Cedar shake roofing has been the go-to choice for homeowners for hundreds of years. Those installing a cedar shake roof are mostly fans of its beautiful rustic look and how it weathers to an attractive shade of gray.
Besides appearance, there are several other factors new homeowners should consider before deciding if a wood shake roof is the right choice for their house.
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What Is A Cedar Shake Roof?
A cedar shake roof is a roof made of premium natural wood materials.
Cedar shakes are rectangular or square wooden planks that represent a popular alternative to cedar shingles. Unlike shingles, shakes are hand-split, giving the cedar roof a more rugged look.
Cedar roofing stands out among the standard roof types due to its aesthetically pleasing appearance and durability. Nowadays, these roofs come in various colors, moving away from the wood-brown shade that’s been somewhat overused on traditional houses.
Cost Of A Cedar Shakes Roof
On average, covering a 2,000-square-foot roof in cedar shakes will cost between $12,000 and $20,000.
The exact cost depends on multiple factors, including the accessibility and complexity of the roof, which primarily dictate the labor cost.
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Cedar Shake Cost Breakdown
The total cost of installing a shake cedar roof depends on the roof’s square footage, the chosen material, and labor rates.
Regarding material, the costs vary depending on the cedar shake variety you choose.
Lower-grade cedar shakes run about $2 per square foot. If you’d like top-grade cedar for your roof, prepare to pay up to $13 per square foot.
Although premium cedar is undoubtedly a pricier choice, it’s more durable and offers better insulation, thus reducing energy costs in the long run.
As for labor, typical rates range from $2 to $5 per square foot. The best option is to find roofers specializing in cedar projects.
| Cedar Shake Grade | Material Cost | Labor Cost | Total Installation Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Grade | $2-$3 | $2-$3 | $4,000-$12,000 |
| Medium Grade | $3-$8 | $3-$4 | $12,000-$24,000 |
| High Grade | $9-$13 | $3-$5 | $24,000-$36,000 |
Cedar Wood Shingles vs Wood Shakes
Cedar shakes and shingles are the two main styles of cedar wood roofing.
Although made from the same material, their manufacturing process differs, resulting in notable distinctions in the final look of the roof. Plus, the differences in manufacturing lead to differences in the total cost of installing these two wood roofing types and their durability.
Cedar shakes cost more, both in terms of materials and labor. They are hand-split using power equipment, making them thicker and more textured.
The thickness of the material implies more natural wood is used in the manufacturing process, leading to a higher material cost. Similarly, the irregularity of cedar shakes makes them more challenging to install, resulting in higher labor rates.
Unlike cedar shakes, their shingle counterparts lay flat when installed. This is made possible by their manufacturing process, which involves machine cutting and tapering. Although their crisp and clean appearance makes them easier to install, it also makes the roof look more uniform and, some would say, monotonous.
In contrast, cedar shake roofs have the rugged appearance ideal for homeowners interested in giving their house a more rustic appeal.
Pro Tip: Regardless of the wood roof style you choose, keep in mind that both shakes and shingles pose a fire risk. If your house is in a fire-prone area, look for Class A fire-rated wood products since these are coated in fire-retardant chemicals.
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Things To Know Before Installing A Cedar Roof
Due to the challenging installation process, hiring a professional to install a shake roof is highly recommended. This way, homeowners can avoid damaging the roof and making mistakes during installation that can be costly down the road.
But the more DIY-savvy homeowners can still choose to install this roofing type themselves. After all, a DIY installation eliminates labor costs, thus significantly reducing the overall cost of a cedar roof shakes installation.
If you’re going the DIY route, there are several things you should know before installing a cedar roof.
Let the Wood Acclimate
As a natural material, wood will slightly change its shape as the weather changes. In wet and humid conditions, wood will expand. In contrast, drier weather causes wood to contract.
Due to potential changes, one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner can make is installing cedar shakes as soon as the material is delivered. This hasty installation will likely result in a misaligned roof, where shakes push and possibly damage one another as they try to expand or contract.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem. Simply let the wood acclimate to your location once it arrives. The exact waiting period depends on your region. The best option is to consult the manufacturer or seek advice from a roofing professional.
