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Cedar Shake Roofing - K Single Corp Roofing Seattle
Roofing Materials

Cedar Shake Roofing

Cedar shake roofing offers timeless Pacific Northwest character with natural insulation and a 30 to 40 year lifespan when properly maintained in Seattle's climate.

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30–40 years
Expected Lifespan
Contact for estimate
Typical Cost Range
High
Maintenance Level
Traditional PNW aesthetic, Craftsman homes
Best For
Cedar Shake Roofing in Seattle, WA

Seattle Cedar Shake Roofing Installer Since 2007

K Single Corp has installed and restored cedar shake roofs across the Seattle area for 25+ years, with 15,000+ projects completed and a 4.7-star Google rating from 172+ homeowners. Western red cedar is the signature roofing material of the Pacific Northwest, originally placed on the Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and mid-century homes that define Capitol Hill, Wallingford, and Queen Anne. With proper installation, ventilation, and consistent maintenance, a cedar shake roof delivers 30 to 40 years of service in our climate.

Cedar pricing is too variable for our online calculator and is quoted on request based on shake grade, square footage, skip sheathing condition, and fire-retardant treatment choice. Untreated cedar carries only a Class C fire rating, so we recommend Class B or Class A pressure-treated shakes for most Seattle properties and confirm local code requirements upfront. Cedar is the highest-maintenance residential roof material: plan for annual moss treatment, debris clearing, and preservative application every 3 to 5 years to protect the investment.

Licensed & Insured

WA #KSINGSC842B3, fully bonded, general liability + workers comp on every project.

30–40 years Lifespan

Workmanship warranty on every install, plus manufacturer material warranties up to 50 years.

4.7-Star Google

172+ Google reviews across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties since 2007.

Cedar Shake Roofing options we install

  • ✓ #1 Blue Label hand-split shakes
  • ✓ #2 Red Label cedar shingles
  • ✓ Premium taper-sawn cedar shakes
  • ✓ Fire-retardant treated cedar (Class B / Class A)
  • ✓ Skip sheathing and breather mat systems
  • ✓ Ventilated underlayment for moisture release
  • ✓ Copper or zinc anti-moss strips at ridgeline
  • ✓ Preservative treatments and annual moss maintenance
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4.7 / 5

172+ verified Google reviews from Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Greater Seattle homeowners.

Overview

What Is Cedar Shake Roofing?

Cedar shake is a premium, labor-intensive roofing material priced above standard composition shingles. Because pricing depends heavily on cedar grade, underlayment system, and preservative treatment requirements, cedar shake is not currently supported by our quick-estimate roofing calculator (which covers shingles, metal, and flat systems). Contact K Single Corp for a detailed cedar shake quote, or see our residential roofing service for full installation details. Cedar shake is the signature roofing material of the Pacific Northwest, prized for its natural beauty, excellent insulation properties, and the warm, textured character it brings to Craftsman, Tudor, and traditional home styles throughout the Puget Sound region. For homeowners who want the cedar look without the maintenance load, see our composite/synthetic roofing page.

Cedar has been the roofing material of choice in the Pacific Northwest for over a century. Western red cedar is harvested and processed regionally, and its use is deeply tied to the architectural identity of Seattle’s older neighborhoods. Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and mid-century homes across Capitol Hill, Wallingford, and Queen Anne were originally built with cedar roofs, and many homeowners choose to maintain that continuity when it is time for a replacement.

Advantages

  • Iconic Pacific Northwest aesthetic that suits Craftsman, Tudor, and traditional homes
  • Natural beauty with rich texture and warm color tones
  • Excellent natural insulation with roughly twice the R-value of asphalt shingles
  • Increases home value in neighborhoods where cedar is the dominant style
  • Locally sourced western red cedar supports regional industry
  • Natural oils resist moisture, insects, and decay

Considerations

  • Highest maintenance of any residential roofing material
  • Class C fire rating when untreated, requiring fire-retardant treatment for safety
  • Can deteriorate in as few as 15–20 years without consistent upkeep
  • Most expensive labor due to skilled hand installation and longer timelines
  • Highly prone to moss and algae growth in Seattle's damp, shaded conditions

At a Glance

Craftsman Home Aesthetic

Cedar shake is the signature roofing material of the Pacific Northwest, perfectly complementing the Craftsman, Tudor, and bungalow styles found throughout Seattle's older neighborhoods.

Natural Insulation

Cedar's cellular structure provides an R-value roughly twice that of asphalt shingles. Homeowners often notice improved temperature regulation, especially in older homes with limited attic insulation.

PNW Heritage Material

Western red cedar has been the roofing material of choice in the Pacific Northwest for over a century. It is locally harvested, regionally processed, and deeply tied to PNW architectural identity.

Maintenance Calendar

Cedar demands regular care: moss treatment in late winter, preservative application every 3–5 years, biannual inspections, and quarterly debris clearing. Plan for these tasks to maximize lifespan.

Side by Side

How Cedar Shake Roofing Compares

See how this material stacks up against other roofing options available for Seattle homes.

Comparison of Cedar Shake Roofing with other roofing materials
Feature Composition Shingles Metal Roofing This Material Cedar Shake Flat / TPO Composite
Installed Cost (2,500 sq ft) $11,000–$25,000 $25,000–$40,000 Contact for estimate $10,000–$28,000 Contact for estimate
Lifespan 25–50 years 40–70 years 30–40 years 15–30 years 30–50 years
Maintenance Low to moderate Very low High Moderate Very low
Wind Rating Up to 130 mph Up to 140 mph Moderate Varies by system Up to 110 mph
Fire Rating Class A Class A Class C (untreated) Class A Class A
Best For Value and versatility Long-term investment Traditional aesthetics Low-slope structures Low maintenance

Built for Pacific Northwest Conditions

How Cedar Shake Roofing Performs in Seattle

37+ inches of annual rain, 150+ overcast days, salt-air drift off Puget Sound, freeze-thaw at higher elevations. Here is what cedar shake roofing actually does in real PNW conditions.

