Synthetic Shake Roofing
Synthetic shake is a polymer roofing shingle molded to look like cedar shake, without the rot, insects, or fire risk of real wood. Roof Doctors installs, replaces, inspects, and certifies synthetic roofs, including synthetic shake, for property owners across our service area. Licensed since 1987, no advance deposit.
What Synthetic Shake Is and Who It Suits
Synthetic shake is a polymer shingle molded to look like split cedar shake, with the texture and depth of wood but none of its drawbacks. It does not rot or attract insects, and unlike real cedar, many synthetic shake products carry a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 impact rating, though ratings vary by product. It is lightweight, and a synthetic shake roof lasts about 40 to 50 years. It suits a home that wants the cedar-shake look without the maintenance and fire risk of real wood.
Synthetic shake tends to make sense when
- You want the cedar-shake look without the upkeep of real wood
- You want a fire-resistant roof in a fire-prone area
- You are replacing an aging cedar shake roof with a longer-life material
- You want a roof that does not rot or attract insects
Trade-offs to consider first
- It costs more than asphalt shingles to install
- It is a newer category than wood or asphalt, so product track records are shorter
- A good result depends on correct installation and flashing
- Appearance and ratings vary by product, so specification matters
What Roof Doctors Does for Synthetic Shake Roofs
We work on synthetic roofs, including synthetic shake, across inspection, installation, replacement, and certification. Each links to its own detailed page.
Install
Install a new synthetic shake roof over a prepared deck and underlayment, with flashing detailed.
Inspect
A documented condition assessment of the shingles, fasteners, and flashing with a written report.
Replace
Full tear-off and re-roof, a common path when replacing an aging cedar shake roof.
Certify
A roof certification for a real estate transaction when the synthetic shake roof passes inspection as it stands.
Synthetic Shake Across Our Service Area
Two things that matter for a synthetic shake roof across our service area.
The cedar look without the upkeep
Synthetic shake carries the texture and depth of split cedar but does not rot, warp, or attract insects, so it keeps the look with far less maintenance.
Light weight
Synthetic shake is lightweight, far lighter than a natural cedar roof, so it rarely requires structural reinforcement.
Synthetic Shake Installation
Like any roof, a synthetic shake roof is only as good as the deck, underlayment, and flashing beneath and around the shingles. A typical installation goes on as follows.
Inspect and Measure
A licensed inspector assesses the existing roof and structure, measures the area, and confirms synthetic shake is the right fit.
Tear-Off and Prep
We remove the old roof, including an aging cedar shake roof, inspect the deck for damage, and create a clean, sound base.
Underlayment
We install a waterproof underlayment over the deck beneath the shingles.
Lay and Fasten the Shingles
We lay the synthetic shake shingles in courses and fasten them to manufacturer specification for wind resistance.
Flashing and Details
We flash the roof at valleys, hips, ridges, and penetrations, where water intrusion begins.
Cleanup and Warranty Registration
We complete a final walkthrough, clean the site including a magnetic nail sweep, and register your workmanship and manufacturer warranties.
Order a Roof Inspection
Request an inspection and a knowledgeable technician will assess your synthetic shake roof and provide a written estimate within 1 to 2 business days. No advance deposit.
Pick a time that works for you. It takes about two minutes.
Other Roofing Materials
Explore the other roofing materials we install, repair, and restore.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The most common residential roof: cost-effective and versatile.
Tile Roofing
Concrete and clay tile: long-lived and distinctive.
Wood Shake Roofing
Cedar shake restoration and installation, a specialty since 1987.
Flat Roofing
Flat and low-slope roof systems, including single-ply membranes, for homes and commercial buildings.
Metal Roofing
Durable metal roofing, from standing seam to stone-coated steel, built for a long service life.
Other Synthetic Types
Other synthetic types we work with.
Synthetic Shake Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is synthetic shake roofing?
It is a polymer roofing shingle molded to look like split cedar shake. It carries the texture and depth of wood shake but is made of engineered polymer, so it does not rot, warp, or attract insects.
How long does a synthetic shake roof last?
About 40 to 50 years, far longer than a natural cedar shake roof. Reaching the top of that range depends on correct installation and flashing.
Is synthetic shake fire resistant?
Yes, typically. Unlike real cedar, which burns, many synthetic shake products carry a Class A fire rating, the highest fire classification, and a Class 4 impact rating. Ratings vary by product, so specification matters.
Can I replace my cedar shake roof with synthetic shake?
Yes, that is one of its most common uses. We tear off the aging cedar roof, prepare the deck and underlayment, and install the synthetic shake, keeping the look while adding fire resistance and a longer service life.
Does synthetic shake rot or attract insects?
No. Because it is polymer rather than wood, it does not rot, warp, or attract insects, which are the main maintenance problems with natural cedar shake.
When does a synthetic shake roof need replacing?
An inspection determines it. If the roof still has service life and is sound, it can be inspected and, when it passes as it stands, certified. When the roof is worn across the surface or at the end of its life, a full re-roof is the better call. Roof Doctors installs, replaces, inspects, and certifies synthetic shake roofs.
Schedule Your Synthetic Shake Roof Inspection
A licensed inspector will assess your synthetic shake roof, check the shingles, fasteners, and flashing, document any issues, and provide a written estimate. No obligation, no advance deposit.