Replacing cedar shakes can restore a roof’s weather protection and appearance, but the work involves more than nailing down new pieces of wood. A durable result depends on identifying the existing roof system, choosing suitable shakes, preparing the deck, and installing each course with the right spacing and exposure. Local building codes, roof pitch, ventilation, and the condition of flashing also matter. This guide explains how cedar shake replacement generally works, what to check before starting, and when a roofing professional is the safer choice.
When Cedar Shakes Need Replacement
Cedar shakes are split wood roofing pieces, commonly thicker and less uniform than sawn cedar shingles. They weather naturally, but age, moisture, sun exposure, poor ventilation, and maintenance history influence how long they perform. A roof may need attention before every shake has failed, especially if damage is widespread or water is reaching the roof deck.
Look for cracked, curled, missing, or badly split shakes; loose fasteners; moss or persistent moisture; and deteriorated flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys. Inside the house, water stains, damp insulation, or daylight visible through the roof assembly can indicate a leak. These signs do not prove that the whole roof needs replacement, so an inspection should determine whether damage is localized or systemic.
Do not assume that a surface treatment can repair failed roofing. Cleaning or applying a coating may not address broken shakes, damaged underlayment, or a deteriorated deck. Some treatments can also affect how wood dries. Follow the shake manufacturer’s guidance and ask a qualified roofer before applying chemicals or sealants.
Inspect the Roof Before Choosing a Replacement Method
A cedar roof is a system, not just a layer of wood. Before work begins, the roof should be evaluated for deck condition, ventilation, flashing, underlayment, and any existing interlayment between courses. The correct repair depends on what is present and what local code requires.
Check the deck and roof assembly
Traditional cedar shake roofs may be installed over spaced sheathing, solid sheathing, or a specific combination of materials. The deck must be appropriate for the selected product and in sound condition. Rot, delamination, sagging, and soft areas should be addressed rather than concealed beneath new shakes. A contractor can determine whether the existing assembly is compatible with current code and manufacturer instructions.
Do not remove a few shakes and assume the rest of the roof is sound. Water can travel along the deck before appearing indoors, and damage may extend beyond the visible stain. Inspecting the attic, eaves, valleys, and roof penetrations can help reveal hidden problems.
Confirm local requirements
Permit requirements and rules for wood roofing vary by municipality and building type. Fire-code restrictions may apply in some areas, particularly where wildfire risk is high. Local rules may also regulate roof coverings, underlayment, ventilation, and disposal. Before ordering materials, check with the local building department or ask a licensed roofing contractor to confirm applicable requirements.
Choose the Right Cedar Shakes and Materials
Replacement shakes should match the roof’s required grade, thickness, width, exposure, and installation method. Cedar species and product grades differ, and a visually similar shake may not be suitable for the existing assembly. Product labeling and installation instructions should identify the intended use and applicable standards.
When possible, use shakes from a reputable supplier and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides product and installation information for wood roofing. A professional can help establish whether the roof calls for hand-split shakes, taper-sawn shakes, or another product and whether the existing roof can be repaired with matching materials.
Other materials may include corrosion-resistant roofing nails, approved underlayment, flashing, and replacement deck panels. Fastener material matters because incompatible or noncorrosion-resistant fasteners can deteriorate in outdoor conditions. Use the fastener type, length, and placement specified for the product and local code rather than choosing nails by appearance alone.
Tools, Safety, and Preparation
Roofing work carries a serious fall risk. Cedar shakes can be slippery, loose materials can shift, and roof edges, ladders, and openings create hazards. OSHA’s construction fall-protection requirements apply to covered work; the correct controls depend on the site and task. Proper planning may involve guardrails, a personal fall-arrest system, secured ladders, and a trained crew.
Homeowners should not work on a steep, wet, icy, or unstable roof. A harness alone is not a complete fall-protection plan; it must be used with compatible equipment, a secure anchorage, and training. Keep people and pets away from the work zone, protect landscaping, and plan how debris will be lowered safely. If safe access and fall protection are not available, hire a qualified roofing contractor.
Typical tools include a roofing shovel or pry bar, hammer or pneumatic nailer, measuring tools, chalk line, utility knife, and equipment for handling debris. Protective eyewear, gloves, appropriate footwear, and respiratory protection may also be necessary, depending on the materials and work conditions. Older roofing can contain materials that require special handling; suspected hazardous materials should be assessed before disturbance.
How to Replace Cedar Shakes
The sequence below describes a general replacement process. Exact details vary with the roof design, shake product, deck type, local code, and manufacturer instructions. A full tear-off is more involved than replacing isolated shakes, and both methods require careful inspection.
1. Set up the work area
Establish fall protection and secure ladder access before moving materials onto the roof. Protect gutters, siding, windows, and landscaping from falling debris. Work in manageable sections so the roof is not left exposed to rain overnight. Check the forecast and have temporary coverings available if weather changes.
2. Remove the old shakes carefully
For a full replacement, remove the shakes and any other roofing layers that must come off under the project plan. Work methodically to avoid damaging the deck. Do not pry aggressively against roof sheathing, flashing, or adjacent finishes. Put debris in a controlled collection area rather than allowing it to slide toward eaves or onto the ground.
