Cedar shake roofing has a kind of curb appeal that photographs struggle to capture. The surface breaks light differently than asphalt shingles or metal roofing, and the roof seems to change tone through the day, from honey in the morning to smoky silver at dusk. Beyond looks, properly maintained cedar handles wind well, insulates better than most common materials, and can last three to five decades. The tradeoff is care. Cedar shakes prefer to be clean, dry, and well ventilated. Neglect those basics and you will shorten the roof’s life, invite leaks, and spend more on emergency roof repair than you planned.
If you are weighing new roof installation or trying to keep a current cedar shake system in top shape, this guide pairs practical maintenance with real-world repair judgment. I will also touch on roof repair cost ranges, when roof replacement makes more sense, and how to avoid preventable headaches like moss, clogged gutters, and flashing damage.
Cedar shakes are split from cedar logs, typically western red cedar, into thick, textured pieces. Shakes are different from shingles, which are sawn and more uniform. That extra thickness and the natural taper give shakes their signature shadow lines and a bit more wind resistance. On a roof, installers layer the shakes over underlayment and often a breathable felt or specialized mat that lets the wood dry between rains. The result is a roof that can shrug off gusts, dampen road noise, and help stabilize attic temperatures because wood is a decent insulator.
There are trade-offs. Cedar is organic, so it moves with moisture, grays with UV exposure, and can host moss and algae if shaded and damp. It relies heavily on ventilation. Without air moving through the attic, the underside of the roof stays humid, which drives swelling, cupping, and premature decay. Quality of wood and craftsmanship matters. Premium grade shakes with tight grain and minimal sapwood, laid with proper gaps, double fasteners, and stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails, will outlast bargain bundles set with roofing nails that corrode in five years. If you are factoring roof installation cost, plan for higher roofing labor cost compared with asphalt shingles, because shake layout and flashing work are slower and more exacting.
Cedar ages differently from asphalt shingles. You will not see granule loss, but you will see roughened surfaces, checking, and color changes. Some of that is normal patina, not a problem to fix. What matters is water management. Look for shakes that are split through, missing, or curled so much that wind-driven rain can bypass the courses. Pay close attention to valleys, skylight leaks, chimney flashing, and any penetrations like plumbing vents. If you see dark stains running downslope from these points, water is finding a path.
Inside the home, check ceilings and the Roofing Contractor in West Bloomfield upper corners of walls after a heavy storm. Tannin-rich cedar leaks often leave faint brownish rings. In the attic, inspect sheathing around vents and along the eaves. Rusty nail tips and damp insulation signal inadequate ventilation or ice dams in cold climates. In snowy regions, snow load roof issues and freeze-thaw roof damage can force meltwater under the shakes, especially when poor drainage from clogged gutters keeps the lower courses wet. In coastal or hurricane-prone areas, watch for wind damage to roof edges and ridges. I have seen perfectly fine field shakes while the ridge cap, often thinner material, was peeled back after a storm.
Surface growth is another tell. Moss and algae growth on roofs look quaint, but moss holds moisture like a sponge and pries shakes apart. If you can pinch moss and it feels springy and thick, it is beyond aesthetics. Likewise, rodent and insect activity can exploit softened wood, leading to pest infestations on roofs that further degrade the surface. Any sagging roof line on a cedar system is a red flag. Shakes do not cause sagging, structure does. That is a framing or sheathing issue that deserves a prompt roof inspection service and possibly a structural contractor.
Roof repair cost for cedar shakes varies more than most materials because the job often involves selective replacement and careful integration with old wood. A small patch of 10 to 20 shakes around a vent or skylight might land in the few-hundred-dollar range if access is straightforward. Larger repairs that address flashing damage in a valley, or widespread cracked shingles and split shakes across multiple courses, can run into the low thousands. If scaffolding is needed for a steep pitch or complex multi-family roofing layouts, roofing labor cost climbs. In many markets, expect labor to make up 60 to 70 percent of cedar repair invoices.
