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How to Install a Cedar Shake Roof (Explained In 5 Steps)

If you’re thinking about upgrading your roofing system, cedar shakes are an excellent way to add a unique and rustic aesthetic to your home. What’s more, cedar shakes can range in hues from golden brown to reddish brown, which means they’ll complement homes of all colors, from white to dark blue.

Of course, cedar shake roofing is expensive, so you may be thinking about cutting costs and installing the materials yourself. Cedar shake roof installation is no easy feat, but if you take it shingle by shingle, it can be done.

Below we’ll walk you through the steps of cedar shake roof installation — although, we strongly recommend leaving the work up to the professionals. Here we’ll cover:

  • Comparing shakes vs. shingles
  • How to install a cedar roof in 5 steps
  • How to tear off your existing roof

👉 Comparing Shakes vs. Shingles

house roof with cedar shake shingles

When considering cedar roofing, it’s important to understand the difference between shakes and shingles. While they may seem similar at first glance, their key differences lie in how they are made and the aesthetic they provide.

Cedar Shakes are traditionally hand-split, giving them a rustic and textured appearance. This rugged finish makes shakes ideal for homeowners looking for a natural, old-world charm. Additionally, shakes are generally thicker than shingles, offering enhanced durability and better insulation properties. However, their irregular surface can make installation more complex.

Cedar Shingles, on the other hand, are machine-cut for a smoother, more uniform look. This precise shape creates a sleek and polished feel, often preferred for modern or clean architectural styles. Shingles are typically thinner than shakes, which can make them slightly less insulating, but they are easier to install and maintain.

Both options have their unique appeals, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and the architectural style of your home. Regardless, cedar roofing—whether shakes or shingles—adds timeless beauty and excellent resilience against the elements.

Benefits of a Cedar Roof

Cedar roofing combines beauty and functionality, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Here are the key benefits:

  • Natural beauty: Cedar provides a warm, inviting appearance that enhances the character of any home.
  • Durability: Naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage, ensuring long-lasting performance in various climates.
  • Insulation: Excellent insulation properties help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and lower energy bills.
  • Environmentally friendly: Made from a renewable resource and fully biodegradable.
  • Longevity: With proper care, a cedar roof can last for decades, offering a reliable and sustainable solution.

Cedar roofing is a stylish and practical choice for any homeowner looking for durability and eco-friendliness.

🛠️ How to Install a Cedar Roof in 5 Steps

Keep in mind that installing a new roof is a great undertaking. Before getting started, you’ll want to set aside enough time to complete the project. Give yourself at least a week, and pay attention to the weather forecast so your materials don’t become damaged if it rains. It’s also a good idea to learn about cedar roofing materials, so you know what you’re up against.

Tools Needed

All standard wood roof shingles, which include cedar shingles, require some very specific tools and equipment for installation. If you’re big on DIY renovation projects, you likely have the necessary supplies.

Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need, just in case:

  • Handsaw
  • Utility blade
  • Hammer
  • Extension ladder
  • Measuring tape
  • Staple gun and staples
  • Non-breathable underlay
  • Cedar shingles
  • Nails
  • Roof battens
  • Ventilation kit
  • Self-adhesive tape
  • Safety equipment, i.e., long pants, boots, a harness with rope, protective goggles, gloves, safety vest, ear plugs, respirator, etc.

It’s also important to take the proper safety precautions while prepping. Be sure you have someone that can help you by holding the ladder steady and helping you with the tools as needed.

close up to cedar shake shingles

1. Install Your Ventilation Components

Proper ventilation is critical for the longevity of your cedar roof, as it prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to rot or mold. All roofing systems, including cedar, need a steady flow of air beneath the roofing underlay and into the roof space to maintain a dry and stable environment.

Once you receive your ventilation kit, follow these steps:

  • Install over-fascia vents: Position the vents at the bottom of the roofline according to the kit’s instructions. These vents allow airflow into the roof space.
  • Add support trays: Place the support trays on top of the over-fascia vents. These trays guide airflow and prevent the underlay from sagging into the vents. Secure them by nailing them through the pre-made holes on the exterior.
  • Secure with precision: If possible, nail the support trays through the roll panel and into the rafters from the top of the tray. This ensures a firm and durable hold.

Properly installed ventilation components help protect your cedar roof from premature damage, improving its performance and extending its life.

2. Get the Underlayment Into Place

Installing the underlayment is a crucial step for ensuring your cedar roof is well-protected against moisture and weather damage. Regardless of the type of underlayment or membrane you choose, the process remains the same.

