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Picture yourself on your front lawn, looking up at a cedar shake roof. There’s something timeless about the way it complements a home’s exterior, and that’s exactly why this style remains so popular. At Greater Midwest Exteriors, we’ve specialized in installing and maintaining cedar shake roofing throughout Chicagoland for over 30 years, and we know what makes them so appealing — and challenging — at the same time. Whether you’re seriously considering cedar shakes for your next project or simply exploring your roofing options, this guide will help you understand all the essentials.
With decades of hands-on experience in Chicago’s cedar shake market, our team is dedicated to sharing the facts you need before making a purchase. Costs, maintenance needs, and the specific benefits of cedar shakes in our climate are all part of the conversation. Once you’ve reviewed the information here, you’ll be well-prepared to decide if a cedar shake roof is the right fit for your property.
What Is Cedar Shake Roofing?
A cedar shake roof is a premium roofing system crafted from natural cedar wood, specifically cut and split to create distinctive, thick wood shingles.
Unlike regular cedar shingles, which are sawn by machine for uniformity, cedar shakes are hand-split to create a more rustic, textured appearance that adds character and charm to any home. Each shake is crafted from high-quality natural cedar trees, primarily sourced from the forests of western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.
What truly sets cedar shakes apart is their unique manufacturing process and appearance. While both shingles and shakes are made from natural cedar, shakes are thicker (typically ½ to 1½ inches at the butt end) and offer a more dimensional, shadowed look that creates striking curb appeal. This thickness not only contributes to their distinctive appearance but also provides superior insulation and weather protection compared to other roofing materials like asphalt shingles.
The Benefits & Drawbacks of Cedar Shake Roofs
When considering a cedar shake roof, it's important to understand both its advantages and potential challenges. Let's explore what makes this premium roofing material both appealing and demanding.
A cedar shake roof significantly enhances your home's curb appeal with its natural, rustic beauty that develops a distinguished silver-gray patina over time. Beyond aesthetics, cedar shakes offer superior insulation properties, providing up to twice the insulation value of asphalt shingles. This translates to potential energy savings of 20-25% on your heating and cooling costs.
In terms of durability, properly maintained cedar roofs can withstand severe weather conditions common to the Chicagoland area. Their natural composition includes oils that resist moisture damage and insect infestation, while their thickness provides excellent protection against strong winds and hail. While cedar shake roofs require a higher initial investment and regular roof maintenance, their longevity and benefits often justify the cost for homeowners seeking both luxury and performance in their roofing solution.
Types of Cedar Shake Roofing
Not all cedar shakes are the same. Understanding the range of grades available will help you pick the right option for your style and budget.
Premium Grade Cedar Shakes
These shakes feature 100% heartwood with a straight grain. They’re the top-quality choice, well-suited to upscale or historic properties where performance and aesthetics carry significant weight. With careful maintenance, premium shakes can surpass 50 years of service life, delivering excellent curb appeal and weather resistance.
Medium Grade Cedar Shakes
Medium-grade shakes offer a middle ground between cost and performance. About 80% of the material has a straight grain, with fewer natural imperfections. Expect a lifespan of around 30-40 years if cared for properly. Homeowners often choose this grade for the cedar look at a more affordable price.
Common Grade Cedar Shakes
Common grade shakes come from the remaining wood after premium and medium cuts. They may have more knots or irregular grain patterns but can still work well for less visible areas or tight budgets. With consistent upkeep, these shakes usually last 20-30 years.
The grade you select will affect longevity and overall roof quality. While premium shakes offer top-tier durability, proper installation and periodic maintenance can help any grade perform effectively.
Maintaining Your Cedar Shake Roof
Keeping up with routine maintenance is critical for ensuring a long, beautiful life for your cedar shake roof. Based on over three decades of hands-on experience at Greater Midwest Exteriors, we can confirm that proper care can add decades to a roof’s lifespan — while neglect can shorten it dramatically.
Common Issues to Watch For
- Moss or algae growth: Especially in areas with heavy shade or moisture.
- Splitting or cracking shakes: Caused by weathering or impact damage.
- Water stains on ceilings: Signs of leaks or trapped moisture.
- Curling or cupping: Often due to aging or inadequate ventilation.
- Deteriorating or missing shakes: Compromises protection against the elements.
- Leaf and debris accumulation: Can trap moisture and speed up deterioration.
Professional Inspection Recommendations
- Annual inspections: Aim for a checkup each spring and fall.
- Scheduled cleaning: Every 4-6 years for moss or algae control.
- Post-storm assessments: Look for damage after severe weather.
- Preventive treatments: Every 5-7 years to maintain water and pest resistance.
- Timely repairs: Fix issues as soon as they appear.
