Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator

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Instant & Free Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator

What is a cedar shake roof? Cedar shake roofing is an excellent option when one is looking for something long-lasting along with high aesthetic value. The Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator helps you gauge on the amount of money you are likely to spend on the roof replacement project that you are planning and helps you find wonderful local roofers.

As of 2024, cedar shingles can cost anywhere between $4 – $7.25 per square foot  and cedar shakes can cost a little more, between $6 – $9.50 per square foot. So if there is a roof of a house measuring up to 2000 square feet, we are looking at roughly $8000 – $14000 dollars for a cedar shingle roof and about $12000-$19000 dollars for a cedar shake roof.

If you are remodeling your roof with regards to cedar based options, understand that there are a variety of factors that can increase or decrease your estimate like local labor costs, the size of the home among other elements which we will look at later! Considering another option for roofing material? Roll on over to our roof replacement cost calculator or our roofing calculator and see how different materials can impact your overall price!

If you know what kind of material you are considering, check out our other calculators below!

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Cedar Shingles VS Cedar Shakes

While both cedar options have a beautiful and highly aesthetic appearance, there are some key differences that can impact how you choose which one is better for your home. 

Cedar shingles are precisely cut and have a uniform thickness. This results in a more refined, uniform, and tailored appearance as a finished product. They are actually thinner than cedar shakes, which makes installing them a bit less intensive and easier to handle. 

Cedar shakes, on the other hand, are hand split and have a (sought after) rustic look to them. The texture offered by hand split shakes is different from that of the uniform shingles. Thickness and width can vary, meaning that installers can play a bit of a puzzle game during install, but it offers a more natural, textured, and unique appearance once finished. 

While both options offer gorgeous end products, it’s really up to the homeowner on which aesthetic they’d prefer.

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Cedar Shake Roof Cost

Determining the cost of a cedar shake roof involves various factors that contribute to the overall expense. Shingles are a bit less expensive than shakes, but their uniformity takes away from the rustic appeal many search for. From the size of your home to the quality of materials selected, each element plays a role in the final price. Understanding these factors can help you budget effectively and make informed decisions about your roofing project. Using Instant Roofer’s Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator will help make sure you are accounting for all the below costs before you find a roofer in your local area.

Size of Your Home

Obviously, the bigger the home, the bigger the roof and larger the cost of installing a cedar shake roof. Larger homes require more materials and labor, resulting in higher overall expenses. By accurately assessing the square footage of your home, you can better estimate the cost of your roofing project and avoid unexpected budgetary surprises.

Pitch of Your Roofing Project

The pitch, or angle, of your roof also affects the cost of installing cedar shake shingles. Steeper roofs  have more surface area and require additional safety precautions that may involve more labor-intensive installation methods, leading to increased costs. Understanding how roof pitch influences pricing can help you plan your budget accordingly. If you’re unsure of the pitch of your own roof, check out our roof pitch calculator!

Quality of Roofing Materials Selected 

The quality of the cedar shake or cedar shingles you choose significantly impacts the overall cost of your roofing project. Higher-quality materials typically come with a higher price tag but offer enhanced durability and longevity. By balancing your budget with your desired level of quality, you can achieve a cedar shake roof that meets both your aesthetic and practical needs.

Labor & Permits

Another item that needs to be factored to the budget of installing a cedar shake roof is the wage and the permits to install it. It requires skilled labor to adequately install the cedar shake shingles and shakes, and it also helps to secure permits so as to abide with local building codes. These costs also belong in this category to the extent that if known at the beginning, will assist you in planning and managing your budget adequately.

Disposal of Old Roof Material

The disposal of old roofing materials adds to the overall cost of replacing your roof with cedar shake shingles. Properly removing and disposing of existing materials is necessary to ensure a clean and efficient installation process. By accounting for this expense upfront, you can avoid last-minute budgetary adjustments and streamline your roofing project.

Cedar Shake Roof Installation

Installing a cedar shake roof requires precision, expertise, and attention to detail. Being a labor-intensive endeavor, this process usually starts with the tearing off of existing roofing materials and assessment of the underlying roof deck for any damages or problems. After that, a waterproof cover is put in place to serve as an extra barrier against water penetration. Then, the cedar shake shingles are carefully installed, with each strip nailed to the supporting roof deck one at a time. Proper installation techniques, including staggering the shingle joints and ensuring adequate ventilation, are crucial for long-term performance. The last aspect involves an assessment of the completed roof to ascertain its quality and durability against environmental conditions over the years. Our free Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator helps you understand the overall cost and have an accurate estimate on hand before you even talk to a roofer.

Best Geographic Locations For Cedar Shake Roofs

Cedar shake roofs thrive in specific geographic locations known for their moderate climates and low humidity levels. Regions with mild temperatures and minimal exposure to extreme weather conditions, such as coastal areas with oceanic climates or parts of the Pacific Northwest, are deemed favorable for the cedar shake roofs. These environments provide the perfect balance of moisture and sunlight to maintain the integrity and longevity of cedar wood. Moreover, regions with a lack of rain, snow, or humidity for prolonged periods are best for cedar shake roofs as high moisture content promotes rot and damage.