When you cross the line into roof replacement depends on age and density of defects. If more than 20 to 30 percent of visible shakes are failing, or the underlayment is brittle and tearing during minor repairs, replacement becomes more cost-effective. Roof replacement cost for cedar shakes ranges widely, but as a ballpark many homeowners see totals from the high teens to the low thirties per square (100 square feet), including tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashings, and ridge system. Translated to average roof cost per square foot, that often lands between 7 and 14, with premium graded shakes and complex roofs pushing higher. Compare that with asphalt shingles at roughly 4 to 7 and metal roofing that may range 8 to 15 depending on panel style and gauge. Those numbers shift regionally and with roof financing options, but they give a sense of relative scale.
If you are comparing asphalt shingles vs metal roofing vs cedar for a new roof installation, keep operating costs in mind. Cedar benefits from gentle roof cleaning every year or two and occasional roof sealing and coatings tailored for wood, plus a preventive roof maintenance plan that includes ventilation checks. Factor those into lifetime cost. On the upside, cedar’s insulation value and the cooling effect of ventilated assemblies can trim summer AC use a bit, especially on residential roofing with large attic volumes.
Installing or repairing cedar shake roofing is not the same as nailing asphalt shingles. You want a crew that does wood routinely, not as a once-a-year novelty. Ask to see at least three local projects that are five years old or more so you can judge how their work ages. Look closely at details: open valleys should be clean and straight, flashing at chimneys should be stepped and counterflashed, and nails should not be overdriven. If you see a forest of exposed nail heads across the field, keep looking. Wood roofs should be fastened properly without turning them into pincushions.
Pay attention to what they recommend beneath Roofing Contractor in Monroe the shakes. Breathable underlayments or felt interlays help longevity by letting the wood dry. Confirm the fasteners are stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized, not electro-galvanized. For wildfire-prone regions, ask about Class A assemblies or fire-retardant treated shakes paired with a fire-rated underlayment. Those assemblies are available and can help with insurance requirements and resilience. On insurance, if a contractor promises to “work the claim” for storm damage roof repair, ask them to walk you through the scope and code upgrades in writing. Honest pros are transparent about line items and will not pressure you into roof replacement if a targeted repair will restore performance.
Handy homeowners can handle certain maintenance tasks. Gentle roof cleaning with a soft brush and a low-pressure rinse, clearing clogged gutters, trimming overhanging branches, and replacing a truly loose shake near the eave are realistic weekend projects if the pitch is friendly and fall protection is in place. Beyond that, DIY turns risky fast. Matching old shakes to new ones without creating pathways for roof leaks is harder than it looks, especially around flashings. I have seen quick DIY patches that trapped moisture and rotted the sheathing in a season.
If you want to do selective repairs yourself, use a shake ripper or similar tool to remove damaged pieces without tearing underlayment. Slide the new shake to the right depth, respecting exposure lines, and fasten with appropriate nails set slightly above the butt of the course underneath. Then key in a face-nail near the butt and seal the head so water does not chase that nail through the grain. If any of that sounds fuzzy, that is the sign to call a pro. Roofing Contractor in Muskegon Also be realistic about roof pitch and height. On two-story homes with steep slopes, even seasoned roofers tie-off and use roof jacks. Safety gear is cheaper than the ER.
Cedar shake roofing lasts longest when it can dry quickly and breathe. That means open pathways for air, clean surfaces, and a well-balanced attic ventilation plan. Intake at the eaves and exhaust at the ridge should be sized to your roof area. Inadequate ventilation leads directly to cupping and cracking. If you see condensation on the underside of the sheathing in winter, add intake or correct blocked soffits.
Keep trees pruned so sunlight reaches the roof, especially on the north side. Shade encourages moss and keeps morning dew from evaporating. When growth does appear, skip harsh pressure washing that chews up the wood fibers. Use a mild, wood-safe cleaner and a soft brush. For stubborn patches, a carefully applied oxygenated cleaner works better than bleach, which can degrade fasteners and dry the wood unevenly. Consider a professional application of a breathable wood preservative every 5 to 7 years. Products vary by climate, so follow the manufacturer’s guidance and test a small area first to confirm you like the color shift.
Gutters and downspouts matter more than you think. Poor drainage backs water onto the lower courses, leading to ice dams in cold regions and persistent wetting in mild ones. Gutter guards can help, but use designs that are easy to clean because cedar sheds small fibers that accumulate. After major weather, order roof inspection services to catch early damage from hail damage, tree damage to roof edges, or wind-lifted ridge caps. Small, timely fixes are cheaper than emergency roof repair after the next storm.
