Overview
Cedar shake roof replacement involves the specialized process of removing an aging or deteriorated cedar shake roof and installing either new cedar shakes or an alternative material that restores your building's weather protection and aesthetic character. Cedar shake roofing has been valued for centuries for its natural beauty, rustic warmth, and excellent insulation properties, and many homes throughout Essex County were built or re-roofed with cedar shakes during the mid-twentieth century when the material was at peak popularity. As these roofs reach the end of their 25 to 40 year service life in New Jersey's demanding climate, property owners face important decisions about material choice, installation method, and the investment required to restore their roof to reliable, attractive condition.
Cedar shakes age distinctively, transitioning from their original golden-brown color to the silver-grey patina that many homeowners find attractive. However, this visual aging is accompanied by physical deterioration: the wood fibers gradually break down from UV exposure, moisture absorption, freeze-thaw cycling, and biological attack from moss, lichen, and fungal growth. Over time, shakes split, curl, become brittle, and lose their ability to shed water effectively. In New Jersey's climate, where humid summers promote biological growth and winter freeze-thaw cycling accelerates wood deterioration, cedar shake roofs typically require replacement sooner than they would in drier, more temperate regions.
Newark Quality Roofing offers cedar shake replacement in both natural cedar and modern alternatives that replicate the appearance of cedar shake with enhanced durability and fire resistance. Our assessment and consultation process helps property owners understand the condition of their existing cedar roof, the timeline for replacement, and the full range of material options available, from premium hand-split cedar shakes to synthetic shake products that deliver the cedar aesthetic without the maintenance requirements and fire vulnerability of natural wood.
500+ projects completed in Essex County
15+ years serving Essex County · GAF Certified Contractor · Fully insured and bonded
Signs Your Cedar Shake Roof Needs Replacement
- Widespread splitting and cracking of shakes has progressed to the point where many shakes have lost structural integrity and can no longer shed water effectively, with visible daylight penetrating through splits when viewed from the attic.
- Heavy moss, lichen, or fungal growth has established deep root systems in the wood fibers, causing accelerated deterioration that cleaning can temporarily address cosmetically but cannot reverse structurally.
- Shakes have become severely curled, cupped, or warped across broad areas of the roof, creating gaps between courses that allow wind-driven rain and snow melt to penetrate beneath the shake layer and into the building.
- Multiple shakes are missing from various locations across the roof, and replacement shakes are increasingly difficult to source in matching thickness and texture, creating an uneven, patchwork appearance.
- The wood has become so thin and fragile from decades of weathering that shakes crumble when handled, indicating that the wood fiber has lost its structural capacity and the material cannot be expected to provide reliable weather protection for any meaningful additional period.
- Roof inspection from the attic reveals widespread moisture staining, active dripping during rain, or mold growth on the underside of the shake layer, indicating that the waterproofing function of the shake system has been comprehensively compromised.
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Our Cedar Shake Replacement Process
Cedar shake replacement begins with careful removal of the existing shakes and the inspection of the skip sheathing or spaced board decking that is typical beneath cedar installations. Unlike solid plywood decking found under asphalt shingles, cedar shake roofs often have spaced boards that allow air circulation beneath the shakes, and these boards may have deteriorated from decades of moisture exposure. We replace deteriorated decking boards and, depending on the replacement material selected, may install solid sheathing over the existing skip sheathing to create the substrate required by the new roofing system.
Material selection for cedar shake replacement involves a fundamental choice: reinstall natural cedar shakes, switch to a synthetic shake product, or choose a different material entirely. Natural cedar provides authentic appearance and the unique insulation value of solid wood but requires periodic maintenance, has moderate fire vulnerability unless treated, and has a service life limited by biological and weather deterioration. Synthetic shake products from manufacturers like DaVinci, Brava, and CeDUR replicate the dimensional profile and color variation of natural cedar while providing superior fire resistance, impact resistance, and weather durability with minimal maintenance.
For projects where natural cedar is selected, we use premium-grade hand-split or taper-sawn shakes from sustainable Pacific Northwest sources. Installation follows the established best practices for cedar shake roofing: proper exposure dimensions for the shake length, horizontal spaced sheathing between courses to provide air circulation that promotes drying and extends wood life, interlayment felt between courses for secondary waterproofing, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails that will not stain or react with the cedar's natural oils.
Ventilation is critically important for cedar shake roofs because adequate air circulation beneath and through the shake system is essential for managing the moisture that cedar naturally absorbs and releases. Our installation designs incorporate proper ridge ventilation, soffit intake, and the spaced sheathing or batten system that creates the airflow necessary for cedar shake longevity. Inadequate ventilation is one of the primary causes of premature cedar shake failure, and correcting ventilation deficiencies during replacement significantly extends the life of the new installation.
Cedar Shake Replacement for Essex County Homes
Many of Essex County's most charming homes feature cedar shake roofs that contribute warmth, character, and distinction to their architectural personality. The Craftsman bungalows, Cape Cods, and rustic-styled homes throughout Maplewood, South Orange, Millburn, and the surrounding communities that were built with cedar shake roofing have a distinctive character that property owners understandably want to preserve through the replacement process.
