Overview
Cedar shake roofing occupies a premium position within the wood roofing category, distinguished from general wood shake by the specific use of western red cedar and the hand-split production method that creates shakes of exceptional character and performance. Hand-split cedar shakes exhibit a rough, textured face created by splitting along the natural wood grain rather than sawing, producing a surface with dramatic shadow lines and natural variation that machine-sawn products cannot replicate. The resulting roof surface has a depth and authenticity that makes it among the most visually compelling roofing materials available.
Western red cedar is specifically prized for roofing because its natural chemistry provides inherent resistance to decay, insects, and moisture that other wood species lack. The heartwood contains thujaplicins and other extractives that function as natural preservatives, giving cedar a base level of durability that chemical treatment enhances further. Premium cedar shakes are produced from old-growth or managed-plantation trees that provide the tight grain structure and high heartwood content needed for maximum performance. When combined with modern fire-retardant and preservative pressure treatments, cedar shake roofing delivers beauty, performance, and safety.
Newark Quality Roofing sources cedar shakes from certified mills that meet or exceed the quality standards established by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, the industry organization that sets grading, production, and application standards for cedar roofing products. We install shakes that carry the CSSB certification label, which guarantees the material meets minimum standards for grade, thickness, and quality. This certification matters because uncertified cedar products vary widely in quality and may not provide the performance or lifespan that properly graded material delivers.
The environmental profile of cedar shake roofing appeals to homeowners who consider sustainability in their building material decisions. Cedar is a renewable resource harvested from managed forests, and the manufacturing process requires far less energy than producing asphalt shingles, metal panels, or concrete tiles. Old cedar shakes at the end of their service life are biodegradable and can be composted or used as landscape mulch rather than occupying landfill space. The carbon sequestration that occurs during tree growth and remains locked in the wood throughout the roof's service life gives cedar a favorable carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based roofing products. For environmentally conscious homeowners in Essex County communities like Maplewood and South Orange where sustainability values are prominent, cedar shake roofing aligns material choice with environmental principles.
500+ projects completed in Essex County
15+ years serving Essex County · GAF Certified Contractor · Fully insured and bonded
Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing
- You desire the premium natural aesthetic that only genuine hand-split cedar can provide for your home
- Your existing cedar shake roof shows widespread splitting, thinning, and loss of structural thickness from decades of weathering
- Cedar shakes are curling severely, lifting at the edges, and no longer lying flat against the roof surface
- The distinctive cedar color has deteriorated into uniform dark grey-black rather than the attractive silver-grey patina of healthy weathering
- Moss has penetrated deeply into shake edges and is actively prying individual shakes apart rather than merely growing on the surface
- Your home's architectural style and neighborhood character call for the rustic elegance that cedar shake uniquely provides
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Our Cedar Shake Roofing Approach
Cedar shake installation is a craft that demands patience, material knowledge, and attention to the unique characteristics of natural wood. Our cedar specialists begin by hand-grading every shake in the delivery bundle, because even within a certified grade there is variation in thickness, width, and grain orientation that affects both appearance and performance. Thicker shakes are reserved for eave courses and high-visibility areas. Shakes with the most dramatic grain patterns are positioned where they will contribute most to the visual composition of the finished roof.
The installation system beneath cedar shakes must balance waterproofing with the ventilation that wood roofing demands for longevity. We use a breathable interlayment system between courses that allows air circulation on the underside of each shake while maintaining a secondary moisture barrier against wind-driven rain. This ventilation is essential in the Essex County climate where humidity and rainfall would cause trapped moisture to accelerate decay on the shake underside. At eave lines and valleys, enhanced waterproofing provides additional protection at these high-vulnerability locations.
Every cedar installation receives initial treatment with a high-quality preservative and UV inhibitor that protects the fresh wood surface during the critical first years of exposure. This initial treatment extends the time before the first maintenance treatment is needed and provides immediate protection against the biological colonization that can begin within months on untreated wood in the Essex County environment. We provide a written maintenance schedule with every cedar installation that specifies cleaning, retreatment, and inspection intervals customized to your roof's specific exposure conditions.
Ridge and hip construction on cedar shake roofs requires particular craftsmanship because these prominent lines define the visual character of the finished roof. Our installers hand-fit each ridge and hip shake, mitering the joints and alternating the overlap direction with each course to create a woven appearance that showcases the material's natural character. Copper or stainless steel ridge flashing beneath the cap shakes provides redundant waterproofing at these high-exposure locations. This level of detail work distinguishes a professionally installed cedar roof from the utilitarian approach that treats ridge and hip caps as an afterthought rather than a defining design element.
Residential Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shake roofing is chosen by homeowners who appreciate the unrivaled natural beauty of genuine wood and are willing to invest in both the material and its ongoing care. The visual reward is substantial. A freshly installed cedar shake roof glows with warm honey and amber tones that develop over the first year into a rich, weathered character. Over subsequent years, the cedar transitions through shades of brown into the distinguished silver-grey patina that marks a mature cedar roof. This natural aging process gives cedar a living quality that synthetic materials, no matter how cleverly designed, cannot genuinely achieve.
The investment in cedar shake includes a commitment to maintenance that is more involved than what other premium materials require. Annual inspection, debris removal, periodic cleaning to manage biological growth, and preservative reapplication every three to five years are essential to achieving the 40 to 50-year lifespan that well-maintained cedar can deliver. We frame this maintenance requirement clearly during the consultation process because we believe informed homeowners make better decisions. For those who embrace the stewardship that cedar demands, the material rewards them with beauty and character that only improves with age.