Advantages of Cedar Shake Roof Shingles 

Cedar shake roofs can be a bit of an investment for a reason. There are numerous advantages including appealing design to this material being more economically and environmentally safe than its potential substitutes.

Natural Beauty

Cedar shakes and shingles provide a timeless and rustic aesthetic that enhances the curb appeal of any home. Their natural wood grain and rich shade variations brings out the beauty and charm to the roof, making it look extremely warm and welcoming.

Durability 

Cedar wood is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestations, making cedar shake shingles highly durable and long-lasting. If a cedar shake roof is properly maintained and cared for, it can withstand the elements for decades, providing reliable protection from the elements for years to come.

Insulation

Cedar shake shingles offer excellent thermal insulation properties, helping to regulate temperature and reduce energy costs. They keep the interior of the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

Environmentally Friendly

Cedar is a sustainable and renewable resource, making cedar shakes and shingles an environmentally friendly roofing option. Harvested from responsibly managed forests, cedar wood is biodegradable and recyclable, minimizing environmental impact. Check out the difference between cedar shakes and shingles here!

Sound Insulation

Cedar shake shingles absorb sound effectively, reducing noise transmission from outside sources such as rain, hail, and wind. This sound insulation can contribute to a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

Adaptability

Cedar shake shingles are versatile and can be customized to suit various architectural styles and design preferences. They can be installed in different patterns, such as straight, staggered, or diamond, allowing for creative expression and customization.

Increased Home Value

A cedar shake roof can enhance the resale value of your home due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and eco-friendly qualities. Potential buyers often perceive cedar shake roofs as a premium feature, adding value to the property. Using our Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator can help you balance the cost of installation with your boosted home value!

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The 3 Main Cedar Shake Roof Material Types and Their Prices

There are three main types of Cedar Shake shingles commonly used in residential roofing:

1. Hand-Split Shakes
2. TaperSawn Shakes
3. Heavy Split and Resawn Shakes

Differences Between Hand-Split Shakes, TaperSawn Shakes, and Heavy Split and Resawn Shakes

Cedar shake roofing comes in various types, each offering unique characteristics and benefits that cater to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. The three main types are hand-split shakes, taper-sawn shakes, and heavy split and resawn shakes.

Hand-split shakes provide a rustic, highly textured look, showcasing the natural grain of the wood.

Tapersawn shakes offer a smoother, more uniform appearance, striking a balance between rustic and refined. Heavy split and resawn shakes are the thickest and most rugged, offering exceptional durability and insulation.

Understanding the differences in manufacturing processes, appearance, and durability can help homeowners choose the best option for their specific needs and climate conditions. If you want to opt for the more expensive shingles, head over to our roof financing calculator to see if budgeting your investment would work over time. 

Hand-split Cedar Shake

Appearance: Hand-split cedar shakes have a rough, textured surface with natural grain patterns and varying thicknesses. This creates a rustic, rugged look that adds character and a unique, natural aesthetic to any roof.

Cost: Hand-split cedar shakes are more expensive than basic roofing materials due to the craftsmanship involved in splitting them by hand and the quality of the wood.

Durability: Hand-split cedar shakes are highly durable, capable of withstanding various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hail. They also have natural resistance to insects and rot, contributing to their longevity.

Installation: Installing hand-split cedar shakes can be more complex and time-consuming than other roofing materials, leading to higher labor costs. However, their durability and aesthetic appeal often make the investment worthwhile for many homeowners.

TaperSawn Cedar Shake

Appearance: Taper-sawn cedar shakes have a smoother and more uniform finish than hand-split shakes. They retain some natural texture while offering a more polished and refined look, making them suitable for various architectural styles.

Cost: Taper-sawn cedar shakes are generally less expensive than hand-split shakes but more costly than basic roofing materials. They offer a good balance between cost and aesthetic appeal.

Durability: Taper-sawn cedar shakes are durable and weather-resistant, capable of withstanding various conditions. While not as rugged as hand-split shakes, they still provide good protection and longevity.

Installation: Taper-sawn cedar shakes are easier to install than hand-split shakes due to their uniform thickness. This can result in lower labor costs compared to the more complex installation process of hand-split shakes.

Heavy Split and Resawn Cedar Shake

Appearance: Heavy split and resawn cedar shakes are thick and rugged with a heavily textured surface. They offer a robust and substantial look, enhancing the rustic charm and natural beauty of a home.

Cost: These shakes are among the most expensive cedar roofing options due to their thickness, weight, and the intensive manufacturing process. They are a premium choice for homeowners seeking a high-end, durable roofing material.

Durability: Heavy split and resawn cedar shakes are extremely durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and hail. Their thickness provides excellent insulation and longevity, often lasting several decades with proper maintenance.

Installation: Installing heavy split and resawn cedar shakes is complex and labor-intensive due to their weight and thickness. This can lead to higher labor costs compared to other types of cedar shakes.

Cedar Shake Roofing FAQ

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