Top Cedar Shingles for Beautiful, Durable Roofing
Ever looked at your roof and felt something was missing? That something might just be cedar shingles. I found their magic three years ago when renovating my century-old farmhouse, and I’ve never looked back.
Cedar shingles aren’t just roofing materials—they’re elements that enhance both protection and curb appeal.
While many homeowners settle for ordinary asphalt that deteriorates quickly and looks, well, ordinary, cedar offers a natural beauty that stands the test of time.
What makes cedar special? Its unmatched durability, eye-catching appearance, and eco-friendly qualities create the perfect trifecta for discerning homeowners. That stunning silvery patina it develops over the years is free.
Let me guide you through choosing the perfect cedar shingles for your home.
Understanding Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles are a natural roofing choice that gives homes timeless beauty and protection.
These thin, precisely cut wooden pieces differ from shakes, which have a rougher, hand-split appearance and thicker profile.
Cedar has adorned roofs for centuries, from Colonial homes to Pacific Northwest lodges, gaining popularity for its natural durability and appeal.
The travel from forest to roof involves careful harvesting, cutting, and grading, with sustainability practices increasingly important.
When discussing installation, you’ll hear terms like “squares” (covering 100 square feet) and “exposure” (visible portion after installation).
While standard asphalt shingles last 15-30 years, quality cedar shingles can protect your home for 30-50 years with proper maintenance, offering superior insulation and the ability to age gracefully into a distinguished silver-gray patina.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Cedar Shingles
When selecting cedar shingles for your project, several factors determine quality, appearance, and longevity.
1. Cedar Grade and Species
Premium clear grades offer minimal knots and a refined appearance, while budget-friendly options show more character marks at a lower price.
Western Red Cedar dominates the market with rich coloring and natural oils that resist decay and insects.
Eastern White Cedar provides a lighter appearance with beautiful silver-gray. Consider your climate and budget—higher grades typically last longer and resist warping, but you’ll pay more for that perfection.
2. Thickness and Cut
Thinner shingles (½”) work beautifully for sidewalls, while thicker varieties (¾”) provide superior protection for roofs in harsh climates.
Machine-cut shingles create consistent lines for a refined look, while hand-split shakes deliver rustic charm with dramatic shadow lines.
Taper-sawn options offer a middle ground with moderate thickness. Local weather conditions should guide this choice—heavier rainfall areas benefit from thicker products.
3. Treatment and Finishes
Natural cedar develops that coveted silver patina over time, while pre-treated options offer enhanced protection immediately after installation.
Fire-retardant treatments have become essential in wildfire-prone regions and may be required by local building codes.
Factory-applied stains save tremendous time and ensure even coverage but typically cost more upfront.
When considering treatments, balance protection needs with environmental concerns—some options maintain cedar’s sustainability without introducing harmful compounds.
4. Warranty and Longevity
Quality cedar shingles generally last 30-50 years with proper maintenance, far outperforming standard asphalt products.
Material warranties typically cover manufacturing defects for 20-30 years but read carefully as many prorate coverage over time.
Your local climate plays a huge role in performance—cedar behaves differently in humid coastal environments than in dry mountain regions.
Regular maintenance dramatically extends lifespan, so factor in long-term care when calculating the true cost of ownership.
5. Sustainability and Certification
Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which ensures your shingles come from responsibly managed forests with sustainable harvesting practices.
Cedar’s environmental benefits extend beyond responsible forestry—these natural shingles require minimal processing energy compared to manufactured alternatives.
The excellent insulation properties of cedar roofing can reduce energy consumption throughout your home’s lifetime.
Cedar is a renewable resource with a significantly lower carbon footprint when sourced responsibly than petroleum-based alternatives.
Top 5 Cedar Shingles for Beautiful, Durable Roofing
1. Certi-Label Western Red Cedar Premium Grade
The gold standard in cedar shingles offers exceptional quality that serious homeowners and contractors trust. These premium shingles feature consistent grain patterns with minimal defects for a flawless appearance.
- It contains natural oils that provide superior resistance to decay and insects
- Edge-grain construction minimizes warping and splitting over time
- Premium pricing is justified by a 40+ year lifespan with proper maintenance
2. Waldun Forest Products Hand-Split Shakes
Crafted using traditional methods that showcase cedar’s natural beauty with an authentic rustic appearance that machine-produced products can’t match.
- A thicker profile creates dramatic shadow lines and superior weather protection
- Hand-splitting follows the natural grain for enhanced strength and character
- Ideal choice for historic renovations and premium custom homes
3. Capital Forest Products Blue Label Shingles
These reliable performers strike the perfect balance between quality and value for everyday roofing projects.
