Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing carries an organic warmth and texture that no manufactured material can truly replicate. The hand-split faces of Western Red Cedar shakes catch light differently throughout the day, creating a living roof surface that deepens in color from golden honey to silver-gray as it weathers naturally. In Chicago neighborhoods where character and craftsmanship define the streetscape, from the Arts and Crafts homes of Oak Park to the Tudor revivals of Wilmette and the lakefront estates of Winnetka, cedar shake roofs are a signature architectural element that connects homes to a tradition of natural building.

Working with cedar demands a specialized skill set. Unlike asphalt shingles that are nailed in uniform rows, cedar shakes must be spaced with calculated gaps to allow for expansion, offset at staggered intervals to prevent water tracking, and installed over a breather mat that promotes air circulation on the underside of each course. Fastener selection matters too: only stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails are acceptable, as standard galvanized fasteners corrode and create streak stains within a few years.

Cornerstone Roofing Co. installs premium-grade Western Red Cedar shakes and shingles sourced from certified sustainable forestry operations in British Columbia. We offer both hand-split shakes for the most rustic, textured appearance and machine-sawn shingles for a more uniform profile. Every cedar roof we install includes a ridge ventilation system and proper underlayment configuration to maximize airflow and extend the life of the wood in Chicago's humid continental climate.

Cedar performs well in Chicago's climate when installed with proper ventilation and maintenance. The wood's natural oils resist moisture absorption, but Chicago's humidity, combined with snow cover that keeps shakes damp for extended periods in winter, can promote moss and algae growth on north-facing slopes. Cornerstone addresses this by ensuring adequate breather mat ventilation beneath the shakes and recommending a zinc or copper ridge strip that releases natural biocide during rainfall to inhibit organic growth. Periodic cleaning and preservative treatment every 5-7 years extends a cedar roof's life significantly in the Chicagoland climate.

Cedar shake costs roughly two to three times more than architectural asphalt shingles and requires more maintenance to achieve its full 30-50 year lifespan. However, cedar offers insulation performance that asphalt cannot match, reducing heating costs in Chicago's cold winters. Compared to slate, cedar is lighter and less expensive but does not approach slate's 75-150 year longevity. Cedar is the ideal choice for homeowners who prioritize natural aesthetics, energy efficiency, and are willing to invest in periodic maintenance.