Why Cedar Shake Roofing Is Worth Considering for Your Delaware Home
For Delaware homeowners seeking a roof that combines timeless, rustic beauty with impressive durability, cedar shake roofing is a premium option worth serious consideration. This natural wood material, hand-split or sawn from cedar logs, offers more than just protection; it adds a unique character to your home that evolves gracefully over time. At First State Roofing & Exteriors, we specialize in helping homeowners steer their roofing choices, ensuring they find a solution that perfectly matches their home’s aesthetic and performance needs.
Key Features:
- Lifespan: 30-50 years with proper maintenance
- Materials: Western Red Cedar or Eastern White Cedar
- Natural Benefits: Resistant to rot, decay, and insects
- Appearance: Rustic, dimensional look that weathers to silver-gray
- Cost: $25-30 per square foot installed
Three Quality Grades:
- Common – Most affordable, mixed quality
- Select – Mid-range, about 80% premium wood
- 100% Straight Grain – Highest quality and durability
Cedar shakes offer best natural beauty and impressive durability, but they require the right climate and proper installation to reach their full potential. Delaware’s moderate coastal climate can work well for cedar roofing when installed correctly.
For homeowners considering a significant roofing investment, cedar represents a premium choice that combines rustic charm with reliable protection. The material’s natural resistance to weather and pests makes it an attractive option for those seeking both aesthetics and performance from their roof.
I’m Richard McCain, owner of First State Roofing & Exteriors with over 20 years of experience in Delaware roofing projects. Throughout my career, I’ve helped countless homeowners understand whether cedar shake roofing fits their specific needs, budget, and local climate conditions.
Glossary for cedar shake roofing:
What is Cedar Shake Roofing?
When you’re exploring premium roofing options, cedar shake roofing stands out as one of nature’s most beautiful and durable solutions. These aren’t just ordinary wooden planks – they’re carefully crafted pieces of Western Red Cedar or Eastern White Cedar that bring both rustic charm and reliable protection to your home. At First State Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve seen how this timeless material can transform a home’s appearance while providing decades of dependable service.
What makes cedar special isn’t just its stunning natural beauty – it’s the wood’s built-in defense system. Both Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar contain natural oils and tannins that act like tiny bodyguards, protecting your roof from rot, decay, and hungry insects. Think of it as nature’s own pest control and weatherproofing system, all rolled into one gorgeous package.
The Difference Between Cedar Shakes and Shingles
Here’s where things get interesting – while most people use “shakes” and “shingles” interchangeably, they’re actually quite different. Imagine the difference between a hand-knitted sweater and one made by machine. Both keep you warm, but each has its own distinct character.
Cedar shakes are the rebels of the roofing world. They’re typically hand-split on one or both sides, creating that wonderfully irregular, rustic appearance that makes each piece unique. The thickness varies significantly across each shake, sometimes ranging from 3/4″ to 7/8″ at the butt end. This variation creates those dramatic shadow lines that give shake roofs their distinctive, textured look.
Cedar shingles, on the other hand, are the neat and tidy cousins. They’re sawn smooth on both sides, resulting in a uniform thickness (usually 3/8″ to 1/2″) and a more refined appearance. If shakes are like a cozy log cabin, shingles are like a well-custom suit – both beautiful, but serving different style preferences.
The manufacturing process tells the whole story. Hand-split shakes start with a cedar block that’s literally split along the grain, leaving one side rough and textured while the other is cut smooth for easier installation. Sawn smooth shingles go through precision cutting on both faces, creating that clean, consistent look.
When it comes to best use cases, shakes shine on homes where you want that bold, traditional character – think mountain lodges, rustic cottages, or any home where you want to make a statement. Shingles work beautifully when you’re after a more refined, classic appearance that complements a wider range of architectural styles.
Cedar Grades and Quality
Not all cedar is created equal, and understanding the grades can save you from costly surprises down the road. Think of cedar grades like diamonds – they’re all beautiful, but some are definitely more valuable than others.
Common grade is your budget-friendly option, made from what’s essentially the leftover pieces after the premium cuts are taken. While it’s the most affordable, it contains more flatgrain sections and knots, which means it won’t last as long or look as consistent as higher grades.
Select grade hits the sweet spot for many homeowners. It’s typically about 80% straight grain wood mixed with some common pieces. This gives you a good balance of quality and cost – like getting a luxury car at a mid-range price.
Premium grade or 100% straight grain is the Rolls Royce of cedar. Every piece is cut from the best part of the tree, ensuring maximum durability and the most consistent appearance. Yes, it costs more upfront, but it’s an investment that pays dividends in longevity and beauty.
