Asphalt, Cedar, and Steel—Oh My: How Roofing Materials Have Changed
20 years ago, most shingles were made from Asphalt, Cedar, or Steel, but even roofing materials are not immune to innovation. A fair amount of thought and innovation has gone into make your roof more durable and more efficient than its predecessors. Cedar You later Today, regular Cedar shingles are a rarity due to their relatively short lifespan. To get the same Cedar shingle look today, many roofers use composite shingles made from plant extract waste material from ethanol manufacturing plants. They look like wood, and are installed in the same way, but these man-made materials come with a 50-year warranty and cost about the same amount. Phasing Out Asphalt Today ’ s Asphalt shingles are commonly made with a fiberglass backing which lets them withstand higher wind speeds. For even more protection and longevity, premium asphalt shingles are made to be twice or even three times as thick as regular shingle...