Do you feel ready for a new roof? Do you want to find an alternative to the common asphalt shingles or tile roofing? If so, you might consider installing a cedar shake roof.
You may have gone through the suburbs of any big city and seen a neighborhood with a wooden roof that everyone envies. If that gorgeous hardwood roof you saw is a cedar shake roof, you won’t have to settle for anything less.
Since 1987, The Roof Doctor has been providing roofing replacement services to the people of Northern California, including cedar shake roofing. If you want a new roof that will last for decades, you’ve come to the right place.
What, exactly, is a cedar shake roof? As someone who is always willing to inform, I will provide a thorough response to that query. This complete guide to cedar shake roofs follows to help you choose a material for your property.
What is a cedar shake roof?
A cedar shake roof is an upscale roofing material crafted from shaped cedar logs. To make a wood-shake roof, most people opt for cedar, redwood, or Canadian hardwood (but this depends on your location, of course).
As one of the most expensive yet aesthetically pleasing roofs, it performs the same as asphalt or metal roofs. Cedar shake roofing is ideal for any home because each wood shingle or shake is unique in thickness and length.
This is what distinguishes a cedar shake roof from more conventional roofs. In addition to being more effective on steep roofs, they are also environmentally friendly.
Keep in mind that cedar shake manufacturers do not keep a supply on hand. Because they are custom-made per order, no cutting or splitting occurs until someone places the order. The time it takes to get the materials for your cedar shake roof could range from three to eight weeks.
5 things you need to know about a cedar shake roof
In recent years, cedar shake roofs have become a popular alternative to tile and concrete roofs. After learning what a cedar shake roof is, you need to know 5 important facts before buying one.
1. The three quality levels of cedar shake shingles
Cedar shaking shingles come in three classes, each requiring a different amount of hand splitting or sawing to get the desired tapering thickness from 2-foot sections of cedar wood (taper sawn). They are common, select, and straight grain.
Grade 1 cedar Shakes are known as common cedar shake shingles and have a lifespan of up to 50 years. They are the most expensive and long-lasting option, but they also need a lot of maintenance to keep looking great.
They range from reddish to greenish brown; therefore, maintaining their look requires regular roof cleaning, including removing algae or moss. Walk lightly on the roof since pressure might damage the system and strain or break some parts, needing replacement.
Grade 2 cedar shakes, also known as select cedar shakes, is a mix of the 2 other types of grades, somewhere around 80% straight grain and 20% commons. If you want the best cedar shingles on your roof, the roofer should look through the options.
When properly chosen and placed, the lifespan of this type is about 30 years. Even if routine cleanings are required, their low cost makes them a good long-term investment.
Grade 3 cedar shakes, also known as straight-grain shingles, are the best quality since each one is hand-selected and straight-grained. Since they are 100% straight-grained, the shingles lay flat, and you don’t have to worry about them curling up.
It’s the priciest option, so you’ll want to make sure you’re well-prepared to spend that much money. You’ll also want to make sure your roof can withstand the elements for as long as possible.
2. Cedar shake roof life expectancy
Your roof’s lifespan is the number of years you can expect it to last. Maintenance of cedar shake roofs is labor-intensive, but the roofs can last up to 60 years if cared for properly.
A new roof is an expensive investment, so you want it to last as long as possible. While a cedar shake roof is an eye-catching and one-of-a-kind option that can make any house stand out, many people are wary of making the investment due to concerns about its durability.
How long can a shingle roof be expected to last with proper maintenance? Is it really worth spending so much cash on? If you use high-quality materials and are in a suitable climate, you might get 50 years out of it.
Your roof’s longevity is also dependent on the grade or quality of the cedar shakes you use. In humid or dry climates, severe humidity or moisture can shorten the lifespan of a cedar shake roof.
For the maximum lifespan of a cedar shake roof, preventative maintenance should be conducted every 2 to 6 years. Cedar shake roofs are known for their durability, but their longevity can also be significantly affected by the home’s location.
3. Your warranty options on a cedar shake roof
A new roof comes with two warranties: the installer’s guarantee of the quality of their work and the manufacturer’s warranty of the durability of the roofing materials used.
The durability of your roof will depend on the quality of your contractor’s work, as cedar shakes are a naturally occurring material and, therefore, only covered by a workmanship warranty.
Roofing is an important investment, so make sure you select a reliable local company that guarantees their services. Some contractors may give a warranty during the time they are at your home to do the installation, but this may expire once they have finished.
