WOOD SHAKE
Wood Shake Hip Re-Flashed
Before: a wood shake roof with the hip opened up and shakes removed for access. After: new hip flashing and underlayment installed, photographed before the shakes were re-laid.
Wood Shake Roofing
Wood shake and cedar shake roofing from a licensed and liability insured roofing contractor. We install, restore, and replace natural cedar shake roofs, with written estimates, no advance deposit, and a workmanship warranty on every project.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
Cedar
Shake specialists
Wood Shake Pros and Cons
A wood shake roof is made from split cedar, most often western red cedar, laid in overlapping courses for a natural, textured look. A shake is hand-split for a thick, rugged face, while a shingle is precision sawn for a smoother, more uniform surface. Cedar shakes are prized for their beauty and insulation, but they are maintenance-intensive and, unless fire-treated or replaced with a synthetic alternative, more fire-sensitive than mineral roofs. Here is an honest look at where cedar shakes shine and where they do not.
Pros
Why homeowners choose cedar shake
- Natural, distinctive beauty that weathers to a soft silver-gray
- Cedar offers real insulating value, helping moderate attic temperature
- Thick hand-split shakes are durable and wind-resistant when maintained
- A premium, high-end look that suits estates and craftsman homes
Cons
The trade-offs to weigh before you choose
- Fire-sensitive unless fire-retardant treated or replaced with synthetic cedar
- Maintenance-intensive: moss, rot, and UV weathering require ongoing upkeep
- Higher material and installation cost than asphalt shingles
- Shorter service life than clay or concrete tile
Wood Shake Roofing Options
Cedar roofs come in several forms, and the right one depends on the look you want, your maintenance appetite, and the fire rating you need. Fire rating is a material property: untreated cedar carries a lower rating, while a Class A rating is achieved through fire-retardant treatment or a synthetic alternative.
Hand-Split Cedar Shake
The traditional choice: cedar split by hand for a thick, rugged, deeply textured face. The most natural and rustic look, with strong dimensional shadow lines.
Sawn Cedar Shingle
Cedar precision sawn on both faces for a smoother, thinner, more uniform surface. A cleaner, more refined appearance than a hand-split shake.
Fire-Treated (Class A) Cedar
Natural cedar treated with a fire retardant to reach a Class A fire rating. Keeps the real-wood look while improving fire performance as a material property.
Synthetic / Composite Cedar
Molded composite shakes engineered to mimic cedar with a Class A fire rating and far lower maintenance. The modern fire-safe path when natural cedar is being replaced.
Compare Roofing Materials
Cedar shake is one of several roofing materials we install, restore, and replace. Aging shake roofs are often replaced with asphalt or tile, so it helps to compare the alternatives.
Wood Shake Roofing Services
From restoring an aging cedar roof to a full replacement, these are the services we perform on wood shake roofs, each with its own detailed page.
Roof Repair
Restore and repair cedar shakes: replace split shakes, treat moss and rot, and fix leaks.
Roof Replacement
Full tear-off when shakes reach end of life, often re-roofed with synthetic cedar or asphalt.
Roof Inspections
Documented condition assessment of an aging shake roof with a written estimate.
Roof Certification
Roof condition certification for real estate transactions.
Residential Wood Shake Roofing
Cedar shake is a dominantly residential roof, favored on estates, craftsman homes, and custom builds for its natural character. We install, restore, and replace it with HOA coordination, daily cleanup, and homeowner-scale warranties.
Residential Roofing
Commercial Wood Shake Roofing
Lodges, clubhouses, estates, and mixed-use buildings sometimes carry cedar shake for its distinctive look. We install, restore, and replace it with insurance claim support and minimal disruption to your operations.
Commercial RoofingOrder a Roof Inspection
Two intake paths. Both connect you with a licensed inspector within 1 to 2 business days.
Homeowners
Homeowner Inspection
Wondering whether your cedar shake roof can be restored or needs replacing? Request a roof inspection and a knowledgeable technician will assess your shakes and provide a written estimate.
Realtors
Realtor Inspection
Managing a transaction? Ask about our roof certification for real estate, documenting the shake roof condition for buyers and sellers.
How Much Does a Wood Shake Roof Cost?
Wood shake cost depends on the cedar grade, whether the shakes are fire-treated, tear-off of the old shake roof, and whether you choose natural cedar or a synthetic alternative.
Restoration of Existing Shakes
$1,500-$4,500
Cleaning, moss and rot treatment, and replacement of failed shakes on a roof with service life left.
Natural Cedar Shake Roof
$75,000-$120,000+
Full cedar shake installation with underlayment and interlayment, based on roof size, grade, and pitch.
How We Install or Restore a Wood Shake Roof
A clear, no-pressure process. We respond promptly and schedule inspections within 1 to 2 business days.
1
Inspect
A licensed inspector assesses the existing roof, checks for moss, rot, and UV weathering, and advises whether restoration or full replacement is the right path.
2
Tear-Off or Clean
For a replacement, we remove the old shakes down to the deck and inspect the decking. For a restoration, we clean the roof and clear moss and debris.
3
Underlayment and Interlayment
We install new underlayment and, for cedar, interlayment felt between courses so the shakes can breathe and shed water properly.
