Cedar Wood Shake Roofing in Utah
What it costs, how long it lasts, and whether it's right for your home.
$8–$16 per square foot installed
What Is Cedar Shake Roofing?
Cedar shake uses individual pieces of Western Red Cedar that are hand-split or machine-split from logs. Shakes are hand-split with a thick, rustic texture. Shingles are machine-sawn for a smooth, uniform appearance.
Cedar contains natural oils that resist insects, rot, and fungal decay. Lightweight — about 3.5 pounds per square foot, comparable to asphalt.
How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost in Utah?
- • About 50–60% of cost is labor
- • Requires breathable underlayment and skip-sheathing system
Advantages of Cedar Shake
- ✓ Natural beauty and curb appeal
- ✓ Distinctive rustic mountain look
- ✓ Natural insulating properties
- ✓ Lightweight — most structures support it without reinforcement
- ✓ Lifespan of 30–50 years when properly maintained
- ✓ Natural oils resist insects and rot
Disadvantages of Cedar Shake
- • Most maintenance-intensive roofing material we install
- • Requires treatment every 3–5 years
- • Fire risk — must use fire-retardant-treated cedar in Utah
- • Higher cost than asphalt
- • Some HOAs prohibit wood roofing
Maintenance Schedule
Annual
- ✓ Clear debris
- ✓ Check for moss
- ✓ Inspect for cracked or split shakes
Every 3–5 Years
- ✓ Apply preservative treatment
- ✓ Fire retardant reapplication
- ✓ Professional inspection
Fire Safety
Always choose fire-retardant-treated cedar shake in Utah. Utah building code allows cedar shake on residential buildings two stories or less with specific fire-separation distances. We verify code compliance on every cedar shake project.
Considering Cedar for Your Home?
Get an honest assessment of whether cedar shake is right for your roof, your budget, and your maintenance comfort level.