What NJ Roofers Recommend: Cedar Shake vs Wood Shingle

Cedar shakes require a more skilled crew because each shake's variable thickness demands careful alignment and spacing judgment. A good shake installer adjusts exposure and overlap based on each piece, creating a watertight system from irregular components. Wood shingles are more uniform, making installation more predictable but still requiring wood roofing expertise.

In Essex County, we see more installation defects on shake roofs than shingle roofs because the margin for error is narrower. If you choose shakes, verify your contractor has specific shake installation experience, not just general wood roofing familiarity.

In our experience across Essex County, well-maintained wood shingles often outlast cedar shakes by 5-10 years because they shed water more efficiently. We see 35-40 year shingle roofs in good condition while comparable shake roofs show more wear at 30-35 years, primarily because shake texture retains moisture that accelerates decay.

The exception is heavily shaded, north-facing roofs where moss is inevitable regardless of product. On these roofs, shakes' thicker profile provides more sacrificial wood before structural integrity is compromised. For shaded Essex County lots in towns like South Orange and Maplewood, shakes may be the more durable choice.

For south and west-facing roofs with good sun exposure: wood shingles. Their smooth surface and faster drying maximize lifespan. For north-facing or heavily shaded roofs: cedar shakes. Their thickness compensates for increased moisture exposure.

For homeowners who want wood aesthetics without the performance trade-offs: consider cedar-look composite products. We have been impressed by recent synthetic shake and shingle products that capture 90% of the visual appeal with zero wood-maintenance requirements.