A well-maintained cedar shake roof can last more than 50 years, which often makes it a smart long-term investment. While the maintenance schedule may seem involved, it’s much more affordable than dealing with premature replacement.
The Investment: Understanding Cedar Shake Roofing Costs
Making the decision to invest in a cedar shake roof requires understanding the complete financial picture. Let's break down what you can expect when investing in this premium roofing option.
Material Costs: Cedar shake materials typically cost between $4.50 to $9.00 per square foot. For an average 2,000-square-foot roof, materials alone can range from $9,000 to $18,000.
Installation Considerations
- Labor costs: Usually $10 to $14 per square foot.
- Complex roof designs: May hike costs by 25-35%.
- Structural reinforcement: May be necessary for heavier loads.
- Special underlayment/ventilation: Helps control moisture and prolongs roof life.
Long-Term Value
- Extended lifespan: Often 30-50 years if looked after properly.
- Energy savings: Can lower utility bills by 20-25%.
- Higher resale value: Attractive to potential buyers.
- Enhanced curb appeal: Timeless, natural aesthetic.
Financing Options
- Home equity loans/lines of credit: Tap into your equity for funding.
- Roofing-specific loans: Tailored to renovation or construction.
- Flexible payment plans: Offered by some contractors.
- Potential tax incentives: For energy-efficient improvements.
Although the initial costs for cedar shake can be substantial, the payoff frequently justifies the price. A cedar shake roof combines enduring beauty with strong performance, creating lasting value for homeowners who prioritize quality. While you may spend more at the start, the roof’s durability and appeal make it a smart long-term investment in both your comfort and your property’s future worth.
Is a Cedar Shake Roof Right for Your Home?
Selecting any roofing system depends on a blend of design preferences, climate conditions, and budget considerations. Below are a few factors to help you see if cedar shakes align with your priorities.
Climate Considerations
Cedar shake roofs thrive in moderate climates where their natural durability can shine. They excel in regions with balanced seasonal weather, offering strong resistance to wind, rain, and snow. However, extreme climates can create challenges, including excessive dryness that leads to cracking or high humidity that fosters moss or mildew.
The Chicagoland climate presents both positives and hurdles for cedar shake roofs. With consistent maintenance, these roofs can still perform very well in this region.
Cedar shake roofs are best suited for:
- Coastal areas: Moderate temperatures and salty air (e.g., Oregon, Washington).
- Mountain regions: Cool, dry climates with occasional snow (e.g., Colorado, Utah).
- Temperate zones: Balanced seasons with mild summers and winters (e.g., Midwest, Northeast).
- Suburban communities: Areas with predictable weather and fewer extreme events (e.g., Illinois, Ohio).
Architectural Compatibility
Cedar shake roofs complement many architectural styles, enhancing both beauty and practicality. They pair particularly well with traditional homes, including Craftsman, Colonial, and Cape Cod designs, where the natural look works seamlessly with steep-pitched roofs and more detailed exteriors.
- Enhances rustic and luxury home designs
- Works well with steep-pitched roofs
- Complements natural stone and brick exteriors
Budget Factors
While cedar shake roofs come with a higher upfront cost compared to standard options, their long-term value can be significant. With proper care, they can outlast many competing materials, resulting in fewer replacements over time. Their excellent insulation qualities may also save up to 25% on heating and cooling expenses.
- Higher initial investment than standard roofing
- Long-term value consideration
- Maintenance costs over lifetime
- Energy-efficient
Maintenance Commitment
Cedar shake roofs demand a proactive approach to upkeep in order to preserve their appearance and functionality for decades. Homeowners should schedule regular inspections to catch any problems — such as broken or missing shakes — and plan seasonal cleanings to eliminate debris that can trap moisture.
- Regular inspections required
- Seasonal cleaning needs
- Professional maintenance schedule
- Prompt repair requirements
The decision to install a cedar shake roof ultimately hinges on weighing these factors against your individual needs and resources. While this material isn’t the best option for every home, those willing to commit to proper maintenance will often enjoy decades of lasting beauty and reliable performance.
Conclusion
When evaluating potential roofing materials, remember that a cedar shake roof offers more than just utility — it’s an investment in your home’s overall value, aesthetics, and longevity. Although it requires a greater initial expense and ongoing care, cedar’s unique appeal and durability make it a standout choice for many Chicagoland homeowners, particularly those with premium homes in areas like Shorewood, Joliet, and throughout Will County.
Greater Midwest Exteriors has been serving the Chicagoland area since 1990, offering expert cedar shake roof installation, maintenance, and repair services. Our experienced team works within a 100-mile radius of our Shorewood headquarters, bringing decades of know-how to every project. Interested in exploring a cedar shake roof for your home? Reach out for a free consultation and estimate. We’re here to help you select the best roofing solution for your household and future needs.
