Wood Shake & Cedar Roofing

Shakes vs Shingles

Cedar shakes are split, giving a thick, irregular, heavily textured surface. Cedar shingles are sawn, giving a thinner, smoother, more uniform look. Shakes read rustic; shingles read refined. Both are installed over a spaced or solid deck with an underlayment interlay, and both need room to breathe — cedar that cannot dry will not last.

What Cedar Demands In This Climate

• Proper ventilation beneath the shakes so trapped moisture can escape
• Keeping the roof clear of leaf litter and overhanging branches
• Periodic cleaning to prevent moss and algae holding moisture against the wood
• Treatment for fire resistance and rot, renewed on schedule
• Prompt replacement of split or cupped shakes before water gets past them
• Realistic expectations: 30–40 years with maintenance, considerably less without

Synthetic Alternatives

If you want the cedar look without the maintenance, modern composite shakes have become genuinely convincing. They resist rot, insects and fire, weigh less, and carry 40–50 year warranties. On a rental, a building you do not want to maintain closely, or a home in an area with fire concerns, they are often the more sensible choice — and we will tell you when we think so.