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Edison Roofing Contractor

Cedar Shake Roofing

Authentic cedar shake and shingle roofing installation and restoration for natural beauty and excellent insulation.

About Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing brings a warm, natural aesthetic to your home that no manufactured material can truly replicate. The rich grain patterns, natural color variations, and handcrafted texture of western red cedar create a roof that is as beautiful as it is functional. Edison Roofing Contractor installs and restores cedar shake and shingle roofs throughout Middlesex County for homeowners who appreciate the character and craftsmanship of natural wood roofing. Cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage thanks to the oils and tannins present in the heartwood. It also provides significantly better insulation than asphalt shingles, reducing heat transfer through your roof by up to twice as much as conventional roofing materials. Hand-split cedar shakes create a rustic, textured appearance with thick, irregular profiles, while machine-sawn cedar shingles offer a smoother, more uniform look that suits both traditional and contemporary homes. Proper cedar roof installation requires expertise in spacing, fastening, and ventilation that differs substantially from asphalt shingle work. Each shake or shingle must be individually spaced to allow for expansion and contraction, fastened with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails to prevent corrosion staining, and installed over a breathable underlayment system that allows the wood to dry from both sides. We also apply fire-retardant treatments and preservative coatings that extend the lifespan and maintain the appearance of your cedar roof. Edison Roofing Contractor handles everything from new cedar installations to re-roofing aging cedar roofs and targeted repairs that maintain the integrity and beauty of your existing wood roof.

Our Cedar Shake Roofing Process

1

Cedar Grade & Style Selection

We help you choose between hand-split shakes and sawn shingles, select the grade of cedar, and determine the exposure rate that achieves your desired appearance.

2

Ventilation & Substrate Design

Proper ventilation is critical for cedar longevity. We design the underlayment and batten system to allow air circulation on both sides of the cedar.

3

Spaced Sheathing or Batten Installation

Depending on the system, we install spaced sheathing boards or counter-batten systems that create the air gap cedar needs to dry properly and last.

4

Cedar Shake Installation

Each shake or shingle is individually hand-placed with proper side spacing, secured with corrosion-resistant fasteners at the correct position to avoid splitting.

5

Treatment & Protection

Fire retardant treatment and preservative coating are applied to enhance durability, extend lifespan, and maintain the natural color of the cedar.

Materials We Use

Premium western red cedar hand-split shakes
Tapersawn cedar shingles
Machine-sawn cedar shingles
Stainless steel ring-shank nails
Breathable cedar roof underlayment
Cedar-safe preservative treatment
Fire retardant treatment solutions
Copper valley and flashing materials

Benefits of Cedar Shake Roofing

Natural beauty with unique grain patterns that improve with age
Superior insulation value, up to twice the R-value of asphalt shingles
Naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage
Environmentally sustainable and biodegradable at end of life
Distinctive curb appeal that significantly increases home value

Cedar Shake Roofing FAQ

How long does a cedar shake roof last?

A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof in New Jersey typically lasts 30 to 50 years. The lifespan depends heavily on the grade of cedar used, the quality of installation, ventilation design, and how consistently maintenance is performed. Top-grade, heartwood-only western red cedar in a well-ventilated installation with regular cleaning and periodic treatment can approach the 50-year mark. Lower grades or installations with inadequate ventilation may show significant deterioration in 20 to 25 years. Regular maintenance including debris removal, moss treatment, and periodic re-coating of preservative is essential. Contact Edison Roofing Contractor for a maintenance plan that maximizes your cedar roof lifespan.

Are cedar shake roofs a fire hazard?

Untreated cedar shakes do carry a higher fire risk than materials like asphalt or metal, which is why many jurisdictions and homeowners associations have specific requirements for wood roofing. However, modern fire-retardant treatments can bring cedar shakes up to a Class B or even Class A fire rating, meeting building code requirements in most areas. These treatments are applied either at the factory before installation or in the field after installation, and they penetrate the wood to provide lasting protection. We verify local fire code requirements for your specific municipality before recommending cedar and ensure your installation meets or exceeds all applicable standards. Contact Edison Roofing Contractor to discuss fire-safe cedar roofing options for your home.

What maintenance does a cedar roof need?

Cedar roofs require more maintenance than asphalt or metal roofs to achieve their full lifespan potential. We recommend annual inspections and cleaning to remove leaves, twigs, and debris that trap moisture against the wood surface. Moss, lichen, and algae growth should be treated promptly as they hold moisture and accelerate decay. Every three to five years, a fresh application of preservative treatment helps maintain the wood oils that provide natural weather resistance. Individual damaged shakes should be replaced as they are discovered to prevent water from reaching the underlayment. With consistent maintenance, a cedar roof rewards you with decades of natural beauty. Edison Roofing Contractor offers annual cedar roof maintenance programs.

Get Your Free Cedar Shake Roofing Estimate

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