4
Shake Installation or Restoration
We install new cedar or synthetic shakes in staggered courses to specification, or replace failed shakes and re-secure the field on a restoration.
5
Treatment
We apply the appropriate finish or fire-retardant and preservative treatment to protect the cedar and support its fire and weather performance.
6
Cleanup
We complete a final walkthrough, clean the site including a magnetic nail sweep, and register your workmanship and applicable manufacturer or treatment warranties.
Why Property Owners Choose Roof Doctors
Decades of cedar shake roofing expertise, backed by real warranties and honest assessments.
1987
Roofing since
14
Insurance carriers
Cedar
Shake specialists
4.7
Google rating
Cedar shake specialists
We install, restore, and replace natural cedar and synthetic cedar shake roofs, and we give an honest recommendation on which path fits your roof.
No advance deposit
You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction. No deposit required to schedule.
Licensed and liability insured
A fully licensed roofing contractor with General Liability Insurance on every project.
Recent Wood Shake Projects
Documented before-and-after results from recent cedar shake work. Drag the slider to compare the before and after.
Financing Available
Financing is available on qualifying roofing projects through our lending partners. Ask your inspector about current options.
Warranty Protection
Every Roof Doctors cedar shake roof is backed by layered warranty coverage, including manufacturer and treatment protection on qualifying materials.
Manufacturer / Treatment Coverage
Cedar grade, synthetic product, or fire-retardant treatment
When your roof uses graded cedar, a synthetic cedar product, or a fire-retardant treatment, the applicable manufacturer or treatment warranty carries through, and we install to specification so that coverage holds.
1 Year
Workmanship Warranty
Labor and materials on every project
Covers the quality of our installation and workmanship on all completed cedar shake work.
2 Years
Roof Leak Certification
Optional purchasable certification
A purchasable 2-year certification. A $75 service fee applies per reported leak, and any covered repair is completed at no additional charge.
Optional add-on. Not available on roof replacements.
Storm and Fire Response and Insurance Claims
We Handle Your Insurance Claim
Storm and fire events can damage a cedar shake roof, and that damage may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Roof Doctors documents the shake damage, works directly with your adjuster, and processes claims within the Xactimate and Symbility estimating platforms. We cannot guarantee a claim outcome, but we make the process clear and fully documented.
Areas We Serve
Roof Doctors serves communities across California. Find your area or view the full directory.
What Our Customers Say
★★★★★
4.7 out of 5 across Roof Doctors' Google Business Profiles
★★★★★
“Prompt, very informative, and honest. Bill inspected my roof. No leaks. End of story. They had certified my roof a year prior. I am very satisfied with the level of service.”
EG
Eddie Gomez
★★★★★
“Showed up quickly during a storm, figured out problem, provided a solution.”
AL
April L.
★★★★★
“Troy was informative and professional. Would recommend to other home owners.”
MG
Ms. Gibson
Wood Shake Roofing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is wood shake on a roof?
Wood shake is a roofing material made from split cedar, most often western red cedar, laid in overlapping courses. A shake is hand-split for a thick, rugged texture, while a shingle is precision sawn for a smoother, more uniform look. Both give a natural, high-end appearance.
Are wood shake roofs good?
Cedar shake is prized for its natural beauty, real insulating value, and wind resistance when maintained. The trade-offs are that it is maintenance-intensive, costs more than asphalt, and is fire-sensitive unless it is fire-retardant treated or replaced with a synthetic cedar alternative. It is a strong choice for the right home and owner.
How long will a wood shake roof last?
A well-maintained natural cedar shake roof typically lasts about 20 to 30 years, though moss, rot, and UV weathering can shorten that without upkeep. Synthetic and composite cedar can last longer with far less maintenance. Regular cleaning and treatment make a large difference.
How much does a wood shake roof cost?
Cost depends on the cedar grade, whether the shakes are fire-treated, tear-off of the old roof, and whether you choose natural cedar or a synthetic alternative. Restoration of an existing shake roof costs less than a full replacement. Every roof is priced from an on-site inspection and written estimate, with no advance deposit.
What is the fire rating of a wood shake roof?
Fire rating is a material property. Untreated cedar carries a lower fire rating, while a Class A rating is achieved either through a fire-retardant treatment applied to the cedar or by using a synthetic or composite cedar product engineered to a Class A rating. If fire performance is a priority, we can recommend the treated or synthetic path.
Should I restore or replace my cedar shake roof?
If the roof still has service life and the damage is limited to moss, a few split shakes, or worn flashing, a restoration is usually the right call. Widespread rot, repeated leaks, or a roof at the end of its life points to replacement, often with synthetic cedar or asphalt. We recommend the restoration-first path when it is appropriate.
How much maintenance does a cedar shake roof need?
Cedar shakes are maintenance-intensive. They need periodic cleaning to remove moss and debris, treatment to slow rot and UV weathering, and prompt replacement of split or cupped shakes. Staying ahead of this upkeep is what allows a cedar roof to reach its full service life.
Do you require a deposit?
No. Roof Doctors does not require an advance deposit. You pay after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Schedule Your Roof Inspection
A licensed inspector will assess your cedar shake roof, advise on restoration or replacement, and provide a written estimate. No obligation, no advance deposit.
Licensed and Liability InsuredCedar Shake SpecialistsNo DepositWritten Estimate