Moss and Algae Defense

Moss is the number one killer of cedar roofs in the PNW. Shaded north-facing slopes in Wallingford, Ravenna, and West Seattle can grow heavy moss in a single winter. We install copper or zinc ridge strips and schedule annual moss treatments to keep growth from prying shakes apart.

Moisture Absorption and Ventilation

Cedar absorbs water and must dry between rainstorms. We install skip sheathing or a breather mat underlayment so air circulates beneath every shake. Without that ventilation, trapped moisture rots shakes from underneath and can cut a 35-year roof to under 20.

Fire Rating Concerns

Untreated cedar is Class C, the lowest residential fire rating. Some Seattle-area jurisdictions and HOAs restrict it outright. Pressure-treated cedar with fire retardant achieves Class B or Class A. We confirm local code with each homeowner and almost always recommend treated shakes.

High Maintenance Commitment

Cedar is not a set-and-forget roof. Plan on biannual inspections, annual moss treatment, quarterly debris clearing in wooded lots, and preservative application every 3 to 5 years. Budget $500 to $1,500 per year for professional care. Skipping maintenance is what shortens cedar roofs from 40 years to 15.

4.7 from 172+

What Our Customers Say

Read all reviews

My job was very challenging. Actively leaking torchdown flat roof in winter over the holidays during an atmospheric rive...

RM
Robin Mar
Google Review

We purchased our home 14 years ago. Our roof started to leak. After investigating the cause, it was apparent there were...

W
Waman
Google Review

K Single was recommended by another roofing company and we are really glad that we went with them. Out of all the estima...

TT
Timea Tihanyi
Google Review

Just a note to tell you how impressed we are with your crew and the excellent work they did repairing our roof yesterday...

MR
Madonna Reid
Google Review

K Single Corp previously helped me patch a leak caused by a wind storm and age, and inspected the rest of the roof to gi...

I
Icy
Google Review

Quality materials and craft, attention to detail and timely, low key service that went beyond expectations at each turn....

DB
Doug Brody
Google Review

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about cedar shake roofing from Seattle homeowners.

How long does a cedar shake roof last in Seattle?
A well-maintained cedar shake roof lasts 30 to 40 years in the Seattle area. The key factor is consistent maintenance, particularly moss treatment and periodic preservative application. Neglected cedar roofs can deteriorate in as few as 15 to 20 years, while diligently maintained roofs sometimes exceed 40 years of service.
Is cedar shake roofing a fire hazard?
Untreated cedar shake carries a Class C fire rating, the lowest for residential roofing. This is a legitimate concern, especially in areas with wildfire risk. Pressure-treated cedar shakes with fire retardant can achieve Class B or even Class A ratings. Some neighborhoods and HOAs in the greater Seattle area restrict untreated cedar roofing. Check local codes before committing to cedar.
Can you put cedar shake over existing shingles?
No. Cedar shake requires a specific installation substrate, either solid plywood decking with breathable underlayment or a skip sheathing system that allows air circulation beneath the shakes. Installing cedar over existing shingles traps moisture and leads to rapid deterioration. A full tear-off is always required.
How do you prevent moss on a cedar shake roof?
Moss prevention on cedar requires a multi-layered approach. Install zinc or copper strips along the ridgeline so rain washes trace amounts of metal across the surface. Apply zinc sulfate granules in late winter before moss growth begins. Keep trees trimmed to reduce shade. Remove any moss growth gently with a soft brush. Never pressure wash cedar roofing.
Why is cedar shake more expensive than shingles?
Cedar shake costs more than composition shingles due to the raw material (harvested western red cedar), the skilled labor required for proper installation, the specialized underlayment and ventilation systems needed, and the longer installation time. A cedar shake installation typically takes 4 to 7 days compared to 1 to 3 days for composition shingles. Contact us for a cedar-specific quote.
Does cedar shake roofing add home value?
Cedar shake roofing is considered a premium feature in the Pacific Northwest real estate market, particularly on Craftsman, Tudor, and other traditional architectural styles. It signals quality and character. However, some buyers factor in the higher maintenance costs. In neighborhoods where cedar shake is the dominant roofing style, maintaining that material preserves neighborhood continuity and value.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Cedar shakes are thicker (typically 3/4 inch) and have at least one rough, textured surface from hand-splitting. Cedar shingles are thinner (about 1/2 inch) and machine-sawn smooth on both sides. Shakes create a more rustic, dramatic appearance, while shingles provide a smoother, more uniform look. Both use western red cedar and require similar maintenance in Seattle's climate.
How often does a cedar shake roof need maintenance?
In Seattle's climate, cedar shake roofs need biannual inspections (spring and fall), annual moss treatment in late winter, preservative application every 3 to 5 years, quarterly debris clearing in wooded areas, and twice-yearly gutter cleaning. This is the highest maintenance load of any residential roofing material, but consistent care is what separates a 40-year cedar roof from a 15-year one.

Explore Other Materials

Not sure which material is right for your home? Compare your options.

Composite & Synthetic Roofing

Composite & Synthetic Roofing

30–50 years | Contact for estimate
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Flat & TPO Roofing

Flat & TPO Roofing

15–30 years | $4–$11 per sq ft
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Composition & Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Composition & Asphalt Shingle Roofing

25–50 years | $11,000–$25,000
Learn More
Metal Roofing

Metal Roofing

40–70 years | $25,000–$40,000
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Find the Right Roof for Your Home - K Single Corp Roofing Seattle

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