Cedar Shake Roofing in Virginia

What this service includes

• Shake or wood shingle installation
• Breathable underlayment and ventilation detailing
• Treatment and maintenance programmes
• Selective replacement of damaged courses

Warning signs

• Splitting, cupping or curling shakes
• Moss and algae growth
• Soft or decayed wood
• Missing courses after wind

Common causes

• Moisture retention under heavy shade
• UV degradation
• Insufficient ventilation beneath the shakes
• Age

Systems and materials involved

• Cedar shake
• Cedar shingle
• Treated / fire-retardant cedar

Repair or replace?

Individual course replacement is common. Widespread decay, especially where the underlayment has failed, generally means replacement.

How the work is carried out

1. Inspection and grading assessment
2. Material selection
3. Installation with proper spacing and ventilation
4. Scheduled maintenance and treatment

What affects the cost

• Grade of cedar
• Treatment and fire rating
• Roof complexity
• Removal and disposal of the existing roof
• Ongoing maintenance commitment

Virginia-specific considerations

Cedar is seen most often in Williamsburg, James City County and other colonial-styled communities. Virginia's humidity and tree cover shorten service life compared with drier climates.

Questions to ask contractors

• What grade of cedar are you quoting?
• What maintenance will this roof need and how often?
• Is fire-retardant treatment required or recommended for my property?
• Are you licensed in Virginia, and what is your license number?
• Can you provide a current certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance?
• Who pulls the permit, and which jurisdiction issues it?
• What is included in the written scope - underlayment, flashing, ventilation, decking allowance and disposal?
• What warranty covers workmanship, and what covers materials?
• Who will be on site each day, and is the crew employed by you or subcontracted?