Cedar Shake & Wood Shingle Roofing
Cedar shake is the Pacific Northwest's signature roof — warm, natural, and beautiful on the classic Eastside and Seattle homes it was built for. It's also a roof that demands real expertise, because cedar behaves like the living material it is: it swells, dries, splits, and weathers, and it needs correct installation and honest maintenance to reach its potential.
First Choice Roof Service repairs, restores, and replaces cedar shake roofs across the region. For owners who love cedar, we install and maintain it properly. For owners tired of the upkeep, we provide honest guidance on converting to high-end composition or metal systems that preserve the home's character.
Many of the region's cedar roofs installed in the 1980s–2000s are now at or past their service life. If yours is showing widespread cupping, splitting, or thin, brittle shakes, a free inspection will tell you what's really left in it.
Cedar Shake Roofing at a Glance
Typical lifespan
Varies widely with maintenance, exposure, and shake quality — inspection tells the real story.
Best for
Classic Northwest architecture where the natural look matters.
Climate notes
Needs debris clearing and moss control; shaded cedar without maintenance ages fastest.
Alternatives
Presidential-style composition and metal systems replicate cedar's character with less upkeep.
Cedar Shake Roofing FAQs
Should I repair or replace my cedar shake roof?
Isolated splitting and localized wear can often be repaired, buying real years of service. Widespread cupping, rot, thin brittle shakes, or previous poor repairs usually mean replacement is the honest answer. We inspect for free, photograph everything, and tell you which situation you're actually in.
Can you replace cedar shake with composition shingles?
Yes — cedar-to-composition conversion is one of the most common replacements we do. It involves removing the shakes, installing solid decking where the roof has skip sheathing, and then a modern shingle system. Presidential-style shingles preserve much of cedar's dimensional character.
How do I maintain a cedar roof in this climate?
Keep it clear of debris, keep moss treated gently (never pressure washed), and address slipped or split shakes promptly. Shaded cedar under heavy tree cover needs the most attention — moisture is cedar's enemy once the surface stays wet.
Is cedar shake still a good choice for a new roof?
For the right home and an owner committed to maintenance, cedar remains beautiful and functional — and we install it properly. For owners who want the look without the upkeep, we'll walk you honestly through modern alternatives before you decide.
Cedar Shake Guides from Our Blog
The Best Roofing Materials for Pacific Northwest Weather
Nine months of moisture, moss-friendly shade, and needle drop: our climate tests roofs differently. Here's how the main materials hold up.
Read article →Reroofing Seattle's Older Homes: What Craftsman & Mid-Century Owners Should Know
Ballard bungalows and View Ridge mid-centuries hide their surprises under the shingles. Knowing what's coming makes the difference between a smooth reroof and a bad week.
Read article →Services for Cedar Shake Roofs
Explore Other Roof Types
Considering cedar shake roofing? Let's look at your roof together.
Free inspections. Free written estimates. No pressure — that's been our promise for over 17 years.