The real game-changer is understanding edgegrain versus flatgrain. Edgegrain (also called vertical grain) is where the wood’s growth rings run at a 45-90 degree angle to the surface. This orientation makes the wood incredibly stable and resistant to warping, cupping, and splitting. Flatgrain pieces, where the growth rings are less than 45 degrees to the surface, are more prone to movement and won’t last nearly as long.
The cost impact is straightforward – higher grades cost more initially but deliver better performance and longevity. The durability impact is even more significant. Premium edgegrain cedar can easily outlast common grade by decades, making it a smart long-term investment for your home.
When you’re ready to explore whether cedar shake roofing is right for your Delaware home, give us a call at (302) 222-4065 to schedule your free inspection. We’ll help you understand which grade makes the most sense for your budget and goals.
Lifespan, Durability, and Maintenance
When you invest in cedar shake roofing, you’re not just buying a roof – you’re investing in decades of natural beauty and protection. With proper care and the right conditions, your cedar roof can serve your Delaware home faithfully for 30 to 50 years, sometimes even longer. What makes this investment truly special is how cedar doesn’t just endure the elements; it transforms gracefully over time.
How a Cedar Roof Ages and What Maintenance is Required
Here’s something beautiful about cedar roofing that surprises many homeowners: your roof actually gets more stunning as it ages. When first installed, cedar shakes showcase gorgeous natural colors – warm reds and rich browns from Western Red Cedar, or the lighter tones of Eastern White Cedar. But nature has bigger plans for your roof.
Over the years, as sun and weather work their magic, your cedar shake roofing undergoes a natural weathering process. The wood gradually develops a distinguished silver-gray patina that many homeowners actually prefer to the original color. It’s like watching your home develop character and wisdom over time.
While cedar’s natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects is impressive, it’s not a “set it and forget it” material. Think of roof maintenance like caring for a classic car – with regular attention, it’ll run beautifully for decades.
Regular inspections are your first line of defense. We recommend checking your roof at least twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. This timing helps catch winter damage early and prepares your roof for the next season’s challenges.
Debris removal might sound simple, but it’s crucial. Leaves, branches, and other debris love to collect in roof valleys and around dormers. When debris sits too long, it traps moisture against the wood, creating perfect conditions for rot and premature deterioration. If your home sits under trees, annual roof brushing becomes even more important.
Preventing moss and algae growth requires vigilance, especially in our Delaware climate. While cedar naturally resists these growths, shaded areas or spots with poor drainage can still develop problems. The key is catching and addressing growth early before it can trap moisture or interfere with water flow.
When cleaning becomes necessary, gentle methods are essential. Avoid power washing at all costs – the high pressure can damage wood fibers and force water underneath shakes, creating leaks and rot problems. Instead, soft cleaning with environmentally safe chemicals protects both your roof and the environment.
Ideal Climate Conditions and Potential Risks
Cedar shakes are a bit like Goldilocks – they prefer conditions that are “just right.” Too wet, and you risk moisture problems. Too dry, and the wood can crack and become brittle.
Moderate climates with balanced temperature and humidity levels create ideal conditions for cedar roofing. The wood needs to breathe and cycle through natural expansion and contraction without extreme stress.
The moisture balance is particularly important. Cedar can handle getting wet – that’s part of its job – but it needs adequate time to dry out between storms. Prolonged dampness without drying periods can overwhelm even cedar’s natural defenses.
Extreme heat poses risks by drying cedar too quickly, leading to shrinkage, cracking, and shortened lifespan. Intense UV exposure can also accelerate weathering in less desirable ways.
High humidity environments with constant moisture and little drying opportunity can increase risks of rot, mold, and mildew. While cedar is naturally resistant, constant saturation can eventually overwhelm its protective qualities.
For coastal Delaware considerations, our regional climate actually works quite well for cedar roofing. The moderate coastal conditions, while presenting some salt spray and moisture challenges, can support beautiful cedar roofs when properly installed and maintained. Our experience with roofers in Dover, Delaware has shown that understanding local climate patterns makes all the difference in cedar roof performance.
The secret to long-lasting cedar shake roofing lies in respecting the wood’s natural properties while providing the care it needs to thrive in your specific environment.
Installation and Technical Considerations
Installing cedar shake roofing is where craftsmanship meets science. It’s not something you’d want your weekend warrior neighbor tackling – this requires genuine expertise, specialized tools, and years of experience to get right. When done properly, the installation becomes the foundation for decades of reliable protection and stunning curb appeal.
The complexity of cedar installation is exactly why we emphasize our roof installation services at First State Roofing & Exteriors. After 20 years in the business, I’ve seen what happens when shortcuts are taken, and it’s never pretty.
