Cedar Wood Shake Roofing Guide
Timeless Natural Beauty for Your Home
There's nothing quite like the warmth and character of a cedar shake roof. The natural wood grain, the way it ages gracefully over time, the way it transforms any home into something truly special.
In this guide, we'll help you understand everything about cedar roofing—the honest pros and cons, how long it really lasts, and whether it makes sense for California or Texas climates.
Is Cedar Shake Roofing Right for Your Home?
Before you invest in any roofing material, you deserve to know the full picture. Here's what we tell our customers about cedar—the good and the not-so-good.
What We Love About Cedar
- Unmatched natural beauty—rich wood grain and texture that can't be replicated
- Superior natural insulation—up to 2x better R-value than asphalt shingles
- Develops beautiful silver-gray patina over time for timeless appeal
- Naturally resistant to UV radiation and extreme weather conditions
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable—lower carbon footprint than synthetic materials
- Can last 30-50 years with proper maintenance and care
Things to Keep in Mind
- Higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles
- Requires regular maintenance (cleaning, treatment, inspections)
- Fire restrictions in some California wildfire zones (fire-rated options available)
- Susceptible to moss, mold, and insect damage without proper care
- Not ideal for extremely wet climates without excellent ventilation
How Does Cedar Perform in Your Area?
Southern California
Good with PrecautionsCedar performs well in SoCal's dry climate. Fire-rated treatments or synthetic alternatives are often required in WUI zones. The dry conditions help prevent moss and rot issues common in wetter regions.
Northern California
ExcellentCedar thrives in NorCal's moderate climate. Natural oils resist moisture and rot. Perfect for coastal and wine country homes seeking that classic craftsman aesthetic.
Texas
Very GoodCedar's natural insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures in Texas heat. Excellent UV resistance handles intense sun. Popular for ranch and Hill Country style homes.
The Real Benefits of Cedar Roofing
Natural Beauty
Nothing replicates the rich, organic warmth of natural cedar with its distinctive wood grain and texture.
Superior Insulation
Cedar provides natural R-value up to 2x better than asphalt, helping regulate indoor temperatures year-round.
Long-Lasting
With proper maintenance, cedar roofs last 30-50 years, developing a beautiful silver patina over time.
Fire-Safe Options
Class A fire-rated cedar and synthetic alternatives meet California's strict wildfire building codes.
Eco-Friendly
Cedar is a renewable, biodegradable resource with a smaller carbon footprint than petroleum-based materials.
Types of Cedar Shake Roofing
Hand-Split Cedar Shakes
Traditional hand-split shakes offer a rough, rustic texture with exceptional natural beauty and character unique to each piece.
Sawn Cedar Shingles
Machine-sawn smooth on both sides for a cleaner, more uniform appearance while retaining cedar's natural warmth.
Fire-Rated Cedar
Pressure-treated cedar with fire retardants achieving Class A or B fire ratings for wildfire-prone areas.
Our Cedar Roofing Services
Now that you understand cedar roofing, here's how we can help. Our craftsmen have installed hundreds of cedar roofs across California and Texas.
Cedar Shake Installation
Expert installation of hand-split shakes and sawn shingles using traditional techniques that ensure lasting beauty and performance.
Cedar Roof Repair
Fast, effective repairs for damaged, split, or missing shakes. We match existing materials for seamless restoration.
Cedar Roof Replacement
Complete tear-off and replacement when your cedar roof has reached end of life or you want to upgrade to fire-rated options.
Cedar Restoration
Revive aging cedar with deep cleaning, repairs, and protective treatments that restore natural beauty and extend lifespan.
Preventive Maintenance
Regular inspections, debris removal, and preservative applications to keep your cedar roof performing beautifully for decades.
We Make Cedar Roofing Affordable
Cedar Shake Roofing FAQs
We Serve Your Community
Expert roofing services throughout California and Texas. Find your city below and discover how we can help with your roofing needs.
