Cedar Shake Roofs Value and Durability
A cedar shake roof is a roofing system made from split pieces of natural cedar wood, providing a textured, rustic appearance. Its key characteristics include a unique look because the cedar shakes are made from cedar logs split along the grain into what is referred to as a shake. These shakes have a rough, irregular, and three dimensional surface (more rustic than smooth cedar shingles). The shakes start out as a warm reddish brown or honey color and weather to a silvery gray over time. Many Florida homes with cedar siding, choose to incorporate this cedar component option on their roof to enhance both characteristics adding value and durability.
Types of Shakes Used In The Roofing System
- Hand-split and resewn: Thick, with a rough face and a smoother back; very textured look.
- Taper sewn: More uniform and smoother, between a shingle and a shake in appearance.
- Heavy or medium shakes: Varying thickness, with heavier shakes giving more shadow lines and depth.
Advanced Performance
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects due to cedar’s oils.
- Provides good insulation and breathability for the roof deck.
- Lifespan typically 20–40+ years depending on quality, climate, and maintenance.
There are some specific maintenance issues to keep the life cycle of the shakes natural looking and in stable shape including periodic inspection, cleaning of moss/debris, and sometimes preservative treatments. This product is vulnerable to fire unless treated with fire-retardant chemicals; some fire-prone areas restrict or ban wood shakes but that is not an issue in the North Florida and South Georgia areas. If the cedar shakes are not installed and handled properly, but expert craftsman, they can split or splinter. Over time and harsh weather conditions, they can curl, or become brittle.
Aesthetic Role
- These types of roofing systems are common on cottage-like structures, coastal homes that we find in Florida, mountain cabins, and traditional or high-end custom homes.
- Homeowners choose these types of roofing systems primarily for their natural, classic, and high-end appearance rather than for their low maintenance. They also add a tremendous amount of value to a structure because of their durability, aesthetic value and long-lifespan. Popular with insurance underwriters as well because they hold up in windy, coastal conditions and during mild to moderate hurricanes.
Why Choose Sunrise Roofing for Cedar Shake Roof Installation
At Sunrise Roofing we specialize in all types of cedar roofing material applications. The issue for most other roofing contractors is that they lack having experienced and knowledgeable roof installers to properly seal and install cedar shakes. We have been installing these, and various types of roofing materials including tile, metal and asphalt for over 25 years.
Cedar shake roofs are a natural wood roofing option known for their thick, rustic texture and distinctive aged look, with solid performance but higher maintenance and fire considerations compared to many modern roofing materials.
Cedar Shake Roof Installation
Cedar shingles are thin, tapered pieces of cedar wood used as an exterior roofing material. They give a roof a natural, rustic appearance and are particularly common on cottages, heritage homes, and buildings in wooded or coastal areas.
Key Characteristics
- Material: Usually, western red cedar or eastern white cedar. Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects.
- Appearance: New cedar is typically light tan or reddish-brown. With weathering these products gradually turn silver-gray unless it is stained or treated.
- Shape: Shingles are generally rectangular and tapered, with a thicker butt edge and thinner top edge. They are installed in overlapping courses, so water runs down the roof rather than underneath the shingles.
- Installation: Cedar shingles are typically nailed to roof sheathing or spaced sheathing. Proper overlap, ventilation, and flashing around chimneys, valleys, and roof edges are especially important.
- Durability: A well-installed cedar-shingle roof can last several decades, 30-40 years although its lifespan depends heavily on wood quality, climate, ventilation, maintenance, and installation.
- Weather performance: Cedar handles rain and windy conditions well, but prolonged dampness can lead to moss, algae, rot, or splitting. Good roof ventilation and adequate exposure between shingles help reduce these problems.
- Maintenance: Cedar roofs may need periodic cleaning, treatment, replacement of damaged shingles, and attention to moss or debris buildup.
- Fire resistance: Untreated wood shingles are combustible. Fire-retardant treatments and local building-code requirements may apply, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.
- Cost: Cedar shingles are generally more expensive to install than common asphalt shingles, partly because installation is more labor-intensive. Individual cedar shingles are more expensive per piece than traditional asphalt shingles.
Why Choose Sunrise Roofing?
Cedar shingles are generally sawn and have a relatively smooth, uniform appearance. They are easier to install than cedar shakes but require highly trained installation personnel to install. Cedar shakes as previously described are usually split or mechanically textured and have a thicker, more rustic appearance. They can be especially attractive on traditional or cottage-style buildings because they develop a distinctive weathered patina over time.
Both roofing materials are extremely attractive and durable products but require experienced installers, that have been specifically trained to handle these materials properly. At Sunrise Roofing we have over 25 years-experience purchasing, maintaining, repairing and installing all types of roofing materials including, cedar shingle, cedar shake, Spanish tile, asphalt and metal roofs. Give us a call for a free, no-obligation roofing inspection and consultation for your next roofing project.
