Choosing a roofing material is a decision that you’ll have to live with for years to come and look at every day! Unfortunately it’s also a decision that can be a little challenging, especially if you’re trying to balance factors like aesthetics, durability, and budget. For homeowners, cedar shingles and terracotta shingles are two popular choices—but how do they compare? Let’s break down their features, lifespans, and best use cases to help you decide.
Features of Cedar Shingles
Natural Beauty and Versatility
Cedar shingles, made from Western Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar, bring a warm, rustic charm that ages into a silvery-grey patina. Their textured appearance is a great fit for both heritage homes and modern designs.
Durability and Maintenance
With proper care, cedar shingles can last 25–50 years. Their natural oils resist moisture, insects, and decay, but regular maintenance is required. Biannual inspections and treatments prevent moss growth and warping. In humid climates such as Sydney’s, cedar breathers (ventilation underlayments) help protect against rot.
Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness
Cedar’s natural insulation keeps homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy costs. As a renewable resource, it’s biodegradable and often sourced sustainably.
Features of Terracotta Shingles
Timeless Mediterranean Appeal
Terracotta shingles, meaning “baked earth” in Italian, add a Mediterranean touch to Sydney homes. Their iconic reddish-brown hue comes from iron-rich clay, and they’re available in flat or rounded profiles, perfect for wet or dry climates.
Exceptional Longevity
Terracotta roofs have an impressive lifespan of 50–100+ years, outperforming most materials. Their resistance to UV rays, fire, and frost is a result of the clay being fired at high temperatures.
Low Maintenance, High Cost
While terracotta requires minimal maintenance – occasional debris removal and moss treatment – it’s pricier upfront. Installation ranges from $9 to $26 per square foot, but its century-long lifespan offsets replacements.
Cedar vs. Terracotta: Durability Showdown
| Factor | Cedar Shingles | Terracotta Shingles |
| Lifespan | 25–50 years | 50–100+ years |
| Climate Suitability | Moderate humidity | All climates |
| Maintenance | Bi-annual inspections | Annual inspections |
| Cost Over 50 Years | $45,000–$90,000* | $21,000–$60,000* |
*Assumes cedar replacement every 25 years and terracotta’s one-time installation.
Terracotta’s longevity excels in harsh weather, while cedar suits homeowners looking for eco-friendly warmth. However, cedar requires more maintenance in humid areas
Which Is Right for Your Sydney Home?
- Choose cedar if you appreciate natural beauty and sustainability and don’t mind maintenance.
- Opt for terracotta for a timeless, low-maintenance roof that outlasts other materials.
Need help deciding? Prestige Slate Roofing provides expert cedar shingle roof installation, slate roof repair, and slate roofing services.
Protect Your Investment with Prestige Slate Roofing
Whether you’re fixing a weathered roof or starting fresh, our team guarantees precision and quality. For reliable roof or shingle installation, contact us today for a free quote!