Cedar shake roofing has a look you recognize from the street before you even pull into the driveway. The texture, the shadow lines, the warmth that asphalt never quite nails, it all adds up to a roof that feels at home in wooded suburbs and coastal neighborhoods alike. But it is not just a pretty face. A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof can deliver decades of durable, breathable protection, even in tough weather. The key is understanding what cedar does well, where it needs help, and how to manage the lifecycle from roof installation to roof maintenance, repair, and eventual roof replacement. If you are weighing cedar against asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate roofing, or tile roofing, this guide brings practical details from the field so you can make a confident call.
Cedar shakes are split or sawn pieces of Western Red Cedar or Alaska Yellow Cedar, typically thicker and more textured than cedar shingles. That extra thickness gives better shadow lines and improved performance in wind and hail, provided the shakes are high quality and properly installed over breathable underlayment with the right spacing. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects, thanks to its natural oils. It also insulates well compared with many roofing materials, helping steady indoor temperatures when paired with adequate attic ventilation.
What makes cedar different from asphalt shingles or flat roofing materials like TPO, EPDM, and PVC is how it manages moisture. Cedar wants to breathe. When installed over skip sheathing or a vented mat, it dries out between storms and resists UV degradation of roofing materials by aging into a silver patina. Done poorly, with trapped moisture and inadequate ventilation, cedar can cup, split, grow moss and algae, and age faster than it should. That is why the craft matters as much as the material. The reward for doing it right is a roof that can last 25 to 40 years in many climates, sometimes longer with steady care.
With cedar, small issues telegraph early if you know what to look for. I start with ground-level binoculars, then a careful roof inspection services visit from the eaves up. Thicker shakes hide damage, so angle and light matter. Look for loose or cracked shakes around penetrations, flashing damage at chimneys, and hairline splits in high sun exposure zones. Curled edges can point to inadequate ventilation or UV stress. You may also spot dark streaks from moss and algae growth on roofs in shaded valleys, which often signals moisture that is not drying quickly.
Leaks do not always show up as obvious ceiling stains. Around skylights and valleys, wind-driven rain can back up under shakes, especially if the underlayment has aged. A musty attic, rusted fasteners, or damp sheathing are earlier warnings. After hail damage or a hard wind event, scan ridge caps and windward edges for fresh splits or missing or damaged shingles, well, shakes in this case. If you see daylight in the attic at the eaves or feel warm, humid air near the ridge in winter, that is a ventilation imbalance that can cause ice dams in colder climates and shorten the roof’s life. Tree damage to roof planes, small punctures and penetrations from branches, and clogged gutters leading to poor drainage also show up quickly on cedar because the wood telegraphs moisture problems fast.
Homeowners often ask me for a simple roof repair cost or roof replacement cost, and I can give ranges, but cedar has a long tail. The roof installation cost for cedar shakes, including roofing labor cost, usually runs higher than asphalt shingles and can approach or overlap lower-end tile roofing or entry-level slate costs, depending on grade, thickness, and local labor. As a very rough reference, installers often talk in squares, and the average roof cost per square foot for cedar can land from the mid single digits to the low teens, 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 depending on region, roof complexity, and whether skip sheathing upgrades or new underlayments are needed. That is a wide range because a simple ranch is one thing, and a steep, cut-up roof with multiple dormers is another.
Where cedar earns its keep is in energy performance and longevity if you maintain it. Periodic roof cleaning, selective roof sealing and coatings where appropriate, and a preventive roof maintenance plan add line items to your budget. On the flip side, cedar is lightweight compared to concrete tile and some slate, so structural upgrades are rarely necessary. Fire risk can be mitigated with Class A fire-rated assemblies or pressure-treated, fire-retardant shakes, which is crucial in wildfire-resistant roofing discussions. You also have insurance considerations, discounts for impact- or fire-rated systems in some areas, and potential roof financing options if you bundle ventilation fixes or attic insulation upgrades during new roof installation. In short, the cost calculus is not just purchase price but performance, maintenance, and local risk profile.
