Cedar shake roofing is a wood roof system crafted from split cedar blocks, typically western red cedar or Alaskan yellow cedar. Shakes are thicker and more textured than wood shingles, which are sawn smooth. That extra thickness gives cedar shake roofing a distinctive shadow line and a rugged, handcrafted look you simply cannot fake with asphalt shingles or most synthetics. Beyond curb appeal, cedar has natural oils that resist decay and insects, and it insulates well, helping to stabilize attic temperatures. In a mixed climate with hot summers and cold winters, that matters. Many owners choose shakes for heritage homes or to tie a new roof installation into a wooded setting.
There are trade-offs. Real cedar is a living material, so its performance depends on proper roof installation, adequate ventilation, and steady roof maintenance. Shakes will swell and shrink with humidity, they will gray in the sun, and they can harbor moss if tree shade and poor drainage are left unchecked. Expect a well-installed cedar shake system to last roughly 20 to 35 years, with premium, pressure-impregnated or fire-retardant shakes sometimes reaching beyond that range if the attic stays dry and a preventive roof maintenance plan is followed. If you want the look without the upkeep, some homeowners evaluate composite “shake-look” tile roofing or high-end metal roofing profiles, but they trade away that natural cedar scent and tactile grain that many people value.
Cedar telegraphs its condition clearly if you know what to look for. I walk the ground first, then the eaves, then the attic. From the ground, scan for uneven planes that suggest a sagging roof or failed decking. At the eaves, look for cupping, curling or buckling shingles and shakes, along with cracked shingles that have lost thickness. When cedar dries out, the butts can split and feather. When it stays wet, you see moss and algae growth on roofs, especially on the north side or beneath trees. If granule loss applies to asphalt shingles, for cedar the analog is fiber erosion at the butt ends.
Inside, a flashlight inspection often tells the truth faster than a drone. Dark stains on the sheathing, rusty nail tips, and a musty odor imply inadequate ventilation or roof leaks working from the nails downward. Penetrations like skylights and chimneys are common leak sources, and flashing damage or poorly integrated felt interlays can drive water sideways. In cold regions, ice dams at the eaves can back water beneath shakes, especially over cathedral ceilings that lack a proper air channel. After windstorms, look for missing or damaged shingles or lifted shakes, and after hail, check for punctures and penetrations, crushed fibers, and loosened fasteners. If you are unsure, schedule roof inspection services before small issues turn into emergency roof repair.
Roofing budgets need more than a single number. Roof repair cost and roof replacement cost for cedar vary widely by region and shake grade. As a ballpark, average roof cost per square foot for cedar shake replacement often falls in the 9 to 16 dollars range installed in many markets, and can exceed that for premium, Class A fire-rated assemblies. Roofing labor cost is higher than for asphalt because shakes require hand placement, more fasteners, and felt interlays that act as secondary water shedding layers. Complex valleys, dormers, and chimney saddles increase time and waste, and in some cases, steep pitches require staging and safety tie-offs that slow production. Roof installation cost for partial repairs depends on access and matchability. A few square of hand-split medium shakes can run 1,200 to 2,500 dollars installed when you include setup time, safety, and disposal.
Lifetime numbers matter. Cedar often needs roof cleaning every few years to remove organic growth, plus selective hand oiling or roof sealing and coatings where code allows. That maintenance helps resist UV degradation of roofing materials, which dries and bleaches the fibers. If you plan to sell in five years, you may prefer the lower upfront hit of asphalt shingles. If you’re restoring a craftsman or lakeside cabin, the premium can be worth it. When cash flow is tight, some homeowners explore roof financing options to spread costs across the service life. Keep warranty paperwork close. Manufacturer and contractor roof warranty coverage will outline what is workmanship versus material failure, and the fine print frequently requires routine inspections and clean gutters to remain valid.
Homeowners often ask how cedar shake roofing compares to asphalt shingles vs metal roofing. In asphalt, you get predictable pricing, a fast roof installation, and plenty of colors. Asphalt shingles are lighter and easier to repair after wind damage to roof edges, but they can suffer granule loss and heat aging. In metal roofing, especially standing seam steel or aluminum, you gain a long service life, high wind ratings, and excellent shedding for snow load roof issues. Metal reflects heat well and resists hail damage when properly gauged. The trade is a more contemporary look and the need for careful flashing around chimneys and skylights to avoid noise or oil canning. Slate roofing and tile roofing, both clay and concrete, dwarf cedar’s lifespan when installed correctly, but they add significant weight and demand stronger framing. Flat roofing materials like TPO, EPDM, or PVC belong on low-slope structures, not on cedar pitches.
Eco-friendly roofing criteria point in different directions. Cedar is renewable, biodegradable, and often sourced from managed forests. Metal is highly recyclable and can host solar shingles or rack-mounted panels efficiently. Asphalt offers recycling programs in some regions, but its petrochemical base is not ideal for sustainability metrics. Green roofs are a different category entirely, prioritizing vegetation and stormwater management on flat structures. If wildfire-resistant roofing is a local requirement, untreated cedar is a poor candidate, but Class A fire-retardant treated cedar assemblies exist and can meet code with the right underlayment system. Always verify local approvals and consider embers from nearby wildfires as a real-world test, not a lab score alone.
