What are cedar shakes, and what do they mean for roof replacements?

Cedar shakes were once common, but are now a premium type of roofing. Taking advantage of the natural water resistance of cedar wood, cedar panels are layered for a long-lasting and attractive wooden roof that can outlive most asphalt shingles. 

Cedar shakes have many benefits, including natural longevity, innate insulation and weather resistance. By some accounts, they're also an environmentally conscious roofing choice, though not all sources agree on that subject. Cedar shakes also have their downsides, including a steep price. Old cedar shakes can be risky to remove and messy, potentially making a reroof much more expensive than the cost of a new roof with the best asphalt shingles .

Here's what to know about cedar shakes, including why you might pick them for a reroof and what to know if you own a home with a cedar shake roof that needs work.

What are cedar shakes?

Shakes are large flat pieces of wood that are overlaid so that water will run off them. These act much like shingles, and shakes can be installed as roofing or siding.

Shakes are cut from cedar logs, which are sliced along their grain at sawmills, as explained by Washington-based Watkin's Sawmills . The shakes are trimmed and can then be finished with various chemicals, which can reduce their susceptibility to flames and extend their working lifespan.

How are cedar shakes installed?

Before shakes are installed, a roof's decking should be sealed with an underlayment layer, according to Shake Guys , a shake roof installer with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. This layer ventilates the shakes and decking to ensure no moisture builds up beneath the top layer.

After the underlayment is down, battens are placed, and the first layer of shakes is installed. The subsequent layers of shakes are installed over the first. Finally, the roofer will usually trim the edges of the top layer of shakes.

The benefits of cedar shakes

Even untreated, cedar shakes often provide strong weather resistance that can shelter your home from rain, wind and hail, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) . Shakes are also natural insulators that will help keep a home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. 

Modern cedar shakes from brands like the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau are treated for flame resistance. 

Cedar shakes are aesthetically appealing

Beyond their practical benefits, cedar shakes are very visually attractive. Shakes naturally change color with age and exposure, giving your roof a patina. As individual shakes are replaced, new boards will be added with the old, adding flair.

A cedar shake roof is in keeping with how certain historic homes were built. In areas like Staten Island, N.Y. , many older homes are finished with cedar. In these cases, investing in a shake roof will honor the building tradition in which a historic home was built.

Cedar shakes may be environmentally friendly

There's a case to be made that cedar shakes are somewhat environmentally friendly, according to Connecticut-based Cedar Roof Coatings . However, there's room for skepticism in this argument. 

When shakes are sourced from sustainably managed cedar forests, they are technically a renewable resource. Additionally, when older shakes warp and are replaced, the old shakes can be repurposed or burned as fuel. 

That said, shakes are always sourced from logging. If you're choosing shakes out of environmental conscientiousness, research the precise source of your shakes.

Cedar shake limitations

There are many reasons to want a cedar roof. However, while shakes are attractive, weather-resistant and long-lasting, there are downsides to these wooden roofs as well. 

Cedar shakes are expensive

Cedar shakes are a significant investment; while they'll usually last longer than shingles, they can cost much more. According to Angi , an average-sized cedar shake roof can cost $21,000.

Cedar shakes often demand more upkeep than asphalt shingles. Since shakes are individual pieces of wood, they'll often age differently. This means that within the lifespan of a cedar roof, you may need to replace individual shakes. This will demand higher labor costs over a roof's lifespan.

High replacement cost

Have a property with old cedar shakes and want to replace them with shingles? Expect to spend. A cedar shake roof can be much more expensive to replace than a shingle roof installed on plywood decking. County Roofing Systems, one of our picks for the best Staten Island roofers , told us that a 1,500 square foot shingle roof would usually cost up to around $16,000 in New York City, while the same size roof with old cedar shakes could cost up to $24,000 to replace. This is due to the labor involved in removing old cedar shakes.

Sometimes, asphalt shingles are installed over old shakes to save money. According to West Fraser , a company that produces wood products, this is not a good idea. A shake roof doesn't have the uniform surface that shingles need to adhere to. As with removing and reinstalling a shake roof, expect a reroof on a home that has shingles installed over shakes to cost significantly more than a regular shingle reroof.

Cedar shakes do better in some climates than others

Cedar shakes do better in cool climates. Extreme summer heat can cause cedar shakes to split, according to Shake Guys . Wet and salty climates can cause cedar shakes to warp, reducing their lifespan and potentially reducing their effectiveness. 

If you're thinking about investing in a shake roof, consider whether your home's climate is compatible with a timber roof.

Should you invest in cedar shakes?

As with other premium roofing materials such as tile and metal , shakes are more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, there are many reasons a homeowner might choose this premium option, whether it's to conform to a historical precedent, for the aesthetic look or for cedar's natural weather resistance. 

While some might be attracted to wood shakes out of environmental concern, shakes do require that trees be cut down. There are arguments to be made for and against shakes being considered environmentally friendly. 

If you're interested in a cedar roof, we suggest that you research your options thoroughly and consult with the best roofers in your area to find a suitable roofer with the expertise required.

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