Cost to Replace Cedar Shake Roof (2024 Guide)

Your roof protects you from the elements year-round. When it comes time for a replacement, choosing the right material is crucial. Cedar shake roofs stand out for their natural beauty and durability, but what exactly are they, and are they the right choice for your home?

In this guide, we’ll delve into:

• The intricacies of cedar shake roofing
• The cost to replace cedar shake roof systems
• Maintenance requirements

What are Cedar Shakes?

Cedar shakes are wooden roofing materials crafted from split logs, typically of cedar trees. These shakes are handcrafted or machine-cut into various shapes and sizes, giving them a rustic and natural appearance. Unlike cedar shingles, which are sawn on both sides, shakes retain a rough, textured surface, adding to their visual appeal.

Differences between Cedar Shakes and Cedar Shingles

While cedar shakes and shingles are both made from cedar wood and serve as roofing materials, there are notable differences between the two:

• Manufacturing Process: Shingles are precisely cut using machinery, resulting in a uniform thickness and smooth surface. In contrast, shakes are split by hand or machine, preserving their natural irregularities and texture.
• Appearance: Shingles offer a more refined and uniform look due to their smooth surface, while shakes provide a rustic and textured appearance, enhancing the charm of a home.
• Durability: Shakes, with their thicker profile and rugged surface, tend to be more durable and resilient to harsh weather conditions compared to shingles.

Pros and Cons of Cedar Shake Roofing

Just because cedar shakes are popular doesn’t mean that they are the right choice for you. If you’re looking to make the switch, carefully consider all of the factors below:

✅ Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar shakes lend a timeless, natural beauty to any home, enhancing its curb appeal.
• Insulation: Cedar wood has natural insulating properties, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs.
• Durability: Properly maintained cedar shake roofs can last upwards of 30 years or more, outlasting many other roofing materials.
• Sustainability: Cedar is a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

❌ Cons:

• Cost: Cedar shakes are initially more expensive to install compared to asphalt shingles or metal roofing materials.
• Maintenance: Cedar shakes require regular maintenance, including inspections, cleaning, and periodic treatments to prevent mold, rot, and insect infestations.
• Fire Risk: Cedar is combustible, posing a higher risk of fire compared to non-wood roofing materials. However, treated cedar shakes can mitigate this risk to some extent.

Cost to Install a Cedar Shake Roof

The cost of installing a cedar shake roof varies depending on several factors, including the size of your roof, the quality of the shakes, labor costs, and any additional features or modifications required. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $9 and $15 per square foot for cedar shake installation. For a typical 2,000 square foot roof, this translates to a total cost of $18,000 to $30,000.

Ways to Finance Your Cedar Shake Roof

Financing a cedar shake roof replacement can be a significant investment, but several options are available to help make it more manageable:

• Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit: If you have equity in your home, you may qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit to finance your roof replacement at a lower interest rate.
• Personal Loans: Personal loans offer flexibility and can be used to cover the cost of your cedar shake roof without tapping into your home equity.
• Roofing Financing Programs: Many roofing contractors offer financing programs or partnerships with lenders to help homeowners finance their roof replacements with favorable terms.

4 Maintenance Requirements for Cedar Shakes:

To ensure the longevity and performance of your cedar shake roof, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some maintenance tasks to consider:

1) Inspections:

Schedule annual inspections to assess the condition of your cedar shakes, looking for signs of damage, mold, or rot.

2) Cleaning:

Remove debris, leaves, and moss from your roof regularly to prevent moisture buildup and potential damage.

3) Treatments:

Apply a quality wood preservative or sealant every few years to protect your cedar shakes from moisture, UV exposure, and pests.

4) Repairs:

Promptly address any damaged or missing shakes to prevent further deterioration and maintain the integrity of your roof.

Is Cedar Shake Roofing Right for You?

Determining whether cedar shake roofing is the right choice for your home depends on various factors, including your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance capabilities. Consider the following questions:

• Do you appreciate the natural beauty and rustic charm of cedar shakes?
• Are you willing to invest in regular maintenance to prolong the life of your roof?
• Does your budget allow for the higher upfront costs of cedar shake installation?
• Are you prepared to address the potential fire risk associated with cedar roofing?

If you answered yes to these questions and prioritize the aesthetic appeal, durability, and sustainability of cedar shakes, then this roofing option may be well suited for your home.

Learn More About Cedar Shake Roof Cost

Replacing your roof is a significant investment that requires careful consideration. Cedar shake roofing offers a timeless and elegant solution for homeowners seeking durability, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. While the upfront costs and maintenance requirements may be higher compared to other roofing materials, the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial investment.

Want to learn more about how much cedar shake roofs cost? You’ve come to the right place! The team at Shake Guys will provide you with a detailed inspection and estimate that will allow you to plan for your new cedar shake roof. Contact us today to get started!