Cedar shake roofing is a craft project as much as a trade. I look for crews that set their own felt interlays correctly, use stainless or hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank nails, and can explain how they stage the work to prevent scuffing and split ends. Ask to see photos of projects at year one and year five, not just the day of completion. Check that the contractor can detail flashing transitions around stone chimneys and integrate cricket framing where needed. A good estimator will call out attic ventilation improvements, from added intake at the eaves to a properly sized ridge vent or, if design prevents that, low-profile mechanical solutions. If a bid lacks a ventilation plan, it lacks a durability plan.
Vetting takes time, but it pays off. Confirm licensing, insurance, and workers’ comp. Look for designations or third-party directories that actually check credentials, not pay-to-play listings. You can also review a regional directory to compare firms that handle both roof repair and roof replacement along with gutters, siding, and related trades. If you want a starting point to review local reputation, check a BBB profile for a roofing company and study the complaint responses, not just the rating. For storm claims, a list of carriers and contractor certifications can be handy, and you can learn more about insurer contacts and GAF-certified roofers for context.
I have seen homeowners replace a few slipped shakes successfully with a shingle ripper and a patient hand. If the issue is a single wind-lifted piece or a popped fastener near the eave, DIY can work, provided you match the shake thickness and respect the exposure lines. That said, cedar requires interlaced felt between courses for water shedding. If you disturb that and do not restore it correctly, you create a hidden leak. Working near valleys, dormers, skylight leaks, or chimney leaks is not a training ground. Those details rely on step flashing, counterflashing, and correct sequencing, and a small mistake can push water directly into the attic. On steep slopes, safety alone becomes a roofing contractor Anoka, MN roofing contractor Albertville, MN roofing contractor Becker, MN roofing contractor Blaine, MN roofing contractor Brooklyn Park, MN roofing contractor Buffalo, MN roofing contractor Carver, MN roofing contractor Chanhassen, MN roofing contractor Chaska, MN roofing contractor Dayton, MN roofing contractor Eden Prairie, MN roofing contractor Edina, MN roofing contractor Jordan, MN roofing contractor Lakeville, MN roofing contractor Maple Grove, MN roofing contractor Minnetonka, MN roofing contractor Prior Lake, MN roofing contractor Ramsey, MN roofing contractor Wayzata, MN roofing contractor Otsego, MN roofing contractor Rogers, MN roofing contractor St Michael, MN roofing contractor Plymouth, MN roofing contractor Rockford, MN roofing contractor Big Lake, MN roofing contractor Champlin, MN roofing contractor Coon Rapids, MN roofing contractor Elk River, MN roofing contractor Monticello, MN roofing contractor Osseo, MN roofing contractor Savage, MN roofing contractor Shakopee, MN roofing contractor Burnsville, MN roofing contractor Golden Valley, MN roofing contractor Robbinsdale, MN roofing contractor Rosemount, MN roofing contractor St Louis Park, MN roofing contractor Roseville, MN roofing contractor Woodbury, MN roofing contractor Eagan, MN roofing contractor Richfield, MN project with anchors, harnesses, and staging. One slip on weathered cedar and you are in the shrubs or worse.
DIY also masks systemic issues. If you are replacing the same area every season, you probably have inadequate ventilation or poor drainage, not a bad batch of shakes. Ice dams, for example, are not fixed by new wood at the eave. They are fixed by air sealing, insulation, and balanced intake and exhaust ventilation. When in doubt, spend for roof inspection services or a diagnostic visit before you stack another bundle. A focused assessment can prevent an emergency roof repair when the next storm hits. If you want a price context before calling, you can click to learn more about repair vs replacement frameworks to calibrate expectations.
Think of cedar as a breathable system that thrives when it dries quickly after rain. Keep tree limbs cut back to allow sun and airflow. Clean clogged gutters every spring and fall so water does not creep under the starter course. If you live in a coastal or evergreen-heavy area, schedule roof cleaning to remove moss and lichen before they root and wedge the shakes apart. In freeze-thaw climates, moisture trapped in moss expands, prying fibers and accelerating damage. A gentle, low-pressure wash and targeted algaecides designed for wood roofing help, but avoid harsh power washing that erodes the surface.
Attic ventilation and air sealing do just as much for the roof as exterior cleaning. Warm, moist air leaking from bathrooms or kitchens can condense on the underside of the sheathing, encouraging decay. Install proper bath fan ducting to the exterior, add continuous soffit vents where possible, and balance them with a ridge vent. In heavy snow zones, ice and water shield underlayment up the eaves and in valleys is cheap insurance. For storm-prone regions, a quick walkthrough after wind, hail, or tree damage to roof edges will catch lifted shakes and flashing damage early. If you are in a hurricane corridor, cedar is rarely the first choice, but if it is installed, keep the fastener schedule and underlayment upgrades tight and inspect after every event.