If you want the greatest roof, you should work with a contractor who is willing to back their work with a lifetime guarantee. One of our articles might help you understand more about roof warranties, including transferable roofing warranties.
Since 1987, we have been providing quality services and stand by what we do. Get in touch with us right away if you need a roof that is expertly installed without any sacrifices in quality.
4. A cedar shake roof needs regular roof maintenance
Cedar shakes don’t deteriorate naturally, which may come as a surprise to some people. You should schedule routine upkeep of your cedar shake roof if you want it to look good and last for decades.
As long as they are properly and frequently maintained, they should not deteriorate despite the inevitable effects of weathering. You can do this by performing periodic inspections, deep cleaning the roof with the right chemicals, or using a local roofing service.
Maintaining your cedar shake roof yearly or biannually will extend its life and keep it in good condition. If there are any issues with your cedar shakes, you may get them fixed before water damage sets in.
You should also use this time to clean up your gutters and roof. Cedar shake roofs’ expected lifespan can be significantly shortened by moisture, potentially by a significant amount of time.
Damage to the shakes is inevitable because of the constant infiltration of moisture from damp debris, moss, or algae. They’ll become frailer, smaller, and more prone to cracks and possibly collapse as a result.
In spite of this, aging due to natural causes is always a possibility. The rate of deterioration can be slowed with regular upkeep, but it can’t be stopped totally. The durability of a cedar shingle roof can be reduced by the passage of time, insect infestations, and extremes of weather (such as wind, rain, cold, and heat).
It’s best to engage a professional to maintain or repair a cedar roof due to its complexity and the potential that the guarantee only covers the installer’s work. If you require roofing work, pick a certified, experienced professional with many recent, favorable ratings.
5. The price of a cedar shake roof
The price of a cedar shingle roof is considerable, but it has a relatively long lifespan. There is an increase in price when using cedar shakes instead of asphalt shingles.
Before installing cedar shakes, know that we don’t avoid cost questions like some roofing companies. In comparison to other prevalent roofing materials like asphalt shingles, the initial cost to install cedar shakes is around twice as high.
Cedar shake roofing needs extensive professional maintenance to keep its attractive appearance and long service life. This increases the price of shake roofs by a considerable amount.
The cost of installing cedar shakes on your roof, and your neighbor’s roof will not be the same, regardless of how similar the quotes may be on two separate websites. Multiple factors, like the type of roof you have and the professional you employ, will determine the final price you spend.
For a single-story home with a moderately complex roof, the cost of a new cedar shakes roof averages $25.00 per square foot. A new cedar shake roof will set you back about $30.00 per square foot, with the price going up from there if your roof is particularly complicated.
Keep in mind that these estimates are just that and that without consulting an expert, it would be impossible to provide an accurate cost. To get a ballpark figure for how much money you’ll need to replace your roof, multiply the figures given above by the total square footage of your roof.
Cedar Shake Roof Pros and Cons
You now know five essential facts about cedar shake roofs and what they are. If you’ve read thus far, you should have a much better idea of whether or not a cedar shake roof is good for you.
There is, however, one more thing we must cover, and that is the pros and cons of having a cedar shake roof. There are many factors besides cost and aesthetics to consider when selecting the ideal roof for your home.
Benefits of cedar shake roofs
In the absence of significant weather damage, a properly built and maintained cedar shake roof can last for as long as 60 years. Cedar shake tiles have a lower environmental impact than other shingles because wood is a renewable resource.
Their resistance to ultraviolet light makes them particularly well-suited to regions with a hot, bright climate, without which they would be unreliable. They are ideal for people who live in areas that frequently experience severe weather, such as intense thunderstorms or hurricanes, because they can resist such extremes.
Wood is also a natural material that can be recycled, making it a green choice.
Drawbacks of cedar shake roofs
The high price is the biggest drawback of this style of roofing. Because of their often-handmade nature, wood shakes may also lack uniformity and have a little more rustic appearance, which could be a positive for some homeowners who value this aesthetic.
Cedar shakes have a greater risk of fire than asphalt, clay, asphalt, or metal because wood burns more easily. California has strict fire codes regarding wooden roofing though a number of cedar shingle producers apply a fire-resistant coating.
To make sure a wood shake roof won’t raise any red flags with the fire department or your insurance company, you can do some research beforehand.
FAQ
Cedar shakes are distinguished from other types of hardwood shingles primarily by their thickness and aesthetic. Shakes are often handcrafted and have a more rustic appearance than shingles, which are typically manufactured and have a more uniform aspect.
