Wood Roofing
Cedar Shake Roofing
Learn about cedar shake roofing, including natural appearance, moisture exposure, splitting, moss, maintenance, lifespan, repairability, and inspection considerations.
Common uses
Where this material is commonly installed.
Historic homes
Custom homes
Rustic residential designs
Coastal-style properties
Luxury residences
Architectural accents
Potential advantages
Why property owners consider this material.
Distinctive natural appearance
Natural texture and color variation
Insulating characteristics
Individual shakes may be replaceable
Compatible with historic designs
Can age into an attractive weathered appearance
Considerations
What may affect long-term performance.
Requires more maintenance than many materials
Moisture can accelerate decay
Moss and debris can retain water
Fire-code or insurance restrictions may apply
Matching weathered shakes can be difficult
Pressure washing can damage wood fibers
Common problems
Conditions homeowners may encounter.
Splitting
Curling
Rot
Moss growth
Missing shakes
Rusting fasteners
Exposed underlayment
Moisture retention
Inspection points
What a professional may evaluate.
Shake thickness
Splits and cracks
Fasteners
Spacing
Interlayment
Ventilation
Biological growth
Flashing
Related roofing services
Services connected to this material.
Roof Inspection
Maryland Roof Check helps homeowners schedule a professional inspection and receive clear information about the visible condition of the roofing system.
View serviceStorm Damage
Storm damage may involve lifted shingles, creased tabs, missing materials, damaged ridge caps, flashing concerns, punctures, or water intrusion.
View serviceRoof Leak
Roof leaks can be caused by damaged shingles, failed flashing, pipe boots, valleys, skylights, ventilation problems, aging materials, or storm damage.
View serviceWind Damage
A professional inspection can identify visible signs of wind-related damage and help determine whether the roofing system remains secure and serviceable.
View serviceRoof Replacement
A professional evaluation can help determine whether a targeted repair may be reasonable or whether widespread deterioration makes replacement more practical.
View serviceRoof Repair
A professional inspection can identify the likely source of the problem and help determine whether repair is practical.
View serviceFrequently asked questions
Questions about cedar shakes.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?+
Many cedar shake roofs last approximately 20 to 40 years, though moisture, shade, maintenance, wood quality, and ventilation can significantly affect service life.
Can individual cedar shakes be replaced?+
Yes, individual shakes may sometimes be replaced, depending on surrounding condition, fastener access, underlayment, and material availability.
Should cedar roofs be pressure washed?+
Generally no. High-pressure washing can damage wood fibers and shorten the life of the roofing material.
Why is moss a problem on cedar?+
Moss retains moisture, slows drying, and may accelerate splitting, decay, and deterioration.
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Explore materialNeed property-specific guidance?
Schedule a professional roof inspection.
Get clear information about the material, visible condition, repairability, and practical next steps.