Authentic Cedar Shake & Shingle Roofing
A shake is a wooden shingle that is made from split logs.
Shingles must be edge grain cut, to prevent warping and splitting as the wood dries. When splitting blocks and manufacturing shakes or shingles, particular care must be taken to consider the orientation of the grain in the wood.
Cedar shakes and shingles have been used for hundreds of years and have proven their longevity in all weather and all conditions of climates. Cedar shakes and shingles contain oils that make them naturally decay resistant. High humidity areas can get added protection with Certi-Last pressure-impregnated preservative treated material. Cedars’ insulative quality, aesthetic appeal, and wind and impact resistance make Certi-label cedar shakes and shingles the natural choice for your roofing material.
Timeless Beauty, Natural Insulation, & Unmatched Durability
Few roofing materials match the natural elegance, warm character, and architectural prestige of genuine cedar. As a specialized roofing contractor, we craft handcrafted cedar shake and shingle roofs that enhance curb appeal, insulate your home naturally, and stand strong against severe weather for decades.
Cedar roofing is a skilled trade requiring precision craftsmanship, proper spacing, and specialized installation techniques. We bring years of dedicated woodworking and roofing expertise to deliver a cedar roof that performs as magnificently as it looks.
Shakes vs. Shingles: Choosing the Right Style
While both come from premium Western Red Cedar, the manufacturing process creates distinct textures and aesthetics for your home’s architecture.
| Feature | Hand-Split & Resawn Cedar Shakes | Taper-Sawn / Smooth Cedar Shingles |
| Appearance | Rustic, textured, heavy shadow lines | Clean, uniform, tailored architectural finish |
| Manufacturing | Split along the grain, resawn on back | Sawn on both sides for uniform thickness |
| Best Architectural Fit | Craftsman, Rustic, Tudor, Lodges | Cape Cod, Colonial, Victorian, Modern |
| Thickness | Heavy profile (1/2″ to 3/4″ thickness) | Sleek, thin profile (3/8″ to 1/2″ thickness) |
Why Choose Real Western Red Cedar?
- Unmatched Natural Insulation: Cedar has natural thermal resistance (R-value) up to 2x that of asphalt shingles, lowering your heating and cooling costs year-round.
- Extreme Wind & Storm Resistance: Cedar shakes naturally resist high winds, heavy impact, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles without cracking.
- Natural Preservatives: Western Red Cedar produces natural preservatives (tannins) that inhibit rot, insect damage, and decay.
- Sustainable & Eco-Friendly: 100% biodegradable and harvested from sustainably managed forests with a significantly lower carbon footprint than synthetic materials.
Our Complete Cedar Installation Process
Cedar roofing requires specialized roof assembly techniques to ensure moisture drains freely and the wood breathes properly. We never cut corners on sub-layer protection.
[ Premium Ridge Cap ] --> Split cedar caps tailored for clean hip & ridge seal
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[ Handsplit / Sawn Cedar ] --> Staggered courses with proper spacing for expansion
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[ Interlayment Felt ] --> Breathable, moisture-shedding barrier between courses
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[ Cedar Breather Mat ] --> Creates a continuous air gap under shakes for 360° drying
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[ Ice & Water Shield ] --> Heavy-duty waterproof protection at eaves, valleys, & penetrations
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[ Solid Decking / Strapping] --> Properly ventilated deck foundation
- Precision Deck Preparation: We inspect the roof deck and install breathable underlayments or cedar breather matrixes to allow proper airflow beneath the wood.
- Proper Expansion Joints: Cedar expands and contracts with humidity. We carefully hand-space every shake ($3/8^{\prime\prime}$ gap) to prevent warping and buckling.
- Breathable Interlayment: We interleave felt strips between shake courses to shed water while maintaining essential ventilation.
- Stainless Steel / Hot-Dipped Fasteners: Standard nails rust and cause premature wood decay. We exclusively use corrosion-resistant stainless steel or heavy hot-dipped galvanized fasteners.
Grades & Treatments to Fit Your Needs
We install certified grades through the Certi-Label® Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, ensuring top-grade wood quality:
- Number 1 Grade (Blue Label): 100% clear, 100% edge-grain cedar harvested from mature trees for maximum stability and lifespan.
- Fire-Retardant Treatments: Factory-pressure-treated Class A, B, or C fire-resistant cedar systems designed to meet strict local building codes.
- Preservative-Treated Cedar: Factory-infused pressure treatments that protect against fungal decay and termite attack in high-humidity climates.
Restorations, Maintenance, & Repairs
Already have a cedar roof? We extend the lifespan of existing cedar systems through specialized contractor services:
- Individual Shake Replacement: Replacing split, curled, or missing shakes without disturbing the surrounding roof.
- Soft Washing & Moss Removal: Non-abrasive, eco-friendly treatments that clear algae and moss without damaging the wood fibers.
- Protective Staining & Sealing: Applying breathable wood preservatives to restore natural oils and prevent UV degradation.
Protect Your Investment with Expert Craftsmanship
A cedar roof is an investment in your home’s character and longevity. Trust a contractor who knows the science of wood ventilation, proper fastening, and authentic styling.
Ready to Upgrade Your Roof?
Get an authentic, fully warrantied roofing system built to last for decades.
[Call Now: 301) 208-3201] [Request Your Free Estmate]