Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Cost: Is Synthetic Shake Better?

The Enduring Appeal and Inherent Challenges of Natural Cedar

Natural cedar shake roofing is celebrated for its unique character. Each shake is different, creating a layered, textured look that evolves over time, weathering to a distinguished silvery-grey. Beyond its looks, cedar provides excellent natural insulation, helping to keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can contribute to energy savings.

Despite these benefits, a natural cedar roof demands significant upkeep. It is an organic material, making it vulnerable to the elements in ways that man-made materials are not. Susceptibility to moisture can lead to rot, moss, and mildew growth, while insects like termites and carpenter ants can cause damage. Furthermore, untreated cedar carries a higher risk of fire, a major concern in many regions.

Deconstructing the Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Cost

Understanding the cost of replacing your cedar shake roof involves looking beyond just the price of the materials. It’s a complex equation of premium products, specialized labor, and ongoing financial commitment. When you receive a quote, these are the key factors driving the final price.

Material Costs: The Price of Authenticity

The primary cost driver is the cedar shakes themselves. The price varies significantly based on the quality and grade of the wood.

Premium Grade: Sourced from old-growth Western Red Cedar, these are 100% edge grain, ensuring they lay flat, resist warping, and have the longest lifespan. This is the most expensive option.
Number 1 Grade: While still a high-quality product, this grade may include a mix of edge grain and flat grain shakes. It offers a beautiful look at a slightly lower price point.

The simple truth is that high-quality, sustainably harvested cedar is a limited resource, and its price reflects that exclusivity.

Installation and Labor: A Master Craftsman’s Job

Installing a cedar shake roof is not a job for a general-purpose roofer; it is a specialized craft. Each shake must be individually placed and nailed, with careful attention to alignment and exposure to ensure proper water shedding.

The process includes the complete tear-off of the old roof, inspection of the roof deck, installation of a specialized underlayment, and the meticulous placement of the new shakes. This skilled, labor-intensive work is a significant portion of the total cedar shake roof replacement cost.

Long-Term Financials: The Hidden Cost of Maintenance

The initial installation price is not the end of your investment. To maximize its lifespan and prevent premature decay, a natural cedar roof requires a consistent maintenance budget.

This includes professional cleanings every few years to remove moss and algae, as well as the application of chemical treatments and preservatives to repel water, block UV rays, and deter insect infestation. These recurring costs must be factored into the total cost of ownership.

The Modern Alternative: Is Synthetic Shake Better?

As technology has advanced, so have roofing materials. Synthetic cedar shakes have emerged as a powerful contender, engineered to capture the beauty of natural wood while eliminating its inherent weaknesses. This innovation directly challenges homeowners to consider if a modern solution is superior.

What Exactly Are Synthetic Cedar Shakes?

Synthetic (or composite) shakes are advanced composite materials, often made from recycled rubber, plastics, and engineered polymers. They are manufactured in molds taken from real cedar shakes, allowing them to replicate the authentic textures, grain patterns, and chiseled edges of natural wood with stunning accuracy. They come in a vast array of colors, from freshly installed cedar tones to beautifully weathered greys.

The Decisive Advantages of Synthetic Materials

When evaluating if synthetic shake is better, the benefits in performance, safety, and long-term value are overwhelmingly clear. These engineered products are designed specifically to outperform their natural counterparts in every critical area.

Unmatched Durability and Longevity

Where natural cedar is vulnerable, synthetic materials excel. They are completely impervious to moisture, meaning they will never rot, crack, or warp. They are also insect-proof and resistant to moss and algae growth. This incredible durability is backed by industry-leading warranties, often lasting 50 years or even a lifetime, compared to the 20-30 year lifespan of a well-maintained cedar roof.

Superior Safety and Performance

Safety is a paramount concern for any homeowner, and this is where synthetic shakes truly shine.

Fire Resistance: Most synthetic shakes boast a Class A fire rating, the highest possible rating for roofing materials. This provides critical protection and peace of mind, a stark contrast to the flammability of untreated natural cedar.
Impact Resistance: Many synthetic products also carry a Class 4 impact rating, meaning they can withstand significant hail and flying debris without cracking or breaking. This level of protection can often lead to substantial discounts on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

A Head-to-Head Analysis: Natural Cedar vs. Synthetic Shake

To truly answer the question, “Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Cost: Is Synthetic Shake Better?,” a direct comparison is essential. Let’s place them side-by-side.

Upfront Cost: The initial installation cost can be surprisingly similar. While high-end synthetic shakes can be expensive, they are often comparable to, or even less than, the cost of installing premium-grade natural cedar with a master craftsman.
Lifetime Value: This is where the debate ends for many. Synthetic shakes have virtually zero maintenance costs. With a lifespan that is often double that of natural cedar and no need for expensive treatments or repairs, the long-term cost of ownership is drastically lower. Synthetic is a one-time investment; natural cedar is an ongoing one.
Aesthetics: Natural cedar has a unique, authentic beauty. However, modern manufacturing has made synthetic shakes nearly indistinguishable from the real thing, even up close. They offer the same stunning curb appeal without any of the natural material’s drawbacks.
Durability and Safety: There is no contest here. With superior fire, impact, and weather resistance, synthetic shakes offer a level of protection and security that natural wood simply cannot match.

Conclusion: The Smart Investment for Your Home’s Future

While the charm of a natural cedar roof is timeless, its practical and financial disadvantages in the modern world are impossible to ignore. The high maintenance requirements, vulnerability to nature, and ongoing costs make it a choice that requires significant commitment.

When you analyze the Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Cost: Is Synthetic Shake Better?, the evidence points overwhelmingly in one direction. Synthetic cedar shakes offer the same high-end aesthetic as natural wood while providing superior durability, enhanced safety, and a significantly lower lifetime cost. For the discerning homeowner seeking beauty, performance, and long-term value, choosing a premium synthetic shake roof is not a compromise—it’s the smarter, more secure investment for your home.