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.
Cedar Shake Questions We Hear Every Day
How much does a cedar shake roof cost in Utah?
Cedar shake runs $8–$16 per square foot installed, which puts a typical 2,000 sq ft roof at $16,000–$32,000. Premium straight-grain cedar on a complex roof can exceed $40,000. About 50–60% of the cost is labor — cedar requires a breathable underlayment and skip-sheathing system that takes more time to install correctly.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
30–50 years when properly maintained. That maintenance is the catch: cedar needs preservative treatment every 3–5 years and an annual check for moss, debris, and cracked or split shakes. A neglected cedar roof falls well short of that range.
Is cedar shake roofing allowed in Utah?
Yes, with conditions. Utah building code allows cedar shake on residential buildings two stories or less with specific fire-separation distances, and you should always use fire-retardant-treated cedar. Some HOAs prohibit wood roofing entirely — check your CC&Rs before falling in love with the look. We verify code compliance on every cedar project.
How much maintenance does a cedar roof really need?
More than any other material we install. Annually: clear debris, check for moss, and inspect for cracked or split shakes. Every 3–5 years: preservative treatment and fire retardant reapplication, plus a professional inspection. If that schedule sounds like more than you want to take on, cedar probably isn't the right fit — and we'll tell you that.
Is cedar shake better than asphalt shingles?
It depends what you're buying it for. Cedar wins on natural beauty, insulation, and that distinctive mountain look. Asphalt wins on cost, maintenance, and fire rating — a typical asphalt replacement runs $8,500–$25,000 versus $16,000–$32,000 for cedar, with far less upkeep. Neither is 'better' — they're different answers to different priorities.
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.