What Cedar Shake Roofing Involves

Cedar shake roofing uses hand-split wooden shakes from Western Red Cedar to create a natural appearance.

Each shake is nailed individually to the roof deck over underlayment, creating overlapping courses that shed water.

Unlike asphalt shingles, wood requires regular maintenance to resist humidity and freeze-thaw damage.

Cedar shakes are graded by quality:

Number 1 Grade Red Cedar — premium heartwood with tight grain, longest lifespan (25-40 years)
Number 2 Grade Red Cedar — mixed heartwood and sapwood, moderate durability (15-25 years)
Premium Clear Cedar — all heartwood, no knots or defects, peak performance

Beneath the shakes, proper underlayment—whether tar paper or synthetic—prevents water intrusion. Step flashing at sidewalls, counter-flashing at chimneys, and ridge caps all affect drainage.

Ridge vents allow attic ventilation; soffit vents draw air in.

Signs Your Roof Needs Repair or Replacement

Wood shake deterioration is a process, not an overnight failure. Watch for these warning signs:

Curled or lifted shakes — wood cupping from humidity cycling is common in Hillsborough's humid summers and freeze-thaw winters
Visible moss or algae — dark streaks and green growth thrive on damp, shaded roofs and can trap moisture against the wood
Cracked or split shakes — freeze-thaw cycles cause wood fibers to separate; splits allow water to wick into the substrate
Nail popping — fasteners work loose as wood shrinks and swells, leaving exposed nail heads and potential leak points
Missing or severely decayed shakes — decay in heartwood signals advanced deterioration; end-of-life wear requires replacement
Sagging roof deck — if you see dips or waves, the substrate beneath has absorbed moisture and begun to rot

These symptoms cluster in older homes (1950s-1970s ranches in Country Club Estates or Manville Manor) and areas with heavy tree coverage.

Even newer colonial-style homes face accelerated decay in shaded valleys.

Our Cedar Shake Repair and Replacement Process

For minor damage, we remove and replace individual shakes by:

Carefully prying up the damaged shake
Removing old fasteners and debris
Sliding in a new shake of matching grade and color
Securing with ring-shank nails and roof cement sealant
Checking flashing around the repair

For widespread failure, a full tear-off and re-roof becomes necessary:

Strip old shakes and underlayment down to the roof deck
Inspect and replace any rotted plywood or OSB substrate
Verify drip edge and flashing integrity; replace as needed
Install new underlayment per NJ Uniform Construction Code
Lay new cedar shakes in staggered courses
Install ridge cap, vent boots, and chimney flashing
Clean and haul debris; magnetic nail sweep for safety

Reroofing over 100 square feet requires a permit, which we pull. Structural changes need engineered drawings if decking is compromised.

Cost Factors in Hillsborough

Repair pricing ranges from $300–$800 per damaged section, depending on shake accessibility and how many need replacement.

Tear-off and replacement typically costs $10,000–$25,000 for a 1,500 sq. ft. roof, depending on:

Cedar grade (Number 1 costs more than Number 2)
Roof pitch and complexity (hip, gable, dormer involvement)
Substrate damage requiring plywood or OSB replacement
Flashing and vent work
Local permit and dumping fees

Labor is the largest component—each shake is nailed individually. Material quality affects durability and future repair costs.

Premium Clear Cedar costs 30–50% more upfront but may avoid replacement in 15–20 years. Insurance may cover storm damage; we handle documentation and adjuster communication.

Warranty and Long-Term Protection

New cedar shake roofing typically carries a 10–25 year manufacturer warranty depending on cedar grade. We register warranties with material suppliers and provide homeowners with documentation.

Workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years.

Regular maintenance extends life: pressure washing every 3–5 years removes moss and algae; re-caulking flashing every 5–7 years prevents water intrusion.

Inspection after heavy storms catches damage early.

Why Hillsborough Roofing Pros for Wood Shake Work

We understand Hillsborough's climate challenges. Heavy snow and ice dam risks in winter demand proper ventilation and substrate preparation. Humid summers promote algae and moss growth.

Frequent spring and summer thunderstorms with hail require quick response.

Our team has restored Victorian-era farmhouses in historic areas, mid-century ranches in Clover Hill and Hillsborough Village, and newer colonials in Country Club Estates.

We know the architectural styles, building codes, and local conditions this area demands. Trusted, we communicate every step and provide transparent pricing.

Your roof's longevity is our priority.

Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing

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Curled or Lifted Shakes

Humidity cycling in Hillsborough summers and freeze-thaw winters cause cedar wood to cup and warp.

Lifted shakes expose the substrate underneath to water intrusion and accelerate decay.

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Visible Moss and Algae Growth

Dark streaks and green growth on shaded roof sections are common in humid New Jersey.

Moss traps moisture against the wood, promoting splitting and rot in the shakes beneath.

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Cracked or Split Shakes

Freeze-thaw cycles in winter cause wood fibers to separate and split along the grain. Water wicks into these cracks and deteriorates the roof deck underneath.

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Nail Popping

As cedar wood shrinks and swells, fasteners work loose and rise above the surface.

Exposed nail heads allow water to seep around the fastener and create leak points.

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Missing or Severely Decayed Shakes

Advanced decay where shakes crumble or disappear entirely signals end-of-life wear. This requires replacement of the damaged section or full re-roof if decay is widespread.

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