Every roof is a set of compromises. Asphalt shingles win on first cost and straightforward installation. Metal roofing brings long service life, quick shedding of snow, and excellent fire performance, though it can be noisy without good underlayment. Slate roofing is stunning and durable, but heavy and pricey to repair. Tile roofing in clay or concrete offers longevity in warm climates, but requires strong framing and careful flashing. Flat roofing materials like TPO, EPDM, and PVC belong on low-slope sections and commercial roofing or industrial roofing solutions, not on steep residential roofing where cedar shines. For eco-friendly roofing goals, cedar is renewable and has a relatively low embodied energy compared with metals, though metal is highly recyclable. Solar shingles pair better with smooth, uniform surfaces; if you want solar on a cedar home, consider a rack-mounted array on a sunlit outbuilding or a designed hybrid with metal or asphalt sections for the array.
Homeowners often ask why cedar jobs vary so much. Material grade and roof geometry lead the list. Steeper pitches slow production. Complex valleys, dormers, skylights, and chimneys add flashing time, which is skilled labor. Disposal fees for tear-off, especially multiple layers, can be substantial. Local codes can require upgrades like additional ventilation or fire-resistant assemblies, which push roof installation cost upward. If you are gathering bids, request line items for tear-off, underlayment, flashings, ridge system, ventilation, and cleanup. Clear scopes help you compare apples to apples and decide on any roof financing options if you are spreading the investment.
Here are clear answers to questions homeowners ask before a repair or replacement.
Ask them to mark every defective shake with chalk and explain why each one fails water. Then have a second roofer inspect independently without seeing those marks. If the counts are wildly different, dig deeper. Photos of underlayment condition during a test lift in one or two areas are also revealing. Good roofers welcome scrutiny because it sets a fair baseline.
It depends on cause and age. A flashing puncture or a few split shakes can be repaired cleanly and last years. If the underlayment is brittle or the field shows widespread cupping, patches become band-aids. A competent contractor will tell you when a localized repair restores integrity and when roof replacement is the smarter long-term choice.
Scope, grade of wood, and detail time. Some bids assume lower-grade shakes, minimal interlay, and basic flashing. Others include premium shakes, stainless fasteners, breathable interlay, and custom metalwork. Labor rates also vary. Ask for a materials list and the exact ridge and valley details included. That usually explains the gap.
Generally, insurers pay to restore pre-loss condition. If a qualified contractor documents that repair will do that, repair is acceptable. If code or safety requires replacement, your policy may cover the upgrade. Always coordinate with the adjuster and keep written documentation, photos, and invoices.
Some are sincere, some are sales calls. A real inspection produces photos, notes on ventilation and flashing, and a list of prioritized actions, not just a quote for roof replacement. If the visit is five minutes and ends with pressure to sign today, decline and find another pro.
Targeted repairs on a relatively young roof can last 5 to 15 years, often until the surrounding field reaches the end of its life. Repairs on a 30-year-old roof may buy a season or two. Longevity hinges on ventilation, drainage, and the quality of integration with the existing system.
After severe weather, act quickly if you see daylight through the roof deck, water streaming at interior light fixtures, or a loosened ridge. Tarping a cedar roof is tricky because fasteners can create leaks if placed poorly. A contractor who handles storm damage roof repair will secure tarps at the ridge and wrap them over the leeward slope, then anchor to fascia or temporary battens to avoid puncturing the field. In hurricane roof damage scenarios, especially common in coastal Florida, do not assume the roof is safe because only a few shakes are missing. Gusts can lift and reset shakes, breaking hidden fasteners. A same-day assessment prevents small issues from turning into saturated insulation and ceiling collapse.
With cedar, the visible fix is only part of the story. Every repair is a chance to check ventilation, confirm drainage, and evaluate how the assembly handles your climate. Addressing a split valley shake while leaving clogged gutters and a choked ridge vent is a recipe for repeat visits. The best roofing contractors treat repairs as system tune-ups, not isolated patches. Do that consistently and the roof stays beautiful, tight against wind and weather, and far more affordable over its life.
If you own a cedar shake roof, plan on a seasonal checklist and a professional check every couple of years. If you are considering new cedar, invest in quality wood, correct underlayment, and skilled installation. Those decisions are the difference between a roof that looks charming for a decade and one that becomes the defining feature of your home for a generation.