing
