Cedar Shake & Shingle Roofing in NYC
Cedar shakes and shingles give a roof a warm, natural look that suits many older homes and Tudor, Cape and Colonial styles. They also need the right installation and care. East NYC Roofing, in business 20 years, installs, repairs and replaces cedar roofs across the five boroughs, Nassau and Westchester.
- 20 years in business
- 10-year warranty on replacements
- Within 2 hours for leaks
- Free written estimate
Problems this solves
- Split, curled or cupped shakes letting water through
- Moss, algae and rot on shaded roof slopes
- Missing or broken shingles after wind storms
- Leaks at valleys, dormers and chimneys
- Weathered, gray roof that has reached the end of its life
- Nails rusting and loosening the shakes
- Insect damage or soft spots in the wood
- Mismatched repairs that stand out
- Concern about fire safety and local code requirements
Cedar Shake & Shingle Roofing explained
Cedar roofing comes in two forms. Shingles are sawn on both sides and give a tidy, uniform look, while shakes are split by hand or machine and have a thicker, rustic profile. Both are installed over solid or spaced sheathing with underlayment, and need airflow beneath so the wood can dry and resist rot. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, but moss, trapped moisture and poor ventilation shorten its life. Roof lifespan depends on climate, shade, ventilation and upkeep. Because wood is combustible, fire-retardant treated options and local fire code requirements should be checked. In landmark districts, cedar may be preferred or required for historic accuracy.
Options and materials
Cedar shingles
Sawn on both sides for a smooth, even look. A good fit for tailored styles such as Cape Cod and Colonial homes.
Cedar shakes
Thicker, split pieces with a rougher texture and deeper shadow lines. Common on rustic, craftsman and Tudor-style homes.
Fire-retardant treated cedar
Wood pressure-treated for improved fire resistance, which may be helpful where local codes or insurers are concerned about wood roofs.
Ventilated underlayment systems
Spacers or strapping under the shakes that allow air to circulate and the wood to dry, extending roof life.
Repair and partial replacement
Replacing damaged shakes, flashing and valleys, and cleaning moss, to extend a roof that is still mostly sound.
Our process
- Roof evaluationWe check shake condition, moss and rot, flashings, ventilation and the sheathing underneath to decide between repair and replacement.
- Written estimateA free written estimate covers the material choice, underlayment, ventilation and any landmark or permit requirements.
- Tear-off and deck repairOld shakes are removed, rotted sheathing is replaced and the property is protected from debris.
- Underlayment and ventilationUnderlayment, ice and water membrane at eaves and valleys, and ventilation layers are installed for a dry, breathable roof.
- Install shakes and flashingShakes or shingles are installed with proper exposure, staggered joints and corrosion-resistant fasteners, with new flashing at all roof details.
- Cleanup and care guidanceWe sweep for nails, remove debris and explain how to care for cedar, including keeping moss and debris off the roof.
What affects the price
Shake or shingle grade
Grade, thickness and species of cedar influence material cost, appearance and performance.
Roof complexity
Steep pitches, dormers, valleys and curved sections take more hand-fitting than a simple gable.
Underlayment and ventilation
Ventilated underlayment and ice barrier systems add materials but support the lifespan of the wood.
Fire-retardant treatment
Treated cedar costs more than untreated, and may be recommended depending on local code and insurer preferences.
Deck condition
Rotted sheathing discovered at tear-off adds repair costs before new shakes go on.
Repair vs full replacement
Targeted repairs cost less up front, but a worn-out roof is usually better served by full replacement.
Getting a price
Because these factors change from roof to roof, we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. We inspect your roof for free and give you a written, itemized estimate before any work starts.
Every cedar shake & shingle roofing job includes
- Free written estimate and roof evaluation
- Permit handling where required for the work
- Protection of landscaping, siding and property
- New underlayment and ice and water membrane at eaves and valleys
- New flashing at chimneys, dormers, valleys and walls
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners
- Dumpster and debris removal
- Magnetic nail sweep and jobsite cleanup
- Photo documentation; 10-year warranty on full roof replacements, workmanship warranty on repairs, terms on our warranty page
Written workmanship warranty on every job; full roof replacements carry our 10-year warranty. Warranty terms.