Cedar is not a slap-it-on-and-go material. I look for contractors who can show photos of install details, not just pretty drone shots. Ask about their approach to underlayment on cedar: vented mesh, skip sheathing, or both. Press them on fasteners: stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails, correct length to avoid overpenetration, and tightness that sits the head flush, not crushed into the wood. At valleys and walls, step flashing in noncorrosive metals, properly layered with felt or synthetic underlayments, separates a pro job from a headache. On the ridge, a vented system that balances intake at soffits with exhaust at the peak is not optional. Inadequate ventilation is a top cause of premature roof aging and curling or buckling shingles on other systems, and it will hurt cedar too.
Good roofers talk you out of unnecessary work and into smart work. If a contractor recommends full roof replacement for a handful of isolated splits, ask why spot repair with matching shakes and new flashing is not appropriate. Conversely, if more than a third of the field is tired, or the shakes are thin and brittle across multiple planes, a patchwork approach is false economy. Compare roofing labor cost line items and the scope behind each quote. The lowest bid often deletes the breathing layer and ventilation details that make cedar last. If they cannot answer how they handle ice dams in your climate or show you a detail for skylight leaks using backpans and diverters, keep looking.
Handy owners can sometimes handle a few split shakes on a single-story roof with safe access. You butt a new shake against the old, notch around fasteners, and tuck it in with a little finesse. The trick is to avoid prying up surrounding shakes and breaking more than you fix. Matching thickness and taper matters or the replacement will sit proud and catch wind. If you are dealing with chimney leaks, flashing damage, or storm damage roof repair after hail or a big wind, bring in a pro. The skill is not just in nailing a shake, it is in layering underlayments, weaving step flashing, reading water paths, and sealing penetrations without trapping moisture. I have seen well-meaning DIY jobs create ice dams by blocking airflow at the eaves or smearing sealant where a mechanical flashing detail belongs.
Safety is another piece. Cedar roofs are grippy when dry and slick when damp. Falls happen fast. If you cannot tie off safely, or if the pitch is anything beyond a modest walkable slope, the risk outweighs the savings. Also check your warranty and insurance. Some roof warranty coverage requires qualified installers for repairs that touch valleys, vents, or skylights. A DIY patch in those areas can void coverage in a heartbeat.
Asphalt shingles win on initial cost and ease of repair. They are familiar to every crew and do well with modern underlayments. They also suffer from granule loss, UV degradation, and shorter lifespans unless you spring for premium lines. Metal roofing shines on durability, wind resistance, and fire performance. It is strong in hurricane zones and for commercial roofing and industrial roofing solutions, but it can be noisier if not insulated well and may feel out of place architecturally on some homes. Slate roofing and tile roofing, clay or concrete, are beautiful and long-lived, but heavy and expensive to install, and repairs require specialized skill. Cedar shake roofing sits in the middle: lighter than slate or tile, more artisan than asphalt, warmer and quieter than many metals, with a distinct texture that ages gracefully if you keep it breathing.
Cedar rewards steady, light-touch care. Keep trees trimmed back to improve sun and airflow, and clean gutters so water does not back up into the lower courses. A soft wash approach, never a pressure washer, removes organic growth without chewing up the surface. Where moss and algae are persistent, zinc or copper strips near the ridge can help inhibit growth. In cold climates, balance soffit intake and ridge exhaust to reduce warm attic air that melts snow and creates ice dams. In hot climates, a vented assembly helps the roof shed heat and extends the life of both the shakes and the underlayment. For homes near the coast, stainless fasteners and careful flashing details are non-negotiable to resist corrosion.