Pro Tip: While waiting for the wood to acclimate, place it somewhere off the ground and keep it covered at all times.
Use Appropriate Tools and Nails
Using the wrong tools and nails when installing cedar shakes may result in a shorter roof lifespan. In the worst-case scenario, the shakes can get damaged even before the installation process is complete.
Before starting the installation, always consult the manufacturer to ensure you use their recommended fasteners. Although the specifics will vary depending on the material you choose, here are some general guidelines:
- Avoid using a nail gun. This tool can penetrate too deeply, thus reducing the roof’s lifespan.
- Choose nails made from stainless or galvanized steel or aluminum. These metals will ensure the nails hold better, reducing the risk of the shakes coming loose or falling off.
- Use at least two nails on each shake.
Align the Shakes Properly
Misaligning the shakes is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing cedar shakes on their own.
During installation, the alignment might seem a minor detail due to the shake’s irregular shape. However, improper alignment can cause countless problems, including making shakes more prone to damage and the roof more susceptible to leaks.
These unwanted scenarios can be avoided by taking your time to install each shake, leaving an appropriate distance between them. As a rule of thumb, keeping the shakes about a quarter-inch apart will allow proper runoff and ventilation, thus ensuring longevity.
Allow Sufficient Ventilation
Besides spacing the cedar shakes accurately, there are more steps you can take to ensure proper roof ventilation.
When it comes to wood roofs, ventilation is critical since natural materials absorb water. If there isn’t sufficient ventilation, the cedar shakes won’t be able to breathe and, in turn, dry, leading to faster deterioration.
To guarantee ideal ventilation, you should install an underlayment on top of the roof sheathing.
The next step is to attach wood spacers and align them with the attic’s rafters.
The spacers should be followed by a layer of skip sheathing.
After you complete these steps, it’s time for the cedar shakes.
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How Long Does Cedar Shake Roofing Last?
If the roof is installed and maintained correctly, cedar shakes can last around 30 years. In ideal conditions, the expected lifespan can go up to 50 years.
Did you know? Humid climates cause wood shakes to age much faster. As a result, your roof probably won’t last as long if you live in an especially humid area.
Cedar Shakes Maintenance
Wood has traditionally been the gold standard in construction, regardless of the project. However, the same issue plagues almost all wood products, especially those installed outside.
Namely, wood products require extensive maintenance to ensure they reach their full potential in terms of longevity. Besides the hassle, these maintenance requirements can get rather costly.
As far as the roof goes, it’s essential to check it periodically and maintain it regularly. In general, wooden roof maintenance entails the following:
- Applying protective treatments every one to three years
- Power washing the roof every few years
- Removing overhead branches as soon as they pose a problem
- Removing debris as necessary
- Keeping the gutters clean
- Replacing the rotting or cracked shakes
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Cons Of Cedar Shakes
When choosing a roofing material, homeowners should consider its pros and cons carefully. Here are some disadvantages of cedar roofing that might deter homeowners from choosing this roofing option.
Low Availability
Nearing the beginning of the 21st century, old-growth trees were widely available across the U.S. However, over the last 20 years, the situation has changed drastically.
Thanks to an economic boom and an increase in population, old-growth trees have been almost entirely replaced by their new-growth counterparts.
The new generation of cedar shakes comes from trees specifically cultivated to grow rapidly. As a result, this wood isn’t as dense and mature as the wood from the trees growing for hundreds of years.
High Cost
A wood shake roof is a costly investment.
The material itself is reasonably priced compared to other options. However, the fire treatment and the challenging installation can drastically increase the cost.
Challenging Installation
Besides increasing the total cost of a cedar roof, the challenging installation is a drawback in and of itself.
Because of the complexity of the installation, fewer contractors primarily focus on cedar shakes roofing. On the other hand, if you choose to install the roof yourself, you risk damaging the shakes and significantly reducing the roof’s lifespan.