The decision between natural cedar and synthetic alternatives is the most important choice in a cedar shake replacement project. We present both options with transparent pricing and honest assessment of the trade-offs. Natural cedar costs approximately $15,000 to $30,000 for a typical residential installation, requires periodic maintenance including cleaning and preservative treatment, and has moderate fire vulnerability. Premium synthetic shake products cost approximately $18,000 to $35,000, require virtually no maintenance, provide Class A fire resistance, and carry 50-year or lifetime warranties that natural cedar cannot match.
For homeowners who choose natural cedar, we offer maintenance programs that extend the life of the new shake roof through periodic cleaning, preservative treatment, and prompt replacement of any individual shakes that develop problems. A well-maintained cedar shake roof can provide 35 to 40 years of service in our area, and our maintenance program is designed to help you achieve the maximum possible lifespan from your investment.
Fire safety considerations deserve serious attention in the cedar shake replacement decision. Natural cedar shakes carry a Class C fire rating in their untreated state, which is the lowest rating for roofing materials and may not meet current building code requirements in some jurisdictions without fire-retardant treatment. Treated cedar and synthetic shake products provide Class A fire resistance. We help homeowners understand the fire safety implications of their material choice and ensure that the selected option meets all applicable code requirements.
Commercial Cedar Shake Replacement
Commercial and institutional properties with cedar shake roofing include hospitality venues, country clubs, resort properties, religious facilities, and distinctive commercial buildings where the cedar aesthetic is integral to the property's brand and character. For these properties, cedar shake replacement must balance aesthetic fidelity with the practical requirements of commercial roofing including fire code compliance, insurance requirements, and long-term maintenance budgets.
Synthetic cedar shake products have become the preferred choice for many commercial cedar shake replacement projects because they provide the desired aesthetic with Class A fire resistance that satisfies building codes and insurance requirements, impact resistance that reduces maintenance from foot traffic and falling debris, and warranty coverage that supports long-term capital planning. We install commercial-grade synthetic shake systems that deliver authentic cedar appearance while meeting all commercial performance standards.
For historic or architecturally significant commercial properties where authentic cedar is required by preservation standards, we source the highest-grade cedar shakes available and install them with fire-retardant treatment that improves the fire rating while preserving the natural appearance. Our installation methods for commercial cedar projects account for the scale, access requirements, and occupancy considerations that distinguish commercial work from residential installation.
Our Process
Existing Cedar Assessment
We evaluate the condition of existing shakes, the underlying decking structure, ventilation adequacy, and any water damage to determine the scope of replacement needed and inform material recommendations.
Material Selection Consultation
We present natural cedar and synthetic alternatives with physical samples, clear pricing, and honest discussion of the performance, maintenance, fire safety, and aesthetic trade-offs of each option.
Shake Removal and Deck Preparation
Existing cedar shakes are removed, deteriorated decking is replaced, and the substrate is prepared for the selected replacement material, whether solid sheathing for synthetic products or renewed spaced sheathing for natural cedar.
Underlayment and Ventilation
Appropriate underlayment system is installed for the selected material, ventilation components are upgraded or installed to ensure adequate airflow, and ice protection measures are applied at vulnerable locations.
Shake Installation
New shakes are installed course by course with proper exposure, offset patterns, and fastening. Natural cedar receives interlayment felt between courses. Each course is verified for alignment and proper attachment.
Ridge, Hip, and Detail Completion
Ridge and hip caps are installed, all flashing details are completed, and the finished installation is inspected for quality, appearance, and weatherproofing integrity. Maintenance guidelines specific to the selected material are provided.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Pricing in Essex County
Typical Price Range
$15,000–$32,000
Cost Factors:
- Total roof square footage
- Material chosen (architectural shingles, metal, slate, tile)
- Number of layers to tear off
- Structural repairs needed (decking, rafters, fascia)
0% financing available on qualifying projects. Ask about our flexible payment plans when you call for your free estimate.
Why Choose Newark Quality Roofing for Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Licensed & Certified Experts
NJ HIC licensed, GAF Certified Contractor with 15+ years of hands-on experience across Essex County. Every project meets the highest industry standards.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
Detailed written estimates before work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. You know exactly what you're paying for before we touch your roof.
Premium Materials & Warranties
We install only top-tier products from GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and Firestone — backed by manufacturer warranties up to 50 years.
Fast Response & Emergency Service
Same-day estimates and 24/7 emergency crews. When your roof needs attention, we're there — not next week, not tomorrow, today.
Local Team, Local Reputation
We live and work in Essex County. Our reputation rides on every job. We treat your property like it belongs to a neighbor — because it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cedar shake roofs last in New Jersey?
Are cedar shake roofs a fire hazard?
What maintenance does a natural cedar shake roof require?
Can I replace cedar shakes with asphalt shingles?
What is the cost difference between natural and synthetic cedar shake?
How much does cedar shake roof replacement cost in Essex County, NJ?
Learn More About Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roof Replacement in NJ
How to tell if you need cedar shake roof replacement in New Jersey. Warning signs, timing, and what to expect from Essex County roofers.
Continue reading…What Our Customers Say
“They replaced our entire roof after storm damage and handled everything with our insurance company. The crew was professional, on time, and left the property spotless. Could not be happier with the result.”
Marcus Johnson
Newark, NJ · Roof Replacement
“We called for an emergency leak repair during a heavy rainstorm and they were at our door within two hours. Fast, honest, and fairly priced. They have a customer for life.”
Angela Morales
Montclair, NJ · Emergency Roof Repair