Key Steps for a Cedar Shake Roofing Installation
Think of cedar installation as building a wooden puzzle where every piece must fit perfectly, breathe properly, and shed water flawlessly. Unlike slapping down asphalt shingles, cedar demands respect for its natural properties and behaviors.
The underlayment sets the stage for everything else. Cedar needs to breathe, so we traditionally use breathable materials over skip sheathing – those spaced boards that allow maximum airflow. In some modern installations or fire-rated assemblies, we might use solid decking with special breathable felt between courses. The key is managing moisture while maintaining that crucial ventilation.
Nailing placement is an art form in itself. Place a nail wrong, and you’ll have a shake that cups, splits, or pulls loose in a few years. We position each nail to let the wood expand and contract naturally – because cedar is alive in a sense, always moving slightly with temperature and humidity changes. Many kiln-dried shingles even come with embossed nailing lines to guide proper placement and speed up installation.
The starter courses at the eaves get special attention. We often double or triple these first rows to create thickness and establish a solid foundation. Getting the exposure right – that’s the portion of each shake left visible to weather – is crucial for proper water shedding. Air-dried shingles might handle a 6-inch exposure, while thicker shakes can go up to 10 inches.
Flashing becomes critical wherever wood can’t create a watertight seal on its own. Valleys, chimneys, and other roof penetrations need metal flashing to guide water away properly. And those hip and ridge caps? They’re custom-formed pieces that cap off the roof’s peaks and ridges, installed “into the wind” so each piece overlaps the previous one, keeping wind-driven rain at bay.
Ventilation deserves its own mention because it’s absolutely vital. Good airflow beneath the roof deck removes moisture and heat, preventing the mold, rot, and premature aging that can destroy a cedar roof. We never compromise on ventilation.
Here’s something important to understand about warranties: natural cedar materials typically don’t come with manufacturer warranties because of their natural variability. That makes your roofer’s workmanship warranty incredibly valuable. We stand behind our cedar installations with substantial warranties – often 10 years or more – because we’re confident in our crews’ expertise.
For those who enjoy seeing the process, this step-by-step cedar shake installation video shows just how detailed and methodical proper installation should be.
Kiln-Dried vs. Air-Dried Cedar
When choosing your cedar, you’ll encounter two main types based on how they’re dried: kiln-dried and air-dried. Each has distinct characteristics that affect both installation and long-term performance.
Kiln-dried cedar goes through a controlled drying process that reduces moisture to very specific levels. The result is impressive dimensional stability – meaning less warping, cupping, or shrinking after installation. These shakes and shingles are often straighter and more uniform, which translates to faster, more precise installation. They align easily and create clean, consistent lines.
The trade-off? Kiln-drying can reduce some of the natural resins that give cedar its legendary resistance to rot and decay. It’s not a huge concern, but it’s worth noting.
Air-dried cedar takes the slow, natural approach. Left to dry in open air, this wood retains more of its natural oils and resins – those protective compounds that make cedar naturally resistant to rot, fungus, and even moss. Air-dried cedar often showcases more rustic character with natural texture and variation that many homeowners love.
The downside is less initial dimensional stability. Air-dried cedar might show some movement during its first few seasons as it fully acclimates to your roof. This usually means minor cupping or slight twisting – nothing structural, just part of cedar’s natural personality.
Decay resistance often favors air-dried cedar due to those higher resin levels. Extra-thick, air-dried shingles can be incredibly durable, sometimes allowing for longer exposure and potentially requiring fewer pieces to cover your roof.
Your choice between kiln-dried and air-dried often comes down to priorities: precision and uniformity versus natural resistance and rustic charm. Both can perform beautifully in Delaware’s coastal climate when installed properly by experienced professionals.
If you’re considering cedar shake roofing for your Delaware home, we’d love to discuss which option might work best for your specific situation. Call us at (302) 222-4065 to schedule your free inspection and estimate.
Cost, Alternatives, and Sustainability
When you’re considering cedar shake roofing, the investment is substantial, but understanding the full picture helps put that cost into perspective. Let’s break down what you’re really paying for and explore some alternatives that might fit your needs.
The True Cost of Cedar Shake Roofing
Here’s the reality: cedar shake roofing isn’t cheap. You’re looking at roughly $25 to $30 per square foot for a complete tear-off and installation. To put that in context, asphalt shingles typically run about $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Yes, that means cedar can cost five to eight times more upfront than standard asphalt.
But before you close this page, let’s talk about why that price difference exists and whether it makes sense for your situation.