Natural insulation is an often-overlooked benefit of cedar shake roofing. Wood provides significantly better thermal resistance per inch of thickness than asphalt, metal, or tile. The thick profile of hand-split shakes, combined with the air space created by the interlayment system, creates a roof assembly with noticeable insulating value. Homeowners frequently report that rooms beneath cedar shake roofs feel more temperature-stable than those under other roofing materials, with reduced heating costs in winter and cooler temperatures in summer.
Neighborhood character alignment is a significant factor for cedar shake selection in Essex County's established communities. In areas like the Montclair Historic District, the Glen Ridge Historic District, and the wooded neighborhoods of West Orange and Millburn, cedar shake roofing is part of the visual language that defines the streetscape. Choosing cedar for your home in these communities maintains the cohesive aesthetic character that contributes to the desirability and property values of the entire neighborhood. Homeowners association guidelines and municipal historic preservation requirements in some of these areas may specifically recommend or require natural materials for visible exterior elements, making cedar shake not just an aesthetic choice but a practical one for regulatory compliance.
Cedar Shake Roofing for Commercial Properties
Commercial applications of cedar shake roofing are carefully chosen for properties where the natural aesthetic directly supports the business identity. Upscale bed-and-breakfast establishments, boutique retail in village commercial districts, country clubs, wine bars, and farm-to-table restaurants use cedar shake roofing as part of their branding and atmosphere. For these businesses, the roof is not just a protective element but a visible communication of values around natural materials, craftsmanship, and authenticity that resonates with their target customers.
Commercial cedar installations must satisfy fire code requirements that are more stringent than residential standards. We exclusively use pressure-treated Class A fire-rated cedar shakes for commercial applications and provide the documentation needed for building department approval, insurance underwriting, and occupancy certification. The treatment process does not compromise the natural beauty of the cedar but provides the fire resistance that commercial occupancy codes mandate.
Maintenance planning for commercial cedar roofs follows a structured schedule that protects both the material investment and the building appearance that motivated the material selection. Our commercial cedar maintenance programs include scheduled inspection, professional cleaning, preservative application, and proactive shake replacement at intervals designed to maintain the roof's appearance and performance continuously. This proactive approach prevents the deteriorated appearance that undermines the very aesthetic purpose for which the cedar was chosen.
Insurance documentation for commercial cedar installations requires particular attention because wood roofing on commercial properties triggers additional underwriting scrutiny. We provide comprehensive installation documentation including fire treatment certification, material grade verification from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau, and detailed installation records that satisfy commercial insurance requirements. This documentation package supports the property owner during both initial underwriting and subsequent policy renewals, demonstrating that the cedar installation meets the fire safety standards that commercial occupancy demands.
Our Process
Cedar Grade and Source Selection
Select from premium hand-split cedar grades with samples showing color variation, thickness, and texture. We source from certified mills that meet Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau quality standards.
Structural and Ventilation Assessment
Verify that the roof structure supports cedar weight and that the ventilation design promotes the air circulation essential for wood roofing longevity. Modifications are specified if needed.
Deck and Interlayment System
Install the deck configuration and breathable interlayment system that provides both waterproofing redundancy and the ventilation channels that cedar requires for maximum service life.
Hand-Selected Installation
Each shake is individually graded, positioned, and fastened with stainless steel nails at proper spacing that accommodates natural wood expansion. Courses are maintained at precise exposure widths.
Detail Work and Flashing
Copper flashings at all transitions, valleys, penetrations, and edge conditions are integrated during shake installation. Hip and ridge treatment completes the visual composition.
Initial Treatment and Care Plan
The completed roof receives its first preservative and UV protection application. A customized maintenance schedule is provided specifying the care intervals that maximize your cedar roof's lifespan.
Cedar Shake Roofing Pricing in Essex County
Typical Price Range
$15,000–$32,000
Cost Factors:
- Roof size and square footage
- Material selection and quality grade
- Complexity of roof design (pitch, valleys, penetrations)
- Current condition and extent of existing damage
0% financing available on qualifying projects. Ask about our flexible payment plans when you call for your free estimate.
Why Choose Newark Quality Roofing for Cedar Shake Roofing
Licensed & Certified Experts
NJ HIC licensed, GAF Certified Contractor with 15+ years of hands-on experience across Essex County. Every project meets the highest industry standards.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
Detailed written estimates before work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. You know exactly what you're paying for before we touch your roof.
Premium Materials & Warranties
We install only top-tier products from GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and Firestone — backed by manufacturer warranties up to 50 years.
Fast Response & Emergency Service
Same-day estimates and 24/7 emergency crews. When your roof needs attention, we're there — not next week, not tomorrow, today.
Local Team, Local Reputation
We live and work in Essex County. Our reputation rides on every job. We treat your property like it belongs to a neighbor — because it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cedar shakes and regular wood shakes?
How does cedar shake compare in cost to other premium roofing materials?
How do I maintain a cedar shake roof between professional service visits?
Will a cedar shake roof affect my homeowner insurance rates?
How much does cedar shake roofing cost in Essex County, NJ?
Learn More About Cedar Shake Roofing
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Compare NowWhat Our Customers Say
“They replaced our entire roof after storm damage and handled everything with our insurance company. The crew was professional, on time, and left the property spotless. Could not be happier with the result.”
Marcus Johnson
Newark, NJ · Roof Replacement
“We called for an emergency leak repair during a heavy rainstorm and they were at our door within two hours. Fast, honest, and fairly priced. They have a customer for life.”
Angela Morales
Montclair, NJ · Emergency Roof Repair