Premium Cedar Shake Roofing
The mountain classic — natural beauty that belongs in the Rockies.
Material Only
$3.00–$6.50/sqft
Installed
$8.00–$15.00/sqft
Lifespan
30–50 Years
Warranty
30 Years
Wind Rating
110–130 mph
Fire Rating
Class B
Overview
Cedar shake roofing is the authentic mountain roof — a natural wood product that has been protecting homes in the Rocky Mountains for over a century. Hand-split from premium Western Red Cedar, each shake has a unique texture and grain pattern that creates the warm, rustic aesthetic that defines Colorado mountain architecture. Beyond its beauty, cedar offers remarkable natural properties: it's naturally resistant to insects and decay, provides excellent thermal insulation (R-value of 6.0 per inch — twice that of asphalt), and develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time that blends seamlessly with the mountain landscape. For homeowners in Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and other mountain communities, cedar shake isn't just a roofing choice — it's a statement of connection to the natural environment. Modern fire-retardant treatments have addressed the traditional fire concerns, making treated cedar shake a viable option even in wildfire interface zones.
MANUFACTURER
Premium Grade — Western Red Cedar
IDEAL FOR
Mountain homes, rustic luxury lodges, and homeowners who value natural materials and the classic Colorado mountain aesthetic.
COLOR OPTIONS
Natural Western Red Cedar (warm honey-brown when new, weathering to distinguished silver-gray over time). Available in various grades and thicknesses.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Stunning natural beauty — the quintessential mountain roof aesthetic
- Excellent natural insulation — R-value of 6.0 per inch (2x asphalt)
- Naturally resistant to insects and decay (Western Red Cedar)
- Develops beautiful silver-gray patina with age
- Environmentally sustainable — renewable, biodegradable resource
- Good natural impact resistance from hail
- Provides superior ventilation compared to flat materials
- Each shake is unique — creates a one-of-a-kind roof
- Can be treated for Class A fire resistance
- Blends naturally with mountain landscapes and forest settings
Considerations
- Requires regular maintenance — cleaning, treatment, and inspection every 3–5 years
- Fire risk without treatment — may not meet code in some areas without fire-retardant
- Susceptible to moss, mold, and mildew in shaded or humid areas
- Can crack, split, or curl over time — especially in extreme temperature swings
- Higher maintenance cost over the life of the roof compared to metal or slate
- Shorter lifespan than metal or slate (30–50 years with proper maintenance)
- Color changes over time — not all homeowners appreciate the silver-gray patina
Warranty Information
- 30-year limited manufacturer warranty on premium grade cedar shakes
- Warranty requires proof of regular maintenance and treatment
- Fire-retardant treatment warranty typically 10–20 years (requires reapplication)
- Workmanship warranty through certified installer (10–15 years)
- Grade-specific warranties — #1 Blue Label carries the longest coverage
- Transferable with proof of maintenance history
Is Cedar Shake Right for You?
Choose cedar shake if:
Maintenance Tips
Colorado-Specific Considerations
What Colorado Homeowners Need to Know
- Check local fire codes — some mountain communities require Class A fire rating
- Fire-retardant treatment is strongly recommended for all Colorado installations
- The natural insulation properties are especially valuable at high altitude
- Choose premium grade (#1 Blue Label) for maximum durability in harsh conditions
- Regular maintenance is more critical in Colorado due to extreme UV and temperature swings
- The silver-gray patina blends beautifully with aspen groves and mountain landscapes
Estimate Calculator
Ballpark pricing for Colorado installations
Budget
$16,000
$8.00/sqft
Average
$22,000
$11.00/sqft
Premium
$30,000
$15.00/sqft
Showing material + installation costs
* These are ballpark estimates for Colorado installations. Actual pricing varies based on roof complexity, pitch, accessibility, removal of existing roof, and local market conditions. Get an accurate quote with our free estimate.
Questions About Cedar Shake?
Our roofing experts can help you decide if cedar shake is the right choice for your home.
(970) 456-1176