TL;DR: Summary
Euroshield and premium cedar shake can both provide a high-end look and have an expected lifespan of around 50 years, but they perform differently in Seattle’s climate. Premium cedar shake wins for authentic appearance, while Euroshield offers better impact durability, algae resistance, easier installation, lower maintenance needs, and greater recyclability.
Euroshield typically costs around $60,000 to $70,000 to install in the Seattle area, while premium cedar shake can range from $60,000 to $100,000. Premium cedar can also require thousands of dollars in professional maintenance over its lifespan, while Euroshield doesn’t require special protective coatings. Although Euroshield imitates cedar, homeowners who prioritize the appearance of real wood may still prefer premium cedar shake.
The key takeaway: Euroshield is likely the better fit for most Seattle homeowners who want durability, lower maintenance, and strong long-term value. Premium cedar shake is worth considering if authentic cedar aesthetics are your top priority and you’re comfortable with the higher installation and maintenance costs.
Do you like the timeless look of a real cedar shake roof but are worried about spending tens of thousands of dollars on a material that could require thousands more in maintenance over its lifetime? Or are you considering Euroshield as a lower-maintenance alternative, but concerned that choosing imitation shake means sacrificing the appearance or quality you expect?
At RoofSmart, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the Seattle area find the right roof for them by assessing your budget, your aesthetic preferences, and your roof’s unique needs. We’ve also seen how cedar shake and Euroshield shake shingles actually perform in Seattle weather.
In this article, we’ll compare Euroshield with premium cedar shake based on appearance, durability, lifespan, algae resistance, installation cost, environmental impact, installation requirements, and ongoing maintenance. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which premium roofing material makes the most sense for your priorities and budget.
Does it matter which grade of cedar shake you compare to Euroshield imitation shake?
When comparing cedar shake to any other roofing materials, it is essential to be specific about which grade of cedar shake you’re talking about. You cannot compare them as a group because each grade is different.
Premium cedar shake is a top-quality product. However, the lower grades get less and less durable because they are made of lower-quality cedar.
So, if you’re comparing cedar shake to Euroshield, it’s going to be completely different than if you were to compare it to a lower grade of cedar shake. It’s not really a fair comparison.
Euroshield vs. Premium Cedar Shake: Quick Comparison
|
Category |
Euroshield |
Premium Cedar Shake |
Winner |
|
Material |
Recycled rubber designed to imitate cedar shake |
Natural cedar wood |
Depends on preference |
|
Appearance |
Imitates cedar and develops a more weathered look over time |
Authentic, natural cedar appearance |
Premium cedar shake |
|
Impact resistance |
Class 4 impact resistance; highly durable |
More vulnerable to major impact damage |
Euroshield |
|
Expected lifespan |
Around 50 years |
Around 50 years with proper protection and maintenance |
Tie |
|
Algae resistance |
Non-porous rubber makes algae growth less likely |
Can develop algae growth over time |
Euroshield |
|
Seattle-area installation cost |
About $60,000–$70,000 |
About $60,000–$100,000 |
Potentially similar, but cedar can cost more |
|
Environmental considerations |
Made from recycled rubber tires and recyclable after removal |
Made from natural cedar wood; not recyclable |
Euroshield |
|
Installation |
Requires specialized knowledge but is less complicated than cedar |
More technical and labor-intensive to install |
Euroshield |
|
Maintenance |
Does not require special coatings or expensive recurring maintenance |
May require significant ongoing maintenance depending on the cedar treatment |
Euroshield |
|
Best fit |
Homeowners prioritizing durability, lower maintenance, and long-term value |
Homeowners who prioritize the authentic appearance of real cedar |
Depends on priorities |
How does Euroshield compare to premium cedar shake in Seattle’s weather?
Euroshield is a roofing material made of rubber and is designed to imitate the look of premium cedar shake (they also have a shingle that looks like slate tile). The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how real premium cedar performs in Seattle conditions compared to Euroshield.
Each material will be assessed based on its performance in each of these categories so that you can choose the one that is the best fit for you.
1. Aesthetics
Winner: Premium cedar shake
When it comes to the aesthetic of cedar shake roofs, you cannot beat premium cedar shake. It’s a timeless look that immediately elevates your home’s curb appeal.