Schedule periodic roof inspection services, annual or biennial depending on the tree cover and climate. A good roofer will replace isolated failed shakes, reseal flashings, and note early signs of sagging roof edges or poor drainage. If you have skylights, check gaskets and weeps. If a storm rolls through, document hail damage, wind damage to roof edges, or debris impacts promptly. Emergency roof repair for a blow-off can be temporary tarping first, then a proper rebuild. The goal is to extend the roof lifespan by addressing small issues before they become structural problems.
New roof installation on cedar starts with protection of landscaping, teardown of existing roofing, and a clean deck inspection. Replace any soft sheathing, correct uneven planes, and open soffit vents that were painted or screened over. Depending on the assembly, crews install skip sheathing or a vented underlayment mat, then felt or synthetic underlayment designed for cedar. Starter courses are trued to the eaves, and shakes are installed with correct side lap and exposure. Valleys get metal liners or woven solutions depending on design, but always with proper underlayment and flashing sequencing. Chimneys and walls receive step flashing and counterflashing, set cleanly into mortar joints or behind siding. Ridge vents go on last, then caps.
On timing, a typical single-family roof may take a few days to a week, depending on complexity and weather. The crew size and pace vary, but quality control, straight courses, and tight flashings matter more than speed. Ask your contractor about disposal, recycle options for old materials, on-site power, and noise. If you need financing, review roof financing options beforehand so material deposits and progress payments are clear, especially where custom-treated, fire-retardant shakes are special order.
Every cedar roof reaches a point where the field shakes are thin, brittle, and past their prime. If more than 30 to 40 percent need replacement, or if persistent leaks show up across multiple planes even after targeted fixes, roof replacement is usually the smarter play. Pair it with upgrades you cannot easily do later: better attic ventilation, improved insulation baffles, and cleaned or replaced skylights. If wildfire exposure is a concern, choose fire-retardant shakes in a Class A rated assembly. If you are leaning away from wood entirely, this is the moment to revisit asphalt shingles vs metal roofing, especially in high-wind or hurricane-prone regions, or to consider solar shingles or a cold roof assembly for eco-friendly roofing goals.
Here are concise responses to common cedar shake questions that come up during inspections and bids.
Ask them to mark specific shakes and explain why each one fails. Request photos of flashing layers mid-repair, not just surface shots. If they recommend full replacement, have them quantify failed area percentages and show ventilation issues that would make repairs ineffective.
Not necessarily. Localized repairs around flashings, valleys, or a small wind-damaged area can last years when the field is otherwise healthy. If leaks recur across planes or the shakes are uniformly brittle, patching becomes a revolving door and replacement makes more sense.
Scope and details. Some bids skip vented underlayment, downgrade fasteners, or use thinner shakes. Others include chimney rebuilds, ridge venting, and premium underlayments. Ask for a line-item scope and material grades so you are not comparing apples to oranges.
Many are free with the expectation of earning the work. That is fine if they provide clear findings, photos, and options. Be wary of pressure to sign same-day for a “discount,” or claims that insurance will only cover replacement sight unseen.
Keep gutters clean, trim back branches, and gently rinse debris from valleys. Avoid pressure washers. From the ground, watch for new splits, lifted shakes, or dark, damp patches. Schedule a pro check every year or two for touch-ups and to keep flashing tight.
With cedar shakes, every repair is a chance to reset the roof’s breathing and water management. A tight flashing detail at the chimney is not a Band-Aid, it is a plan for the next storm. A fresh ridge vent is not just new trim, it is a pressure valve for your attic. The charm that draws people to cedar, the depth and warmth, only pays off long term when the system beneath it is balanced. Whether you are choosing new cedar, evaluating a roof installation cost against asphalt or metal, or lining up emergency roof repair after a wind event, zoom out. Look at ventilation, drainage, and the sequence of layers. That is where the real durability lives.
Handled with care, cedar shake roofing offers a rare combo: curb appeal that never feels dated and modern protection that stands up to heat, cold, hail, and high wind. Give it clean air to breathe, fix small problems quickly, and partner with a contractor who respects the craft. That is how you turn a beautiful roof into a long-term asset for your home.