Cedar Roof System

Cedar Roof System

Shakes age to a silver-gray color that gives your home an old-world, natural, or rustic charm.

A Cedar Shake Roofing System is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to roofing materials. They also offer the highest insulation value of any type of roof — up to 2 times the insulation value of asphalt shingles.

100% sustainable and natural, they’re also very durable. Cedar wood is one of the strongest woods available. When properly installed and maintained, cedar shakes can last 30 to 50 years.

They’re light-weight, yet strong enough to handle high winds and heavy snows. And they’re naturally insect and rot resistant.

The natural oils in cedar are what create the pleasant scent. But those oils also act as natural repellent to insects and help prevent rot. They also provide a natural resistance to UV rays which adds to their lifespan.

Installing a cedar shake is more than just a roofing job – it’s an artform that requires craftsmanship.

Roofsimple’s Cedar Roofing System delivers a quality install and also includes Cedar Breather® ventilated underlayment to protect the beauty and life of wood roofing by providing a space for continuous airflow between the solid roof deck and shingles or shakes.

A quality product, all the benefits of our other roofing systems, plus the added value and beauty of natural cedar.

Hand-split Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are hand-split and thicker than shingles which are milled uniformly on both sides with a saw.

Cedar roofing can be made with cedar shingles or cedar shakes. But shakes are thicker and more durable than shingles.

And, because each piece is unique, they provide a more attractive natural appearance to your roof.

image showing the difference between the rustic, irregular appearance of a hand-split cedar shake vs the thinner and smooth appearance of a shingle that's been milled

Cedar Breather® Ventilated Underlayment

Cedar Breather® Ventilated Underlayment by Benjamin Obdyke roof products is the key to making your cedar roof last as long as possible. Cedar needs air flow to guarantee moisture control.

Cedar Breather® Ventilated Underlayment protects the beauty and life of wood roofing by providing a space for continuous airflow between the solid roof deck and shingles or shakes.

Just adding that ¼ inch of breathable membrane can reduce moisture content and allow your shingles to last longer and look better for years to come.

close-up of a cedar breather's ventilated underlayment being rolled out onto a roof
Cross-section of a roof with Cedar Breather underlayment

GAF WeatherWatch® Leak Barrier

GAF’s WeatherWatch® Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier is a fully-adhered roof underlayment with an adhesive back, used to prevent damage caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.

The eaves, rakes, valleys, and chimneys are the most leak-prone areas of a roof. GAF’s WeatherWatch® Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier is a self-sealing material, making it an exceptional leak guard.

In addition to protecting against costly damage to the roof itself, The WeatherWatch® barrier may prevent expensive damage to the interior of your home, like wall and ceiling stains, which often result from leaks.

roofer applying GAF WeatherWatch Leak Barrier

#30 Asphalt-Saturated Felt Paper

Moisture barriers are designed to prevent water from getting to the wooden deck. But with a cedar roof, your roof needs to breathe.

That’s why our Cedar Roofing System uses #30 asphalt saturated felt paper on the deck of the roof. Plus #30 half sheets between each row of Cedar shakes.

Thirty-pound felt is more thick and stiff than fifteen-pound. It’s also more resistant to damage during installation. As a result, it protects the roof longer and can stand up to rain, wind, hail, and snow.

The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau recommends installation of cedar shakes over #30 asphalt felt. That’s because roofing asphalt-saturated felt paper is a natural product.

It’s a blend of cellulose, polyester, bitumen, and asphalt, and soaked in a waterproofing agent.

#30 felt paper under cedar shakes with Cedar Breather underlayment

Rapid Ridge® 7 Roof Vent

Rapid Ridge® 7 roof vents are specifically designed for use with narrow hip and ridge shingles like cedar.

Without proper ventilation, attic heat will transfer to the inside of your home. And if temperatures get too extreme, it won’t just raise your electric bill — it can actually damage your roof.

Ridge Vents allow heat and moisture to escape at the ridge which is the most effective point on your roof to vent excess heat.

Cross-section of Rapid Ridge 7 Roof vent

Optional Copper Flashing Upgrade

Since cedar roofs can last for decades, consider upgrading to copper flashing. Copper can last up to 50 years and is highly resistant to fire, hail, and mildew.

Copper contains no iron, so it doesn’t rust. Instead it develops a beautiful green patina over time that actually protects the metal from further corrosion.

Other Substitutions for Flashing Metals Include:

  • 24 gauge [.024 inch-(.61 mm)] thick stainless steel with stainless steel fasteners.
  • 16 ounce (454 g) [.026 inch (.66 mm)] thick lead-coated copper with stainless steel fasteners.
  • 4 lb. (1 .81kg) [.062 inch (1.57 mm)] thick lead with stainless steel fasteners.
  • .016 inch (.41 mm) thick copper-clad stainless steel with stainless steel fasteners.
Cedar roof installation by Roofsimple with copper flashing around the chimney

What You Need to Know About Our Cedar Roof Systems

  • Can last 30 - 50 years

  • Cost effective

  • Mold, mildew, and insect resistant

  • Highest insulation value

  • Beautiful curb appeal

  • Exceptionally durable against wind, ice and hail

  • Easy to repair

  • Environmentally friendly

Our Cedar Roof System Warranty

  • Lifetime Workmanship Warranty

  • Lifetime Total Materials Warranty

  • 50 Year, Non-Prorated Warranty

  • Fully Transferable Warranty (Transferable one time within 20 years)

Considering a Cedar Roofing System for your home?

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