Euroshield imitates the look of cedar shake. It looks good, but nothing can compare to the original. Euroshield looks even better as it ages. After a year on your roof, the color deepens even more as it settles into a more weathered look.
2. Impact rating and durability
Winner: Euroshield
Euroshield is extremely bouncy and durable with a Class 4 impact resistance rating. I’ve seen it withstand minimal damage during Seattle windstorms. Premium cedar shake cannot protect your roof in the same way.
In fact, last fall, a homeowner with Euroshield had a tree fall on her roof during a storm. The outside of her roof had a few small dents and one minimal puncture. There were also two cracked trusses.
A similar incident happened on a cedar shake roof, but it didn’t fare as well. A similar-sized tree fell on this roof and crashed through the roof. Several trusses were fully damaged, and the roof had to be replaced.
3. Longest lifespan
Tie: Euroshield and premium cedar shake
Both Euroshield and premium cedar shake are expected to last around 50 years. Keep in mind that premium cedar shake is only expected to last this long when it has the right protective coating and gets it reapplied every 5 to 10 years.
4. Algae resistance
Winner: Euroshield
Euroshield is made of rubber and is non-porous, which makes it naturally resistant to algae growth. New premium cedar shake should be protected from algae growth for a while, but it can still happen. It’s possible for algae to grow on Euroshield shake products, but it’s far less likely.
5. Cost
Tie: Euroshield and premium cedar shake
Euroshield costs around $60,000 to $70,000 to install in the Seattle area. Premium cedar shake can cost anywhere from $60,000 to $100,000.
These materials have the potential to cost around the same for a roof replacement. However, premium cedar shake gets shipped in from Canada and is more labor-intensive to install, so it can easily cost more.
8. Most eco-friendly
Winner: Euroshield
Euroshield is made of recycled rubber tires and is fully recyclable after you remove it from the roof. On the other hand, premium cedar shake is made from cedar wood and is not recyclable.
9. Ease of installation
Winner: Euroshield
Your roofer will need special tools and plenty of expertise to properly install a cedar shake roof. Euroshield also requires skill and knowledge to install, but it’s not as complicated and technical as installing cedar shakes.
10. Maintenance needs
Winner: Euroshield
Euroshield doesn’t require any special coatings or expensive maintenance, whereas premium cedar requires $5k to $10k in professional maintenance every ~5 years to reapply the protective chemical coating.
Euroshield is also grippy, making it safer to walk on while you’re cleaning off debris or performing other maintenance.
For premium cedar, you can choose between CCA shake or a fire-treated shake (you can’t get both).
I recommend CCA for Seattle-area homeowners. And if you have that, then you can't apply a stain, so most people have raw cedar. That's going to last for a while, but if you don't do anything to it, it's going to break down.
If you're going to do premium heartwood, old-growth cedar, you may as well get CCA so you don't have to mess with it again. All you have to do is clean off the debris.
How do I decide which material is right for my roof?
For most Seattle homeowners, the decision comes down to the cost. Euroshield offers superior performance and lower long-term cost compared to premium cedar shake. If you’re willing to spend more than you would for an asphalt shingle roof and want great protection, then Euroshield is a great choice.
If the most important thing to you is the aesthetic of your home, then nothing can top the look of real cedar shake. It’s expensive to install and maintain, so you have to really want it.
Is Euroshield a good alternative to cedar shake for Seattle roofs?
If you love the look of cedar shake but are concerned about its cost (including maintenance) and its ability to protect your roof from damage, Euroshield can be a compelling alternative. Both Euroshield and premium cedar shake can last around 50 years, but Euroshield stands out for its Class 4 impact resistance, algae resistance, recyclability, and lower maintenance requirements.
But as you’ve learned in this article, premium cedar still has one advantage Euroshield can’t fully replicate: the authentic appearance of real cedar. If aesthetics are your top priority and you’re comfortable with the costs, premium cedar may still be worth the investment.
Before spending $60,000 to $70,000 on a Euroshield roof, though, you should understand the material’s drawbacks as well as its benefits.
