A Cedar Shake Roof Is Rustic and Reliable—and Possibly Perfect for Your Home
Achieve natural perfection with a rustic cedar shake roof
Highlights
Cedar shakes are wooden planks used as an alternative to shingles.
Cedar shake roofs are known for their beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness.
They are well suited to steep roofs.
Cedar shake roofs can last up to 60 years with proper maintenance.
Travel through neighborhoods in any city across the country and, at some point, you will come across a stunning cedar shake roof. If that is a look you have been dreaming of, do not settle for less. Here is the lowdown on cedar shake roofs, teaching you everything you need to know about this unique material in order to make an informed decision about what could work best for your house.
What Is a Cedar Shake Roof?
Cedar shakes are square or rectangular wooden planks that make a popular roofing alternative to shingles. They come in a variety of colors. Many homeowners prefer a cedar shake roof for its striking beauty, natural patina, and durability.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Common | Cheapest and lowest quality. Made from any part of the tree and often out of leftovers from other cuts. |
| Selects | Mix of common and straight grain. Contractors will sort through to find the best shingles. |
| 100% Straight Grain | Hand-selected to ensure the grain is straight and the shingles lie flat. |
How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost?
Cedar shake roofing costs more than traditional asphalt shingles. While the cost to install a shingle roof typically ranges from about $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot, a cedar shake roof costs nearly double that amount, at about $6 to $9.50 per square foot. Most of the higher cost is because wood is a pricier material to build with than asphalt.
If you are looking to cut down your energy expenses, however, a cedar roof is a great choice in the long run. Cedar is a natural insulator and can reduce your heating and cooling bills, which offsets the upfront expense.
What Is the Difference Between Cedar Shake and Shingle Roofing?
The main differentiators between cedar shakes and cedar (or other wooden) shingles are their thickness and appearance. Shingles are typically factory-produced, which means they look more uniform, while cedar shakes are often handmade, giving them a more rustic and variable appearance. Your choice will come down to your home’s style and personal preference.
Cedar Shake Roof Pros and Cons
When deciding on the best type of roof for your home, there is a lot more to think about besides the price and the way it looks. Here are some other important factors to consider:
Benefits of Cedar Shake Roofs
Cedar roof shingles are a timeless choice that offer a long lifespan and a rugged appearance. Because wood is a natural material, it is eco-friendly (if sourced from a sustainably managed forest) and perfect for any climate.
Long Lifespan
Cedar shake roofs are durable and last for a long time, up to 60 years, if properly installed and maintained, assuming there are no severe weather damages throughout their lifespan.
Sustainable Roofing Material
Cedar shakes are a more eco-friendly and energy efficient roofing material than several other types of shingles because wood is a natural organic material that is generally biodegradable.
Ideal for Any and All Climates
Cedar shakes are reliable in any climate, but they are ideal for hot and sunny areas because they resist UV damage. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, so they are great for people who live in regions with strong thunderstorms or hurricanes.
Disadvantages of Cedar Shake Roofs
While cedar shakes come with many benefits, there are also a few disadvantages you should be aware of before giving the go-ahead for installation. They come with a high upfront cost, which, despite saving you money on energy costs over time, may be difficult to fit into a limited budget. They may also be prohibited by some municipal building codes because of the potential fire hazard that comes with wood.
High Upfront Cost
The primary disadvantage of this type of roofing is its high cost. Wood shakes are also typically handmade, which means they are not always uniform and may look a little more rustic. (This could be an advantage if you are a homeowner who prefers this look.)
Potential Fire Hazard
Unfortunately, cedar shakes are a more significant fire hazard, as wood is more flammable than asphalt or other types of roofing like clay, asphalt, or metal. Several manufacturers of cedar shingles, however, apply a fire-resistant coating for extra safety. Before installing a wood shake roof, you should check your local building code and your homeowner's insurance policy to ensure using wood will not be an issue.
More Bugs? No, Thanks
Cedar is naturally insect resistant, but it is still wood. So, there is a likelihood that pests will find a home on your beautiful roof. To avoid pest problems, including squirrels, rats, and mice that can enter a home in places where shingles are broken or missing, proper maintenance of cedar shake shingles is essential.
How to Maintain a Cedar Shake Roof
To maintain your cedar shake roof and keep it lasting for decades to come, you should plan on scheduling a regular roof inspection one to two times every year and deep-cleaning it every five to seven years. You can hire a local roof cleaning service near you to ensure the job is done correctly without damaging the cedar shakes.
Cedar shake roofs are difficult to install. Whether you are having a new roof put on your house or looking to have someone perform repairs and maintenance, hire an established local roofing company. Look for a professional with related experience, manufacturer’s warranties, roofing credentials, and multiple recent five-star reviews before hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
The short answer is, yes, cedar shakes do last longer than asphalt shingles. But the long answer is, it depends on maintenance. Asphalt shingles last about 20 years, while cedar shingles typically last about 30 years with proper maintenance. If they are very well maintained and installed in an area with a mild, drier climate, they can last up to 50 years.
Cedar roofs are more expensive than other types of shingles, namely asphalt, because the material itself costs more and is more labor intensive to manufacture. It also requires more time and skill to install, typically requiring professional installation by a highly qualified contractor, which raises the roof replacement cost. Cedar shakes require more maintenance over their lifespan, which adds to the overall cost of the roof.