Frequently Asked Questions

How can I figure out how much material I’ll need?

Check local resources to find an experienced, reputable roofer who has knowledge and experience in applying wood shakes and wood roofing shingles (this is very important!). He or she will help you figure out exactly what you need. It’s not as easy as just converting your square-footage to the correct number of squares of shingles or shakes, so by all means, enlist the help of an experienced professional for this important task.

What’s the best way to find a reputable contractor?

A cedar roof is an important and valuable investment. Talk to your local distributor or talk to friends who have wood roofs. Be sure to get recommendations and find an installer who appreciates the value of a wood roof. Additional helpful information about choosing a contractor is available from the Cedar Bureau.

My local buildling code specifies that my new roof must be fire-retardant. Does a cedar roof qualify?

While a cedar wood roof is not naturally fire-retardant, Class A, B & C fire-retardant shingles/shakes are available. These have been pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant polymers before they reach you in order to provide permanent fire protection. Details about the performance of these fire-retardant shakes and shingles is available in this PDF from the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau. You can also browse for more helpful cedar roofing information here in the Resource Library section of the Cedar Bureau site. When considering a wood roof, you should check your local building code to see whether fire-retardency is required in your area.

What is CCA treatment? Can it be combined with fire-retardant treatment?

CCA-treated shakes and shingles have been pressure-impregnated with wood preservatives that provide long-term protection from fungal decay, extending the life of your wood roof. Please note that you can you can have shingles treated for fire retardency, or you can choose to have CCA preservative-treated shingles, but the two treatments cannot be combined.

How will a CCA-treated roof look a few years after installation?

CCA is a preservative treatment infused into cedar shakes and wood roofing shingles through a high-pressure process before they’re delivered to you for installation. CCA treatment helps protect and extend the life of a wood roof. Wood roofs naturally age to gray. In the photo at right, you can see this gradual process illustrated. The larger portion of the roof (on the left) is three years old. An extension of the original garage necessitated the installation of new roofing, visible on the right side of the photos.

What kind of maintenance does a wood roof require?

A wood cedar shake or shingle roof is still one of the most aesthetically beautiful roofs available today. It is considered a premium roofing material when compared to that of simple rolled or asphalt roofing materials. While a wood shake or shingle roof provides superior protection against the elements, it does require routine maintenance to ensure it continues to perform as expected. Spending a little time and money performing routine cedar roof maintenance now can extend the life of your wood shingles or shakes. This can translate into real money savings over the life cycle of your roof, and will help prevent more costly repairs later on.

Like cleaning your car, routine maintenance is important to the longevity of your shake or shingle roof. It is important to keep the keyway between the shakes free of debris. For the most part, this means periodic cleanings to remove leaves and/or tree needles. You can download a comprehensive PDF maintenance guide from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau here.

What about pressure washing?

Do not pressure wash your roof. It will void your warranty. The pressure from a household garden hose is enough to clean the keyways and debris off most roofs. Cutting away or trimming overhanging branches will help cut down on the amount of debris that accumulates in the future. You can download a comprehensive PDF maintenance guide from the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau here.

What if the shakes or shingles need repair?

If you live in a part of the country that experiences extreme heavy rain, snow, or hail, it may become necessary to replace cracked or broken shingles or shakes. If you are unfamiliar with how to properly replace broken or missing cedar shakes or wood roofing shingles, consult a professional who has experience with these types of repairs.  Call us for more information at 877-542-3327.

By performing your cedar roof maintenance in the fall, you can ensure that your roof will continue to look great and perform as expected throughout the seasons. For leaks or major repairs, it is important to call a professional and have your roof inspected by someone who has experience with the installation and repair of wood roofs.

How many feet does a bundle of the ridge cover?

Shake ridge covers 16.5 linear ft. per bundle. Tapersawn ridge covers 16.7 linear ft. per bundle.