Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Fire resistance
Real untreated cedar: Class C. Real FRT (fire-retardant treated) cedar: Class A. Composite shake: Class A. In jurisdictions requiring Class A, untreated cedar is not an option.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Maintenance
Real cedar: annual moss/algae inspection, optional preservative treatment every 7-10 years for extended life. Composite: essentially zero maintenance.
Fire resistance
Real untreated cedar: Class C. Real FRT (fire-retardant treated) cedar: Class A. Composite shake: Class A. In jurisdictions requiring Class A, untreated cedar is not an option.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Service life
Real cedar properly maintained: 30-50 years. Composite shake: 50-year manufacturer warranty. Comparable for most ownership horizons; composite slightly longer.
Maintenance
Real cedar: annual moss/algae inspection, optional preservative treatment every 7-10 years for extended life. Composite: essentially zero maintenance.
Fire resistance
Real untreated cedar: Class C. Real FRT (fire-retardant treated) cedar: Class A. Composite shake: Class A. In jurisdictions requiring Class A, untreated cedar is not an option.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Cost
Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label: $14-22 per sq ft installed. Composite shake (CertainTeed, DaVinci): $11-16 per sq ft. Roughly 20-30% cost difference.
Service life
Real cedar properly maintained: 30-50 years. Composite shake: 50-year manufacturer warranty. Comparable for most ownership horizons; composite slightly longer.
Maintenance
Real cedar: annual moss/algae inspection, optional preservative treatment every 7-10 years for extended life. Composite: essentially zero maintenance.
Fire resistance
Real untreated cedar: Class C. Real FRT (fire-retardant treated) cedar: Class A. Composite shake: Class A. In jurisdictions requiring Class A, untreated cedar is not an option.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Visual
Real cedar: weathers to silver-gray over 7-15 years. Composite: stable color from day one (doesn’t weather). For homes where the silvering patina is part of the aesthetic, real cedar is the only option. For homes wanting consistent color forever, composite works.
Cost
Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label: $14-22 per sq ft installed. Composite shake (CertainTeed, DaVinci): $11-16 per sq ft. Roughly 20-30% cost difference.
Service life
Real cedar properly maintained: 30-50 years. Composite shake: 50-year manufacturer warranty. Comparable for most ownership horizons; composite slightly longer.
Maintenance
Real cedar: annual moss/algae inspection, optional preservative treatment every 7-10 years for extended life. Composite: essentially zero maintenance.
Fire resistance
Real untreated cedar: Class C. Real FRT (fire-retardant treated) cedar: Class A. Composite shake: Class A. In jurisdictions requiring Class A, untreated cedar is not an option.
Historic correctness
On historic certified-historic homes in coastal NE (saltbox cottages, shingle-style mansions): real cedar is generally required by HDC. For non-historic homes wanting the look: composite is fully acceptable.
Our recommendation
Pre-1940 coastal historic home: real Eastern white cedar #1 Blue Label, properly maintained. Newer construction wanting the cedar aesthetic with less maintenance overhead: composite. Fire-restricted jurisdictions: FRT cedar or composite.
Need help on this in person?
Cedar Shake + Shingle Roofing →
We do this work across CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, and VT. Photo-documented assessment, written quote, lifetime workmanship warranty.
Next step
Get an honest written quote.
Photo-documented assessment. Itemized quote. We’ll tell you if repair makes more sense than replacement.
Comparison Guide
Real cedar vs. composite shake alternatives.
For coastal NE saltbox and shingle-style homes wanting the cedar aesthetic, two paths: real Eastern white cedar (heritage-correct) or composite/synthetic shake (CertainTeed Cedar Impressions, DaVinci, Brava). Here’s the honest comparison.