Name: Hillsborough Roofing Pros
Telephone: 9086766663
Price range: $$

What Cedar Shake Roofing Involves

Cedar shakes are hand-split wood shingles milled from Western Red Cedar, prized for natural beauty, longevity, and superior insulation. We source Number 1 Grade Red Cedar—heartwood with no knots—and Number 2 Grade for homeowners seeking solid durability and value.

Installation begins with a roof inspection. We assess the roof deck (typically plywood or OSB sheathing), check existing flashing at valleys and chimneys, and examine dormers and skylights. We inspect the ridge beam, eaves, gables, and soffit vents for ventilation. Any decay or rot means we replace compromised decking before laying shakes.

Next, we install synthetic underlayment across the entire substrate for moisture protection. Ice-and-water shield goes down in valleys and around step flashing to prevent water from wicking into the decking during Hillsborough's freeze-thaw cycles. Shakes then go on in staggered courses with a starter course at the eave.

Each shake is hand-nailed with ring-shank fasteners for proper head lap. We seal gaps with roof cement and mastic. Step flashing at walls, counter-flashing at chimneys, and pipe boots at vents are installed to NJ building code. Ridge caps crown the roofline; ridge vents provide ventilation where needed. Drip edge at the rake and eave protects soffit and fascia.

Common Cedar Shake Problems in Hillsborough

Humid New Jersey climate accelerates wood degradation. Curling and cupping happen as moisture cycles cause wood movement. Nail popping follows—fasteners loosen, creating gaps. Moss and algae thrive in shaded areas near Royce Brook and tree-covered neighborhoods like Clover Hill.

Watch for these signs:

Curled or lifted shake edges from repeated moisture absorption and release cycles
Visible moss or dark algae streaks in valleys and roof sections shaded by trees
Split or cracked shakes from winter freeze-thaw cycles allowing water intrusion
Nail popping where fasteners loosen due to wood shrinkage and movement
Debris or granules in gutters and downspouts indicating shake deterioration
Daylight visible through the roofline from your attic, signaling decking failure

Our Cedar Shake Installation Process

A typical project takes 5–7 working days. We use proper scaffold and safety harnesses throughout.

Roof inspection and photo documentation of existing condition and damage
Remove old or damaged shakes (tear-off) and assess the roof deck and rafter structure
Replace any soft, rotted, or decayed plywood, OSB, or substrate sheathing
Install synthetic underlayment across the full substrate for weatherproofing
Lay ice-and-water shield in valleys and around all flashing points
Install new shakes in staggered courses with proper head lap, starting at the eave with a starter course
Install step flashing where roof meets sidewalls or dormers; counter-flashing at chimneys
Install pipe boots at roof vents and apron flashing at penetrations
Crown the ridge with ridge caps; add ridge vent if ventilation is required
Install drip edge at rakes and eaves to protect fascia and soffit areas
Remove all scaffold, dumpster, and debris from the property
Final inspection against NJ building code and warranty registration

Cedar Shake Costs in Hillsborough

Premium wood shakes cost $8–$14 per square foot installed. A 2,000-square-foot roof (20 roofing squares) runs $16,000–$28,000 including labor, underlayment, flashing, sealants, ridge vents, and dumpster cleanup.

Your costs depend on:

Roof pitch—steeper roofs require additional scaffold, safety harness setup, and labor time
Complexity—hip and gable configurations, dormers, chimneys, and multiple valleys add cost
Deck repairs—rotted plywood or OSB sheathing and rafter rot drive up labor
Local permits—Hillsborough typically charges $200–$600 for residential reroofing over 100 sq ft
Cedar grade—Number 1 lasts 40+ years; Number 2 Grade is 25–30 years

We provide free estimates with itemized line items so you see where every dollar goes.

Warranty and Insurance

We back all workmanship with a comprehensive warranty covering installation defects. Cedar shakes carry a manufacturer warranty of 25–40 years depending on grade. We register your warranty and provide documentation.

If storm damage occurs—hail, wind uplift, or ice dam issues—we document it with photos and help coordinate with your insurance adjuster. We handle proof of loss forms, supplemental claims, and deadlines so you get covered for repairs.

Why Hillsborough Roofing Pros

We're licensed and insured roofing contractors serving Somerset County and surrounding areas. We understand Hillsborough's challenges: heavy snow loads creating ice dams, humid summers promoting moss and algae, and spring thunderstorms with hail.

We know NJ Uniform Construction Code, local permits, and neighborhoods from Clover Hill to Manville Manor to Blackpoint. Every homeowner deserves transparent pricing, honest timelines, and meticulous work. Call us at 908-676-6663 for a free estimate.

Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing

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Curled or Lifted Edges

Wood shakes absorb moisture from humid summers, then shrink in winter. This cycle causes edges to curl upward, allowing water to seep underneath and rot the underlayment. Once curling begins, decay accelerates in Hillsborough's freeze-thaw climate.

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Visible Moss or Algae

Dark streaks and green growth mean moisture is trapped on the wood surface. Shaded areas near Royce Brook are especially prone. Algae holds water and promotes splitting and early decay of the shake itself.

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Nail Popping

As wood shrinks and swells, fasteners loosen and back out, creating visible gaps. These gaps are entry points for water seeping into the roof deck. Nail popping signals your shakes are near the end of their useful life.

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Split or Cracked Shakes

Winter freeze-thaw cycles force water into wood grain, then ice expands and splits the shake lengthwise. Cracks allow water to wick into the decking and framing. A single split shake compromises water-tightness across that section of roof.

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Missing or Deteriorated Shakes

After storms or heavy wind, you may see missing shakes or holes in the roofline. Deteriorated shakes can crumble or flake apart, leaving the roof deck exposed. This is an emergency—water intrusion and structural rot follow within days.

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Daylight Through the Attic

If you see light coming through the roof from inside your attic, the decking has failed or shakes are missing. This is a sign of serious water damage and requires immediate inspection. Rot in the roof deck or rafter system compromises your home's structural integrity.