If you are researching How Much Does A Cedar Shake Roof Cost? It is important to understand that there is no single price that applies to every property. Our professional roofing contractor will need to inspect the roof, measure its dimensions, evaluate the existing structure, and determine the installation requirements before providing an accurate estimate.
What is a Cedar Shake Roof?
Cedar shakes are roofing materials made from split wood, most commonly western red cedar or other suitable cedar varieties. Moreover, their natural texture and variation create a more rustic appearance than manufactured roofing products.
Cedar shakes are available in different grades, thicknesses, widths, and finishes. Some are treated to improve resistance against moisture, insects, fungal growth, and fire. The quality of the material can have a direct effect on the overall project cost and expected lifespan.
How Much Does A Cedar Shake Roof Cost?
The answer to How Much Does A Cedar Shake Roof Cost, depends on several project-specific factors. Cedar shake roofing is considered a premium roofing option because the material and installation process can require more care than standard roofing systems.
- Cedar shake materials
- Removal of an existing roof
- Roof deck repairs
- Underlayment
- Flashing
- Ventilation
- Fasteners
- Labor
- Waste and disposal
- Treatment or preservation
- Permits and inspections
- Repairs around chimneys, skylights, or roof penetrations
Material Quality
Not all cedar shakes are identical. Higher-grade shakes can cost more initially but may provide better consistency, appearance, and durability.
Roof Complexity
A simple roof with broad, accessible slopes is generally easier to install than a roof with multiple valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys, or steep sections.
Existing Roof Condition
If the roof deck beneath the old roofing material has water damage, rot, or structural deterioration, those issues should be repaired before new cedar shakes are installed. These additional repairs can increase the final project price.
Labor
Cedar shake installation requires careful placement and appropriate spacing. Experienced roofing professionals understand how to install the material correctly while accounting for ventilation, moisture movement, flashing, and other roofing details.
What Is the Lifetime of a Cedar Shake Roof?
One of the most common questions you ask is, What is the lifetime of a cedar shake roof?
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof can commonly last around 30 years or more, while high-quality materials and excellent maintenance can extend service life significantly. Moreover, actual longevity depends on climate, installation quality, cedar grade, maintenance, ventilation, moisture exposure, and regular inspections.
Moisture is one of the biggest concerns with wood roofing. Cedar shakes can deteriorate more quickly when leaves, branches, moss, or other debris remain trapped on the roof.
Factors That Affect Cedar Shake Longevity
Frequent rain, humidity, snow, and prolonged moisture can increase deterioration.
- Proper attic and roof ventilation can help regulate moisture and temperature.
- Keeping the roof clear of debris and addressing minor problems early can help prevent larger issues.
- Proper installation techniques are essential for drainage and long-term performance.
- Higher-quality cedar can provide improved durability when properly maintained.
- Continuous exposure to ultraviolet radiation can gradually weather and change the appearance of cedar.
How Many Cedar Shakes Per Square?
Another important question when planning a cedar roof is, How many cedar shakes per square?
A roofing square represents 100 square feet of roof coverage. The number of cedar shakes required for one square is not always a fixed number because shake dimensions, exposure, thickness, and installation pattern can vary.
A cedar shake roof may require roughly 60 to 80 shakes per square when using common shake sizes and exposure patterns, but the actual quantity can be significantly different depending on the specific product.
You should not order cedar shakes according to a generic calculation. Our roofing professional determines the required quantity depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, roof measurements, exposure, courses, valleys, ridges, and expected waste.
What are the Cedar Shake Roof Installation Considerations?
Installing cedar shakes requires more than simply attaching wood pieces to the roof deck. The roofing system must be designed to manage water effectively.
- Inspecting and preparing the roof deck
- Installing appropriate underlayment
- Installing flashing around vulnerable areas
- Establishing proper shake exposure
- Installing cedar shakes in courses
- Maintaining appropriate spacing
- Installing ridge and hip details
- Checking ventilation
- Inspecting the completed roof
What is Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance?
A cedar shake roof can require more maintenance than some low-maintenance roofing materials. However, regular attention can help protect the investment.
- Cracked or split shakes
- Missing shakes
- Curling or damaged shakes
- Moss or algae growth
- Moisture problems
- Damaged flashing
- Clogged gutters
- Signs of wood deterioration
Branches should be trimmed away from the roof when possible. Leaves and debris should also be removed carefully because trapped moisture can accelerate wood deterioration.
Advantages of Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shake roofing offers several benefits that make it attractive to homeowners.
- The unique texture and color variations of natural cedar can enhance a home’s exterior appearance.
- Cedar shakes can complement traditional, rustic, craftsman, cottage, and historic architectural styles.
- When properly installed and maintained, quality cedar shakes can provide decades of service.
- Wood has natural insulating characteristics, although overall energy performance also depends on the entire roofing and attic system.
- A well-maintained cedar roof can contribute to a property’s curb appeal and distinctive character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Cedar Shake Roof Cost?
The cost of a cedar shake roof depends on the roof size, cedar quality, labor, roof pitch, design complexity, underlayment, flashing, removal of existing roofing, and any necessary deck repairs.
What is the lifetime of a cedar shake roof?
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof can often last around 30 years or longer. Climate, ventilation, maintenance, installation quality, moisture exposure, and cedar quality can significantly affect its lifespan.
How many cedar shakes per square?
A roof may require approximately 60–80 shakes per square, but the exact quantity should be calculated from the manufacturer’s specifications and roof measurements.
Does a cedar shake roof require regular maintenance?
Regular inspections, debris removal, gutter cleaning, and prompt replacement of damaged shakes can help extend the roof’s service life.
Can damaged cedar shakes be repaired instead of replacing the entire roof?
If the damage is limited to a small area, individual shakes can be replaced. However, widespread cracking, rot, leaks, or extensive deterioration may indicate that a complete roof replacement is more appropriate.