Read our article “Pros and Cons of Euroshield: Is It Right For My Seattle Roof?” for a closer look at what you can expect from Euroshield and whether it’s the right roofing material for your Seattle-area home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Euroshield vs. Premium Cedar Shake
1. Is Euroshield better than cedar shake for Seattle homes?
For many Seattle homeowners, Euroshield may be the more practical option because it offers strong impact resistance, algae resistance, and lower maintenance requirements. Its non-porous rubber construction is also well suited for homeowners concerned about moisture and organic growth.
Premium cedar shake has a major advantage in appearance. If having an authentic natural cedar roof is your highest priority, premium cedar may be worth its higher maintenance requirements.
2. How long does Euroshield roofing last compared to premium cedar shake?
Both Euroshield and premium cedar shake can have an expected lifespan of around 50 years. However, achieving that lifespan with premium cedar depends on the type of cedar and treatment as well as keeping up with the appropriate maintenance.
This means homeowners shouldn't compare the two materials based on lifespan alone. Maintenance requirements and long-term costs should also be considered.
3. How much does Euroshield cost compared to premium cedar shake in Seattle?
Based on the projects discussed in this article, Euroshield can cost approximately $60,000 to $70,000 to install in the Seattle area. Premium cedar shake can range from approximately $60,000 to $100,000.
Premium cedar can become more expensive because the material is shipped from Canada and installation is more labor-intensive. Actual roof replacement costs will depend on the size, complexity, and specific requirements of the roof.
4. Does Euroshield look like real cedar shake?
Euroshield is designed to imitate the appearance of cedar shake, and its appearance can become more weathered as it ages. However, it isn't real wood.
For homeowners primarily concerned about achieving an authentic cedar aesthetic, premium cedar shake has the advantage. Euroshield is better suited to someone who likes the cedar look but places greater emphasis on durability and maintenance.
5. Is Euroshield more impact-resistant than cedar shake?
Yes. Euroshield has a Class 4 impact resistance rating and its rubber construction makes it highly durable against impacts.
The article's project examples demonstrate the difference: a Euroshield roof suffered relatively minor exterior damage when a tree fell on it, while a cedar shake roof involved in a similar incident sustained much more substantial damage. The exact outcome of any storm or falling-tree event will depend on factors such as the size, weight, and location of the impact.
6. Does Euroshield grow algae?
Algae growth is less likely on Euroshield because the roofing material is made from non-porous rubber. While algae growth is still possible, Euroshield is naturally more resistant to it than cedar.
Premium cedar can also resist algae for a period of time when properly protected, but algae can eventually develop on the material.
7. Does Euroshield require less maintenance than cedar shake?
Yes. Euroshield does not require the same type of recurring protective coatings associated with some premium cedar shake roofs. Routine maintenance primarily involves keeping the roof clear of debris and addressing problems if they occur.
Depending on the cedar product and treatment, premium cedar can require significantly more attention and expense over its lifespan. Homeowners considering cedar should understand the maintenance requirements of the specific cedar product they're purchasing rather than treating all cedar shake roofs as the same.
8. What is the difference between CCA-treated and fire-treated cedar shake?
For premium cedar shake, homeowners may have the option of CCA-treated shake or fire-treated shake, but not both on the same product discussed in this article.
For Seattle-area homes, the article recommends considering CCA-treated premium cedar because the treatment helps protect the cedar and reduces the amount of ongoing treatment required. The appropriate option will depend on the home's needs and any applicable roofing requirements.
9. Is Euroshield easier to install than premium cedar shake?
Generally, yes. Both materials require a roofing contractor who understands the specific installation requirements of the product, but premium cedar shake installation is particularly technical and labor-intensive.
Cedar installation requires specialized tools and expertise. That additional labor is one reason a premium cedar shake roof can become more expensive than Euroshield.
10. Who should choose Euroshield instead of premium cedar shake?
Euroshield is likely the better fit for a Seattle homeowner who wants a cedar-like appearance while prioritizing impact resistance, lower maintenance, algae resistance, and long-term value.
Premium cedar shake is better suited to a homeowner whose highest priority is the authentic appearance of natural cedar and who is comfortable with its higher installation and potential maintenance costs. Neither choice is automatically right for every home—the decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize performance and maintenance or the appearance of real cedar.
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