Cedar Shake vs. Asphalt Shingle Roofing: A Lower Mainland Homeowner’s Guide
If you’re planning a re-roof anywhere from Abbotsford to Vancouver, you’ve probably already run into the same debate almost every Lower Mainland homeowner faces at some point: cedar shake or asphalt shingle? Both materials show up all over the region, both have loyal advocates, and both can look fantastic on the right home. But they perform very differently once our coastal rain, moss, and seasonal weather get involved and choosing the wrong one for your specific situation can be an expensive mistake.
As a roofing contractor that installs both materials regularly, here’s an honest, side-by-side breakdown to help you decide which one actually makes sense for your home.
Cedar Shake Roofing: The Classic West Coast Look
Cedar shake has long been a signature look for homes throughout the Lower Mainland, particularly in older, established neighborhoods where the natural, weathered aesthetic fits the surrounding landscape. Beyond appearance, cedar offers genuine performance advantages: it’s naturally insulating, breathes well in our humid climate, and, when properly installed and maintained, can last several decades.
That said, cedar comes with real trade-offs. It requires more diligent maintenance than asphalt, including periodic treatment to prevent moss growth and rot a genuine concern given how much rain the region gets throughout the year. Cedar is also generally the more expensive material upfront, both for materials and installation labor, since the process typically takes more time and skill to install correctly.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing: The Practical, Versatile Choice
Asphalt shingle roofing has become the most common residential roofing material across Vancouver and the surrounding region for good reason. Modern architectural shingles offer strong performance, a wide range of styles and colors, and significantly lower upfront cost compared to cedar. They’re also generally lower-maintenance, without the periodic treatment cedar requires to prevent moss and rot.
Quality matters significantly with asphalt, though. A properly installed system using quality underlayment, adequate ventilation, and manufacturer-backed materials can perform exceptionally well for decades in our climate. A poorly installed or lower-grade system, on the other hand, may show premature wear far sooner than expected, particularly given how much rain the roof has to shed throughout the year.
Cedar Shake vs. Asphalt Shingle: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cedar Shake | Asphalt Shingle |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance | More frequent (moss/rot prevention) | Lower maintenance |
| Typical lifespan | 25-30+ years with proper care | 25-50 years depending on product |
| Aesthetic | Natural, classic West Coast look | Wide range of styles and colors |
| Rain performance | Good when maintained; vulnerable if neglected | Strong when properly installed and ventilated |
| Insurance/resale considerations | Some insurers apply higher premiums or restrictions | Generally more straightforward for insurance |
Common Myths About Cedar and Asphalt Roofing
A few misconceptions are worth clearing up. Some homeowners assume cedar is always the higher-quality, more “premium” choice, but a well-installed, high-quality asphalt system can outperform a poorly maintained cedar roof in both longevity and value. Others assume asphalt is a purely budget option without real durability, but modern architectural shingles from reputable manufacturers are engineered specifically to handle demanding, wet climates like ours. The truth in both cases comes down to product quality and installation, not a blanket assumption about either material.
Cedar Roof Cost in BC: What to Expect
Cedar roof cost in BC typically runs higher than asphalt on a per-square-foot basis, largely due to material cost and the additional labor and skill required for proper installation. Beyond the initial installation, budgeting for periodic maintenance treatments to prevent moss and rot is an important part of the true long-term cost of a cedar roof, since skipping this maintenance significantly shortens its usable lifespan in our wet climate.
Best Roofing Material for Rain: What Actually Matters Most
When homeowners ask us about the best roofing material for rain, the honest answer is that material choice matters less than installation quality and ongoing maintenance. Both cedar and asphalt can perform well in our climate when properly installed with adequate ventilation and maintained consistently over time. Both can also fail prematurely when installed poorly or neglected. The material is only one piece of the equation the crew installing it, and how diligently the roof is maintained afterward, often matter more to long-term performance than which material you ultimately choose.
Which Material Is Right for Your Home?
A few questions can help guide the decision:
Choose cedar shake if: you’re drawn to its natural aesthetic, you’re willing to commit to periodic maintenance, your home’s architectural style is well-suited to a traditional shake look, and your budget accommodates the higher upfront investment.
Choose asphalt shingle if: you want a lower-maintenance option, your budget favors a more cost-effective upfront investment, you want a wider range of style and color options, or you’re prioritizing straightforward insurance and resale considerations.
Factors Specific to Lower Mainland Homes
Our region’s climate adds a few additional considerations worth factoring in regardless of which material you choose. Consistent rainfall throughout much of the year makes proper ventilation and underlayment especially important, since inadequate airflow beneath either material can trap moisture and accelerate deterioration. Moss growth is another regional consideration common on both cedar and asphalt roofs given our climate, though it tends to require more consistent attention on cedar to prevent long-term damage. Homes closer to tree cover, particularly common throughout parts of the Lower Mainland, may also see faster debris accumulation regardless of material, making regular inspection and cleaning an important part of ownership either way.
Making the Right Choice With Expert Guidance
Because both materials can perform well or poorly depending on installation quality, working with an experienced local roofer who installs both regularly rather than one that specializes in only one material tends to lead to more honest, balanced guidance. A contractor with a vested interest in only one material has an obvious incentive to recommend it regardless of whether it’s genuinely the best fit for your home.
Why Homeowners Trust OnTop Roofing
With 32 years of hands-on roofing experience, no subcontractors, and a crew personally managed by owner Jason on every job, our team installs both cedar shake and asphalt shingle roofing throughout the region including as a CertainTeed-backed installer offering the Integrity Roof System with SureStart Plus warranty protection. We proudly serve homeowners throughout Port Coquitlam and Langley, and you can see examples of both cedar and asphalt installations in our project gallery.
Not sure which roofing material is right for your home? Contact our team for an honest, no-obligation quote and recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cedar shake more expensive to insure than asphalt shingle?
In some cases, yes. Certain insurers apply higher premiums or additional restrictions for cedar roofing due to its maintenance requirements, so it’s worth checking with your insurance provider before making a final decision.
How often does a cedar roof need maintenance?
Most cedar roofs benefit from periodic treatment and inspection every few years to prevent moss growth and rot, though the exact frequency depends on your home’s specific exposure to shade, moisture, and tree cover.
Can asphalt shingles last as long as cedar shake?
Yes, particularly with higher-quality architectural shingles and proper installation. Many modern asphalt products carry warranties comparable to, or exceeding, a well-maintained cedar roof’s expected lifespan.
Does moss damage both cedar and asphalt roofs equally?
Moss can affect both materials, but cedar tends to be more vulnerable to moisture retention and rot if moss is left unaddressed, making regular maintenance especially important for cedar specifically.
How do I know which material is right for my specific home?
The right choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and your home’s architectural style. An in-person assessment from an experienced roofer familiar with both materials is the most reliable way to get a recommendation tailored to your property.