Start by rolling out the underlayment across the roof, ensuring there’s plenty of overlap between the layers. Aim for about 4-6 inches of overlap to create a watertight barrier and prevent gaps where water could seep through.

Carefully pull the underlayment down below the support trays, making sure it securely covers the lower edge of the roof. Use self-adhesive tape to secure each piece in place, keeping everything taut and smooth.

This process requires patience and precision, as uneven layers or wrinkles can compromise the roof’s waterproofing. Take your time and work methodically to cover the entire roof in one go. A properly installed underlayment provides the foundation for a long-lasting cedar roof!

3. Place the Roof Battens

Next, you’ll need to position the battens across the width of your roof to provide a sturdy base for the cedar shingles. The placement of the battens will depend on the shape, size, and design of your roof, but typically, the first batten should be installed about five inches from the fascia’s outer edge.

Start by measuring from the center of the batten to ensure even spacing. Most cedar roof installations require battens to be spaced around five inches apart, but be sure to check the specific requirements for your shingles or local building codes.

Once you’ve marked the placement, secure each batten using a hammer and nails. Ensure the battens are level and properly aligned to create a smooth and consistent surface for the cedar shingles. Take your time with this step, as even batten placement will impact the overall look and durability of your roof.

4. Install the Cedar Shingles in Layers

Installing cedar shingles properly is key to creating a durable, weather-resistant roof. Start with the initial layers, as this first layer acts as a protective base for the underlayment and ensures a solid foundation for the rest of the shingles. Work methodically from the roof’s edge toward its pitch.

  • Begin by making sure the shingles overhang the roof eaves by about one and a half inches to help with water runoff.
  • Lay the shingles in a “broken bond” pattern: place two shingles side by side, then position a third directly on top of the joint between them. This staggered arrangement improves the roof’s strength and coverage.
  • Leave a gap of about one-fifth of an inch between shingles to allow for ventilation, thermal expansion, and contraction caused by varying weather conditions.
  • Secure each shingle with staples or nails placed three-fourths of an inch from the edge and one inch from the butt of the shingle above it. Use a tape measure to confirm your nails or staples are aligned in a straight line for a clean, professional look.
  • Repeat this process, layer by layer, until you reach the roofline, ensuring consistent spacing, alignment, and overhang for a seamless finish.

Taking care to follow these steps ensures your cedar roof will not only look great but also stand up to the elements for years to come.

5. Trim the Edges of the Shingles

Once you’ve laid the top layer of cedar shingles, it’s time to trim the edges to create a clean, even ridgeline. Use a hand saw or utility knife to carefully cut the shingles so the ridge extends exactly five inches from the fascia. Take your time to ensure each shingle is uniformly cut, as inconsistencies can affect both the appearance and the durability of the roof. Double-check your measurements as you go to maintain a professional, polished finish. This step not only improves the roof’s aesthetics but also ensures proper alignment and protection against weather elements.

🗑️ How to Tear Off Your Existing Roof

cedar shake roof installation-roof tear off

Tearing off an existing roof is a critical step in preparing for a new roof installation, and it should be done with care to avoid damage to the underlying structure. Start by ensuring your safety with proper equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear. Begin removing the shingles at the highest point of the roof, working from the ridge down toward the eaves. Use a roofing shovel or a pry bar to carefully lift and detach the shingles, then collect and dispose of the debris in a designated dumpster or disposal area. Pay attention to the underlayment and nails underneath the shingles; these should also be removed to create a clean surface for the new roof. Inspect the decking below for any signs of damage, such as rot or warping, and make necessary repairs before proceeding. Ensuring an even and debris-free surface lays the foundation for a successful and long-lasting roof installation.

👨‍🔧 DIY Cedar Shake Roof Installation Vs. Hiring a Professional

Installing your own cedar roofing isn’t as easy as it may seem. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could easily end up wasting a lot of materials — and your money. Before starting the project on your own, consider the following:

  • How much will the materials, tools, and supplies cost?
  • Can you afford to make mistakes and purchase more roofing materials if necessary?
  • Do you have enough time in your schedule to commit to your roof? (It’s not a project you can leave and come back to later, you’ll need to work on it daily until it’s finished!)
  • Is there someone that can help you during the project?
  • What will you do if you find that you’ve installed your roof improperly?

If you want our expert opinion, it’s best to leave your cedar shake roofing installation to the professionals! Shake Guys is the local authority on cedar shake roofing, and we can guarantee you’ll get the best materials, proper installation, and a beautiful roof by the time we’re finished.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about our cedar shake roofing services. We’ll walk you through all of your options. Don’t forget to ask about our special financing options!

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