Cedar Shake Roofing in the Berkshires
New cedar roofs. Shakes and shingles for older homes.
Cedar shake and shingle roof replacement for colonials, Victorians and older Berkshire homes, from the deck and ventilation up to the ridge.
Why owners of older homes choose cedar
On a lot of Berkshire houses, cedar is the original roof. Owners of older colonials, farmhouses and Victorians choose it again for the texture, the shadow lines and the way it weathers from honey brown to silver gray.
It is also the right match for details that are hard to roof any other way. Curved eyebrow windows, turrets and steep dormers can be shingled in cedar so the roof follows the shape of the house.
Cedar costs more than asphalt and takes longer to install, so it fits best on a house where the look matters, or where you are replacing a worn wood roof and want to keep the character.
Ventilation, flashing and spacing
A wood roof lasts when it can dry out. Cedar that stays damp underneath cups, splits and grows moss, so we pay close attention to airflow under the shingles and through the attic when we plan a cedar roof.
Spacing matters too. Each course is laid with gaps between shingles so the wood can swell in wet weather without buckling, and the joints are offset from course to course so water never has a straight path down.
Valleys, chimneys, dormer walls and skylights get metal flashing worked in with the cedar. Those spots are where wood roofs most often fail first.
How a cedar roof replacement goes
From the old roof off to the last ridge piece.
Inspect the house
We look at the roof, the attic, the ventilation and the trim details, and talk about the look you want.
Strip and prepare
The old roof comes off, the deck is repaired, and underlayment and flashing go down where the plan calls for them.
Lay the cedar
Courses go on with proper spacing and offset joints, worked carefully around dormers, windows and chimneys.
Ridge and cleanup
The ridge is capped, the site is cleared of shims and offcuts, and we walk the finished roof with you.
Replacing a cedar roof, or switching to one?
Get a cedar roof estimateWhy cedar estimates vary so much
No two cedar roofs price the same, because the house shapes the job more than the square footage does:
Shakes or shingles. Thicker, rougher shakes and smoother sawn shingles use different amounts of wood and labor.
Grade of cedar. Higher grades have tighter grain and fewer knots, and they cost more.
Shape of the roof. Eyebrow windows, turrets, curves and many dormers take far longer than an open roof plane.
Ventilation upgrades. Adding airflow under the cedar or at the ridge on an older house adds materials and time, and it is what lets the new roof dry out between storms.
Cedar roofing questions
Things homeowners want to know before choosing cedar.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Shakes are thicker with a rougher, split surface and a more rustic look. Shingles are sawn smooth and thinner for a tighter, tailored look. Both are installed with spacing and offset joints.
Why does new cedar turn gray?
Sun and weather slowly turn natural cedar from a warm brown to silver gray over the first few years. That is the look many owners of older homes are after.
Should I repair or replace my cedar roof?
If the damage is limited to a few split or missing shingles, a repair may be enough. When shingles are curling, splitting or rotting across the roof, or moss and soft spots are widespread, replacement is the better investment. An inspection shows which.
How long does a cedar roof last, and what upkeep does it need?
A well-ventilated cedar roof can last for decades. Keeping it clear of leaves and branches, letting it dry out, and dealing with moss early all help it reach its full life.
Can I replace an asphalt roof with cedar?
Yes. Many owners upgrade from asphalt to cedar when restoring the look of an older house, and the roof is prepared for cedar during the tear-off.
Are there shingles that look like cedar but cost less?
Yes. Some architectural asphalt shingles are made to look like cedar shakes. We can price both so you can compare the look and the cost.
Who installs the cedar?
CBR's own crews, with Chris on site for every project. We are licensed in Massachusetts (LIC #101201, HIC #160959) and insured.
Get a free estimate for a cedar roof
Give us a few details about the house and the roof you have now. We'll inspect it and price the cedar options in writing.