Fire Concern
Since wood is naturally flammable, a cedar roof poses a severe fire hazard. For this reason, wood roofs are banned in many areas, primarily those with a history of wildfires.
Even if installing a wood roof is legal in your area, it’s sometimes nearly impossible to get an insurance company to cover it.
High Maintenance
As a natural material, wood is prone to fungal growth, mildew, and mold. In addition, it can crack, curl, and rot in adverse weather conditions.
To prevent premature damage and extend the roof’s lifespan, homeowners must regularly inspect and maintain the roof.
How Expensive Is A Shake Cedar Roof?
Cedar shake is moderately priced compared to other popular roofing materials.
It’s significantly more expensive than the most commonly used roofing type in the U.S. – asphalt shingles. Even luxury shingles typically cost less than average cedar shakes. This wood type is also up to 50% more expensive than wood shingles.
A cedar roof is somewhat comparable to metal shingle roofing. However, the higher-grade metal roofs are much more costly.
And finally, cedar shakes are more affordable than solar glass and slate, with the latter being the most expensive roofing material.
Can You Use Cedar Shakes On A Roof?
Yes, cedar shakes can be used as a roofing material.
In fact, they’re commonly used for this purpose as they offer a unique look and excellent protection that can last for decades.
How To Tell If A Cedar Shakes Roof Is Bad
The house’s roof is the first line of defense against the elements. As such, it must be regularly inspected to spot the issues early and prevent a problem from escalating. Proper maintenance is even more important for a shake roof because of the wood’s natural properties.
Here’s how to tell if a cedar roof is bad and needs a repair or a replacement.
Missing Shakes
Missing shakes is one of the easiest issues to spot.
This issue should be addressed immediately to avoid exposing your house to the elements.
Curled or Cupping Shakes
As the cedar roof naturally weathers, the shakes will start to curl or cup.
Wood curling and cupping are normal processes and should be barely visible. If the shakes distort to a point where you can see the underlayment, your roof has a more severe issue that needs to be resolved promptly.
Moss and Rot
Moss and rot problems are specific to wood shake roofs.
They typically occur when the roof is exposed to a damp environment. Fortunately, these are reasonably easy to spot, as the roof will turn green or black.
While you can remove moss from the roof, rotten shakes should be replaced before the damage spreads.
Dampness
Suppose you notice areas on your roof that are persistently damp despite the dry weather. In that case, there’s probably an issue with the underlayment. So, you should have the roof professionally inspected to determine the source of dampness and check the integrity of the shakes.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to schedule a professional roof inspection every time. However, make sure you evaluate your roof from the ground. Any detailed inspection requiring roof climbing should be left to the professionals.
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Cedar Shake Roofing vs Synthetic Cedar Shake
Synthetic cedar shake is manufactured using resins and polymers.
Synthetic cedar shake roofs come in various textures, colors, and sizes, but they’re generally made to look like natural wood.
Here are some benefits of using synthetic shakes over authentic wood:
- Synthetic shakes are significantly more durable.
- Synthetic shakes demonstrate exceptional resistance to the elements.
- Synthetic shakes are more affordable.
- Synthetic shakes require less maintenance.
- Installing synthetic shakes is less challenging.
Still, synthetic cedar has certain disadvantages that might dissuade homeowners from going this route.
- If you pay close attention, you can usually distinguish synthetic from natural cedar shakes.
- Not all synthetic shakes are of equal quality.
- Synthetic shakes are less energy-efficient.
Is It Worth It?
Cedar shakes are a resilient and durable roofing option, capable of weathering various damaging forces better than many roofing materials.
A cedar shakes roof is also highly energy-efficient, making this roofing option well worth the initial investment.
Give Cedar Roofing A Fair Shake
After gathering all the relevant information, it’s up to you to decide whether a shake roof is the way to go.
Making this decision primarily depends on your priorities.
A cedar shakes roof is undoubtedly a wise choice if you value impressive durability, high quality, and aesthetic appeal.
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For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