Sometimes repair is throwing good money after bad. If 20 percent or more of the field is cracked, feathered, or missing, or if the deck is soft in multiple locations, roof replacement is the honest path. You will likely compare cedar to asphalt shingles and metal roofing at this stage. Some clients ask for shake-look composites to blend low maintenance with traditional lines. Others shift to standing seam metal to keep a forest aesthetic while solving snow and ice concerns. If you stay with cedar, step up to a high-quality shake with consistent thickness and edge grain where budget allows, and specify a Class A assembly if your jurisdiction favors wildfire-resistant roofing. Expect new roof installation time frames of 3 to 7 days for an average home, longer on steep or complex roofs.
Costs will vary. Roof installation cost for cedar reflects tear-off labor, disposal, underlayment upgrades, ventilation improvements, and the shake grade itself. If you want a regional perspective on premium profiles that mimic cedar with less upkeep, review reputable metal contractors and composites. For example, here is a useful overview of regional metal roofing expertise that helps frame the maintenance and lifespan trade-offs against real cedar in cold climates.
Most cedar failures I see start small. A clogged valley piles needles and grit, water jumps a flashing, and suddenly a ceiling stain appears after a spring thaw. Poorly ventilated attics cook the shakes from below, leading to premature roof aging, while UV degradation of roofing materials breaks down lignin on top. Wind damage to roof perimeters exploits edge pieces with short fasteners or sparse nailing. Pests occasionally tuck under loose shakes to nest, and woodpeckers can peck around damp areas. Each of these issues has a prevention step: keep valleys and gutters clean, tighten fastener schedules at perimeters, cut back overhanging branches, and maintain air pathways under the deck. Do not forget simple details like replacing cracked pipe boots and re-caulking counterflashing joints where the metal is sound but the sealant has aged. Small moves delay big bills.
Below are straight answers to questions homeowners ask when they are weighing roof repair versus roof replacement for cedar. Use them as a filter before you sign a proposal.
If the structure is sound, leaks are localized to flashing or penetrations, and less than 10 to 15 percent of shakes are cracked or severely cupped, targeted repair is sensible. If you see widespread splitting, spongy decking, or multiple active leaks, plan for roof replacement. An unbiased roof inspection services visit should include moisture readings at the deck and photos of trouble areas.
Quality cedar with proper ventilation and maintenance averages 20 to 30 years, sometimes more. Architectural asphalt shingles run about 18 to 30 years, depending on climate and color. Standing seam metal routinely surpasses 40 years, and aluminum or steel can stretch further with care. Slate or tile roofing can outlast all of them if the structure is engineered for the weight.
Yes, cedar is renewable and biodegradable, and it offers good thermal performance. The caveat is chemical treatment for fire resistance or preservatives, which can affect end-of-life disposal. If pure sustainability is your north star, also consider recyclable metal roofing or, on the right structure, green roofs with vegetation.
Most experienced crews can tarp the area, secure loose shakes, and replace a small damaged section even in cold weather. Storm damage roof repair should also include a check of hidden issues like lifted flashings and bent ridge caps. After hail or tree damage to roof areas, request a full photo report for insurance.
Solar shingles are rarely paired with cedar. For rack-mounted solar, most installers prefer to mount on composite or metal due to penetration and heat concerns. If you plan to go solar soon, consider that in your roof replacement decision and discuss metal or asphalt shingles as the platform.
Plan a light cleaning and inspection annually, plus a deeper wash and targeted treatment every 2 to 3 years if you have shade and moisture. Budget a few hundred dollars for inspections and minor repairs, more if you need moss remediation. That small spend protects you from larger roof repair cost surprises.
Cedar roofs reward attention and punish neglect. When installed correctly with proper underlayments, balanced ventilation, and clean water pathways, they deliver a warm, textured look that asphalt and even high-end metal struggle to match. When rushed, under-nailed, or left to stew in shade and clogged gutters, they age quickly and spring leaks that seem to appear out of nowhere. The best approach is proactive: schedule periodic roof inspection services, keep a short checklist for cleaning and small fixes, and treat each storm as an opportunity to catch problems early. If you are wrestling with whether to repair or replace, gather two or three detailed bids that specify exposure, fasteners, felt interlays, flashing metals, and ventilation changes. Then weigh the numbers against how long you plan to stay and how much the cedar aesthetic matters to you.
If you want additional perspective on how roofers approach slopes, accessories, and post-storm checks before committing to a scope, see these simple post-storm inspection tips. And if you prefer to compare cedar with regionally available tile or composite alternatives and who installs them, a regional resource for Minnesota roofing contractors familiar with premium profiles can jump-start your planning. With a clear plan and the right crew, a cedar shake roof can be both a durable shell and a defining feature of your home for decades.