The higher cost comes from several factors. First, the material itself is premium – especially when you’re choosing higher grades like 100% straight grain cedar. These materials are often made to order, which means you’ll wait 3 to 8 weeks for procurement, but you’re getting quality that’s carefully selected and processed.
Labor costs are another significant factor. Installing cedar shakes isn’t something you can trust to just any roofer. It requires specialized knowledge about proper nailing techniques, flashing details, and ventilation requirements. This expertise commands higher rates, but it’s absolutely essential for a roof that will perform as intended.
The long-term value is where cedar starts to shine. While asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years, a properly installed and maintained cedar roof can protect your home for 30 to 50 years, sometimes even longer. When you calculate the cost per year over the roof’s lifetime, cedar becomes much more competitive. Plus, cedar acts as a natural insulator, potentially reducing your heating and cooling costs over the decades.
For homeowners ready to make this significant investment, our team specializes in Roof Replacement and can provide a detailed estimate custom to your specific home and needs.
Synthetic vs. Natural Cedar Shakes
If you love the look of cedar but have concerns about the cost or maintenance requirements, synthetic cedar shakes have become an impressive alternative. These engineered products are designed to capture the authentic appearance of natural wood while addressing many of the challenges that come with organic materials.
The most compelling advantage of synthetic shakes is their virtually maintenance-free nature. Unlike natural cedar, you won’t need regular treatments, moss cleaning, or individual shake replacements due to rot or insect damage. They’re engineered for exceptional durability, made from recycled materials that are immune to the common problems that plague wood roofing.
Fire safety is another major benefit. Many synthetic options achieve Class A fire resistance ratings right out of the box, while natural cedar requires chemical treatment to reach these levels. This is particularly important in areas with wildfire concerns or strict building codes.
When it comes to weather resistance, synthetic shakes often outperform their natural counterparts. They typically carry Class 4 impact resistance ratings – the highest available – meaning they can withstand severe hail better than natural wood. Some products are tested to withstand winds up to 188 MPH with standard installation, making them excellent for our Delaware coastal conditions.
Color consistency is guaranteed with synthetic options. While natural cedar weathers to that beautiful silver-gray patina, synthetic shakes maintain their appearance throughout their lifespan. You can choose from colors like Aged Cedar, Canyon Gray, or Natural Cedar, and even select “Cool Roof” options for better energy efficiency.
From an environmental perspective, many synthetic shakes are made from 100% recycled materials and remain fully recyclable at the end of their long service life. They often come with 50-year warranties and are designed to last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
The choice between natural and synthetic ultimately comes down to your priorities. Natural cedar offers best authenticity and is a renewable resource, but requires ongoing care and attention. Synthetic alternatives provide engineered performance with minimal upkeep, often at a comparable long-term cost when you factor in maintenance savings.
Both options represent a significant upgrade from standard roofing materials, and both can beautifully complement Delaware’s coastal architecture while providing decades of reliable protection.
Conclusion
After exploring everything from installation techniques to long-term costs, it’s clear that cedar shake roofing represents a significant investment that delivers both stunning natural beauty and remarkable durability. When you choose cedar for your Delaware home, you’re not just selecting a roofing material – you’re making a statement about quality, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
The journey from those fresh, honey-colored shakes to the neat silver-gray patina that develops over decades tells the story of a roof that doesn’t just age – it matures gracefully. With proper installation by experienced professionals and consistent maintenance, your cedar roof can protect and improve your home for 30 to 50 years or more. That’s potentially decades of enjoying the rustic charm and natural insulation properties that only real wood can provide.
Of course, cedar isn’t the right choice for every homeowner or every situation. The higher upfront cost, specialized installation requirements, and ongoing maintenance needs mean it’s best suited for those who truly appreciate its unique qualities and are committed to proper care. For homeowners seeking lower maintenance alternatives, synthetic options offer the visual appeal of cedar with modern performance benefits.
Whether you’re drawn to the authentic character of natural cedar or intrigued by the advanced features of synthetic alternatives, the decision ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and long-term vision for your home. Delaware’s moderate coastal climate can work beautifully with cedar when installed correctly, but success depends on choosing quality materials and experienced installers.
If you’re considering a roof replacement and want to explore whether cedar is the right choice for your Delaware home, the experts at First State Roofing & Exteriors are here to guide you through every option. We understand that choosing a new roof is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a homeowner, and we’re committed to helping you make the choice that’s truly right for your situation.
Ready to explore your roofing options? We provide free, no-obligation estimates that give you a clear understanding of costs, timelines, and what to expect. Call us today at (302) 222-4065 to schedule your free inspection and find whether cedar shake roofing is the perfect fit for your home.
