Maintaining the authentic character of New England’s historic homes while ensuring modern protection can be challenging. For homeowners along the South Shore, Cape Cod, and Metrowest Boston, the choice between traditional cedar shake siding and modern composite alternatives has a significant impact on both your home’s appearance and long-term maintenance burden.
We break down the pros and cons of each, so you can make the right choice for your home.
Traditional Cedar Shake Siding: Timeless Authenticity
Nothing matches the authentic beauty of genuine cedar shake siding. For over 40 years, we’ve installed cedar on New England’s most beautiful historic properties, and the results are always stunning. The weathered grey patina of a shingled Cape, the hand-split texture of a Colonial—these are as much a part of the regional identity as the architecture itself.
Advantages of Cedar Shake Siding:
- Authentic historical accuracy – Perfect for landmark properties, historic district requirements, and homes built before 1950
- Natural beauty – Each shake is unique, creating distinctive texture and organic character that cannot be replicated
- Excellent insulation – Natural wood provides superior thermal properties
- Sustainable material – Renewable resource when properly sourced
- Repairable – Individual shakes can be replaced as needed without disturbing the entire wall
Considerations with Cedar Shake Siding:
- Higher maintenance – Requires periodic cleaning, staining, sealing, and occasional shingle replacement
- Weather vulnerability – Susceptible to moisture, wind, and damage from coastal salt air
- Mold and mildew – North-facing or shaded walls can be prone to growth without regular treatment
- Insect damage – Natural wood can attract carpenter bees, termites, and other pests
- Cost – Premium material with higher installation and ongoing maintenance costs
Modern Composite Siding: CertainTeed Cedar Impressions
Today’s composite siding systems, like CertainTeed Cedar Impressions, offer remarkable realism while delivering superior performance for coastal New England conditions. After four decades installing both materials, we can tell you honestly: Cedar Impressions delivers better-than-expected results for most homeowners.
CertainTeed Cedar Impressions is a premium polymer composite siding manufactured in the U.S.A. from modified polypropylene copolymer. It’s available in several profile styles including the Sawmill Shingle (with a hand-hewn texture reminiscent of early New England settlements), the Perfection Shingle (a cleaner, more refined look), and Rough-Split Shakes. The TrueTexture™ finish is molded from actual cedar shingles, and the Ageless Cedar™ color blends replicate cedar at different stages of its natural life—from freshly milled to beautifully weathered.
Advantages of Composite Siding:
- Authentic appearance – TrueTexture™ technology creates convincing cedar texture molded from real wood
- Superior weather resistance – Engineered for wind, salt air, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles common to New England
- Low maintenance – No staining, sealing, or regular treatment required; resistant to mold and mildew
- Durability – Extra-thick panels with reinforced nail slots withstand hurricane-force winds
- Fire resistance – Better fire rating than natural wood for maximum safety
- Color stability – Fade-resistant pigments maintain appearance without the grey-out that affects natural cedar
- Warranty protection – CertainTeed backs Cedar Impressions with a lifetime limited warranty
- Made in USA – Domestic manufacturing with quality control
Considerations with Composite Siding:
- Not natural wood – Though highly realistic, it’s a manufactured polymer product; close inspection reveals the difference
- Historic district restrictions – Some landmark properties or strict historic districts require natural materials
- Heat sensitivity – Like all polymer products, requires appropriate underlayment selection for extreme heat exposure
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Choose Cedar Shake Siding When:
- Historical accuracy is paramount—your property is in a historic district or listed on a historic register
- You appreciate natural materials and their unique character
- You’re committed to ongoing maintenance and care
- Your home’s architecture demands authentic wood texture for preservation or resale value
Choose Composite Siding When:
- You want cedar appearance with modern performance and minimal upkeep
- Low maintenance is a priority—no staining, sealing, or regular treatment
- Your property faces severe coastal weather exposure where natural wood requires constant attention
- Fire resistance is important for insurance or safety reasons
- You want long-term durability backed by a comprehensive manufacturer warranty
Our Professional Recommendation
After four decades of installing both systems, we find that most historic homeowners are amazed by the realism of quality composite products like Cedar Impressions. For coastal properties facing salt air and severe weather, composite materials often provide better long-term value while maintaining the aesthetic integrity your historic home deserves. The key is working with experienced installers who understand both the technical requirements and aesthetic sensitivities of historic properties. We’ve helped hundreds of South Shore homeowners navigate this decision, ensuring their choice enhances both protection and property value.
Ready to explore your options? Contact John Bean Roofing at 781-878-3100 for a consultation tailored to your historic home’s specific needs and requirements.