Cedar Shake Roofing Guide

Cedar shake roofs deliver a natural, handcrafted beauty that no manufactured material can replicate. The rich texture of hand-split shakes, the warm tones of new cedar, and the distinguished silver-gray patina of aged wood make cedar one of the most visually appealing roofing choices. This guide covers everything from cedar types to the maintenance schedule that keeps your roof performing for decades.

Cedar Shakes vs Cedar Shingles

These terms are often used interchangeably but they are different products:

Cedar Grades & Types

Species

Western Red Cedar is the standard for roofing. It naturally contains thujaplicins - oils that resist insects, rot, and moisture. Other species used include Alaskan Yellow Cedar (more durable but expensive), Eastern White Cedar (less durable), and Taper-sawn Cedar (machine-cut for consistent thickness).

Grades

• #1 (Blue Label): 100% edge grain, 100% heartwood, no defects. Premium grade for the longest life and best appearance.
• #2 (Red Label): Allows some flat grain and limited sapwood. Good quality for residential use at a lower price point.
• #3 (Black Label): Economy grade with flat grain and some defects. Not recommended for roofing.

Always specify #1 grade for roofing applications. The price difference between #1 and #2 is small compared to the significant lifespan advantage.

Cost Breakdown

For a 2,000 sq ft roof:

• Cedar shakes (#1 grade): $16,000-$28,000 installed
• Cedar shingles (#1 grade): $14,000-$24,000 installed
• Materials per square: $350-$600 for shakes, $250-$450 for shingles
• Fire treatment (if required): $2-$4 per sq ft additional

Use our cost calculator for a personalized estimate.

Installation

• Minimum pitch: 4/12 for shingles, 4/12 for shakes with proper underlayment
• Spacing: Each shake or shingle must have a 1/4" to 3/8" gap between pieces for expansion when wet
• Interlayment: Cedar shakes require an 18" strip of felt (interlayment) between each course. This provides a double layer of water protection.
• Fasteners: Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails. Never use electro-galvanized nails - they corrode.
• Exposure: The amount of each shake visible (not overlapped). Typically 7.5" for 18" shakes and 10" for 24" shakes.

Fire Treatment & Regulations

Untreated cedar has a Class C fire rating (the lowest). Many jurisdictions in fire-prone areas (California, Colorado, parts of the Pacific Northwest) either prohibit untreated cedar or require fire treatment.

• Pressure-treated cedar: Fire retardant chemicals are forced into the wood under pressure. Achieves Class A or B fire rating. This is the most reliable treatment method.
• Surface-applied treatments: Less effective and may need periodic reapplication.
• Building code: Check your local fire codes before specifying cedar. Some areas ban wood roofing entirely, regardless of treatment.

Maintenance Schedule

Cedar requires the most maintenance of any roofing material. A well-maintained cedar roof can last 40+ years; a neglected one may fail in 15-20.

Annual

• Remove debris (leaves, pine needles, branches) from the roof surface
• Clear moss and algae (use zinc or copper strips to prevent regrowth)
• Inspect for split, cracked, or warped shakes - replace immediately
• Check that spacing gaps are not filled with debris (prevents drying)

Every 3-5 Years

• Apply cedar preservative/sealer to protect against UV and moisture
• Treat for moss and algae with appropriate cleaning solution
• Inspect from above for any shakes lifting or curling

Budget

Expect to spend $200-$500 per year on cedar roof maintenance, including periodic professional treatment every 3-5 years ($500-$2,000 per application depending on roof size).

Lifespan & Natural Aging

New cedar starts as a warm, reddish-brown color. Over 1-2 years, it naturally weathers to a beautiful silver-gray patina. This is normal and desirable - many homeowners choose cedar specifically for this aged look.

With proper maintenance, cedar shakes last 30-40 years and shingles 25-35 years. In dry climates (Southwest, Mountain West), cedar lasts longer because there is less moisture to promote rot. In wet climates (Pacific Northwest, Southeast), the shorter end of the range is more realistic.

Frequently Asked Questions