For a localized repair, remove the damaged shake and any fasteners that prevent the replacement piece from sitting correctly. Avoid cutting or levering against neighboring shakes. If the exposed deck is wet, soft, or deteriorated, the repair may need to expand to include deck work.
3. Inspect and repair the roof deck
With the roofing removed, inspect the exposed deck for rot, loose boards, gaps, and structural damage. Replace damaged sections with materials that meet code and are appropriate for the roof assembly. Check the framing if the deck is sagging or compromised; a roofing surface cannot correct a structural problem.
4. Install underlayment and flashing
Install the underlayment and any required moisture-management layers according to the roof design, product instructions, and local code. Cedar shake systems may use specialized underlayment or interlayment details; the correct approach depends on the product and assembly. Do not substitute a generic roofing membrane without confirming compatibility.
Repair or replace flashing at eaves, valleys, sidewalls, chimneys, skylights, and plumbing vents as needed. Flashing directs water away from joints and penetrations, which are common leak locations. New shakes cannot compensate for improperly installed or corroded flashing.
5. Lay out the courses
Start with the specified eave detail and establish straight, consistent courses using a chalk line or other layout method. The exposure—the portion of each shake left visible—must follow the product instructions and account for roof pitch and shake length. Excessive exposure can reduce weather protection; too little can affect appearance and material use.
Stagger joints so that adjacent courses do not create a continuous path for water. The required side spacing and joint separation depend on the product. Keep joints clear of the joints in the course below, and avoid placing shake joints directly over deck gaps when the installation system requires otherwise.
6. Fasten each shake correctly
Use the specified corrosion-resistant fasteners and drive them at the manufacturer’s recommended locations. Fasteners should hold the shake securely without splitting it or being driven so deeply that they damage the wood. The number and placement of nails can vary by shake dimensions and installation requirements.
Install each course from the eaves upward, maintaining the planned exposure and joint pattern. Pay particular attention to valleys, hips, ridges, walls, and roof penetrations. These areas require correctly detailed flashing and cuts; improvised patches can create water traps or leave openings.
7. Finish ridges and clean the site
Complete ridge and hip details using an approved method and materials compatible with the roof system. Inspect the finished work for loose shakes, exposed or misplaced fasteners, uneven courses, and incomplete flashing. Clear debris from gutters and the ground, and use a magnetic sweeper where appropriate to collect stray nails.
Replacing One Shake Versus Replacing the Whole Roof
A localized repair can make sense when damage is limited, surrounding shakes remain sound, and matching materials are available. The repair should also address the cause of the damage, such as failed flashing or a branch impact. A new shake may appear different from weathered cedar, even when it matches the original product.
A full replacement is more appropriate when deterioration is widespread, the roof deck or underlayment is failing, leaks recur in multiple areas, or repairs no longer provide dependable protection. A professional inspection can document the condition and explain whether the roof can be repaired or requires a complete system replacement. There is no universal threshold based only on the number of damaged shakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing over a damaged deck: Concealed rot can compromise fastening and allow deterioration to continue.
- Using the wrong shake or exposure: Product dimensions and layout affect both appearance and water shedding.
- Reusing unsuitable fasteners: Corrosion or poor placement can cause shakes to loosen or fail.
- Ignoring flashing: Roof penetrations and transitions need sound water management.
- Blocking ventilation: Roof and attic ventilation should follow the building design and applicable code.
- Working without fall protection: A fall can cause life-threatening injuries, even during a small repair.
- Leaving the roof exposed: Plan for weather protection while the work is underway.
Cost, Disposal, and Hiring a Contractor
The cost to replace cedar shakes depends on roof size, pitch, access, shake grade, local labor rates, deck repairs, flashing, tear-off, and disposal. A steep or complex roof generally requires more labor and safety measures than a simple roof. Because these variables differ widely, an on-site estimate is more useful than a single national price range.
Request written estimates that describe the shake product, removal and disposal, deck-repair allowances, underlayment, flashing, ventilation work, permits, and cleanup. Ask whether the contractor is licensed where required, insured, experienced with cedar shake roofs, and able to provide references. Compare the installation method with the product manufacturer’s instructions and local code.
Wood roofing debris should be handled according to local waste rules. If the roof includes older layers or materials that may be hazardous, do not disturb them until they have been properly assessed. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides guidance on asbestos and lead-related hazards in buildings; requirements depend on the material, property, and project.
Maintenance After Replacement
Keep gutters and roof drainage paths clear, and promptly remove branches or debris that trap moisture. Inspect the roof periodically from a safe location and arrange professional checks after severe storms or when signs of leakage appear. Attic inspections can help identify moisture, staining, or ventilation concerns before damage becomes visible indoors.
Trim nearby branches where practical, and address moss or algae using methods approved for the roof product. Avoid pressure washing cedar shakes, which can damage wood and shorten service life. Keep records of product details, installation work, permits, and repairs; these documents can help with future maintenance and warranty questions.
Reliable Sources for Cedar Shake Replacement
- Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau for wood roofing product and installation information.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for construction fall-protection guidance.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for information about asbestos hazards and safe handling.
- Local building departments for permits, roofing requirements, and fire-code restrictions.