Cedar Shake Roof Installation

Cedar shake roofing represents one of the most distinctive and enduring choices available to Santa Barbara homeowners, combining natural beauty with exceptional longevity. These hand-split wooden shakes create a rustic, organic appearance that complements both traditional and contemporary architectural styles while providing superior weather protection for decades.

Professional cedar shake roof installation requires specialized expertise and meticulous attention to detail that goes far beyond standard roofing projects. Each shake must be individually placed and secured using specific techniques that account for natural wood movement, proper ventilation, and weather resistance. The installation process demands understanding of cedar's unique characteristics and how it responds to Santa Barbara's coastal climate conditions.

Santa Barbara's Mediterranean environment presents both opportunities and challenges for cedar roofing. While the relatively dry climate favors cedar's longevity, coastal moisture and salt air require careful material selection and installation methods to ensure optimal performance. Our local knowledge ensures proper underlayment, ventilation, and weatherproofing techniques that maximize your investment.

The natural oils in premium Western Red Cedar provide inherent resistance to insects, decay, and moisture damage. When properly installed and maintained, cedar shake roofs develop a beautiful silver-gray patina over time while continuing to protect your home effectively. 

Recommended Maintenance Practices

We advise cleaning the roof at least once a year to remove debris like leaves and twigs. Moss and algae growth should be treated with specialized cleaning solutions designed for cedar to prevent moisture retention.

Trimming nearby tree branches helps reduce excess shade and limits organic material buildup. Applying a wood preservative every few years protects against rot and insect damage. We also recommend re-nailing loose shakes to avoid wind damage, using stainless steel nails to prevent rust.

Timelines for Roof Inspections

We conduct thorough roof inspections twice a year, ideally in spring and fall. These periods allow us to identify damage caused by winter moisture or summer heat stress.

Inspections include checking for shake splitting, warping, and nail pops. After major storms, additional reviews help catch damage early. Routine checkups keep the roof in good condition and help us plan timely repairs or maintenance.

Signs Your Roof Needs Attention

Look for shakes that are curling, splitting, or missing entirely. Dark streaks or stains indicate algae or mold growth, which can degrade the wood over time.

We also watch for uneven surfaces and rust stains around nails, which suggest failing fasteners. Water stains inside the home may signal leaks requiring immediate repair. Addressing these signs promptly prevents larger issues and costly replacements.