- 100% heartwood composition ensures maximum natural durability
- Precision-cut edges create clean, consistent installation lines
- Excellent dimensional stability with minimal cupping or warping
4. G&R Cedar Ltd. Architect Series
Specifically engineered for demanding architectural applications where appearance is as important as performance.
- Perfect for complex roof designs with curves, turrets, and unique features
- Pre-sorted bundles ensure color consistency across large installations
- Higher initial cost offset by reduced installation time and minimal waste
5. Liberty Cedar Yellow Cedar Shingles
When extreme durability matters most, these distinctive shingles deliver exceptional performance in challenging environments.
- Superior hardness and density compared to standard Western Red Cedar
- Naturally resistant to splitting, curling, and cupping even in harsh conditions
- Distinctive pale gold color slowly weathers to silver-gray over decades
Benefits of Using Cedar Shingles for Roofing
1. Natural Insulation Properties
Cedar shingles offer remarkable insulation that manufactured alternatives can’t match. The wood’s natural cellular structure creates thousands of tiny air pockets that trap heat in winter and block it in summer.
Homeowners with cedar roofs often report noticeable differences in energy bills throughout the year.
- Cedar provides up to twice the insulation value of asphalt shingles, potentially reducing heating costs by 10-20%
- The natural thermal resistance creates more stable indoor temperatures with fewer HVAC cycles
- Cedar’s density absorbs sound waves from rain, hail, and external noise for noticeably quieter living spaces
2. Weather Resistance and Aging Process
Cedar has evolved natural defenses against moisture and decay, making it ideal for roofing applications. Unlike materials that deteriorate with age, cedar develops character and charm over decades of exposure to the elements.
- It contains natural oils and tannins that resist moisture damage, rot, and insect infestations
- Develops a distinguished silver-gray patina through UV exposure that many homeowners prize
- Naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes without cracking, unlike many synthetic materials
3. Environmental and Health Benefits
When sustainability matters, cedar stands out as one of the most environmentally responsible roofing choices available today. Cedar’s ecological footprint remains remarkably small from forest to installation and beyond.
- Harvested from managed forests that regrow relatively quickly, making cedar truly renewable
- Requires minimal processing energy compared to manufactured roofing products
- It contains no harmful chemicals, creating healthier indoor air quality with zero off-gassing
Tips for Maintaining Your Cedar Shingle Roof
1. Regular Cleaning and Care
A cedar roof requires consistent maintenance to perform at its best and reach its full lifespan potential. Debris-like leaves, pine needles, and branches create moisture traps that can accelerate decay if left unchecked.
Regular gentle cleaning preserves both functionality and appearance while preventing costly damage.
Quick Maintenance Tips:
- Remove debris from valleys and corners at least twice yearly, using a leaf blower or soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging the cedar
- Apply zinc or copper strips along the roof ridge to naturally prevent moss and algae growth as rainwater washes over the metal
- Clean with gentle solutions of water and oxygen bleach rather than pressure washing, which can damage wood fibers and reduce shingle lifespan
2. Inspection and Repair Practices
Catching small issues before they become major problems can extend your cedar roof’s life by years. Seasonal inspections help identify vulnerable areas needing attention, especially after severe weather events or dramatic temperature changes.
Inspection Essentials:
- Check for curling, cupping, or splitting shingles in spring and fall, paying special attention to areas with direct sun exposure
- Look for dark or discolored patches that might indicate water damage, particularly around chimney flashing and roof valleys
- Replace individual damaged shingles promptly using cedar shims and rust-resistant nails rather than waiting for more extensive repairs
3. Refinishing and Preservation
Even the highest quality cedar eventually needs refinishing to maintain its protective qualities. The timing depends heavily on your local climate, with harsh sun and frequent precipitation accelerating the weathering process.
Preservation Guidelines:
- Apply water-repellent preservatives every 3-5 years in moderate climates and every 2-3 years in severe weather regions.
- Choose oil-based products specifically formulated for cedar that allow the wood to breathe while enhancing natural resistance to moisture.
- Consider professional refinishing for steep or complex roofs, as proper application techniques significantly impact performance and longevity.
Final Words
Let’s face it—quality roofing isn’t cheap, but cedar shingles deliver incredible long-term value. They’re an investment that has paid dividends for decades.
I’ve seen cedar transform ordinary houses into showstoppers while providing unmatched protection from whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
Synthetic alternatives, impressive insulation, and remarkable durability can’t match the natural oils.
Remember, though—a little TLC goes a long way! Keep your cedar roof clean, inspect it regularly, and don’t skip those preservative treatments. Your roof will thank you by lasting 40+ years instead of 20.
Choose wisely, install properly, and maintain regularly. Your home deserves nothing less than the timeless beauty and protection only cedar can provide.
Trust me—you won’t regret choosing this natural wonder for your most important investment.
