CEDAR SHAKES
- Thicker, more textured appearance
- Strong shadow lines and rustic architectural character
- Natural variation between pieces
- Installation and product grade have a major effect on the finished roof
RESIDENTIAL ROOF SYSTEM • CEDAR SHAKE
CEDAR SHAKE ROOFING IN ATLANTA, GA
Ameristar Roofing helps homeowners evaluate specialty cedar shake and wood roofing systems with attention to material selection, flashing, ventilation, weathering, maintenance and local requirements.
NATURAL WOOD ROOFING
SPECIALTY RESIDENTIAL
INSPECTION + REPLACEMENT
NATURAL WOOD ROOFING
A CEDAR ROOF IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK DIFFERENT.
Cedar shakes create deep shadow lines, natural variation and a handcrafted appearance that fits estate homes, traditional architecture and properties where the roof is a major part of the exterior design.
That look comes with a different ownership profile. Wood is a natural material. It weathers, absorbs and releases moisture, changes color and needs enough ventilation and drainage to dry properly. Flashing, valleys, penetrations and debris-prone areas deserve close attention.
Ameristar approaches cedar as a specialty residential roof system, not as asphalt shingles with a prettier texture. Product grade, fire classification, fastening, underlayment, roof slope and local requirements should be considered before the project is specified.
MATERIAL
Natural Cedar / Wood Roofing
ROOF TYPE
Steep-Slope Residential
DESIGN VALUE
Natural Texture + Architectural Character
OWNERSHIP REALITY
Higher Maintenance Awareness
SHAKES VS. WOOD SHINGLES
SAME MATERIAL FAMILY. DIFFERENT LOOK AND PROFILE.
WOOD SHINGLES
- More uniform, machine-sawn appearance
- Cleaner and more refined roof texture
- Still requires wood-specific underlayment, flashing and fastening strategy
- Product fire rating and local code remain important
FIRE CLASSIFICATION:
NRCA notes that some local codes limit wood shakes and shingles because many products have lower fire ratings, although certain treated products can achieve higher classifications. The actual product approval matters. The actual product approval and local code requirements should be verified before the roof is specified.
WHAT CEDAR NEEDS TO PERFORM
WOOD HAS TO MANAGE MOISTURE AND DRY.
01
VENTILATION
The roof assembly should support drying and control heat / moisture conditions rather than trapping moisture around the wood.
02
FLASHING
Valleys, walls, chimneys and penetrations need durable details that move water away from vulnerable wood intersections.
03
DEBRIS CONTROL
Leaves, needles and shaded organic buildup can hold moisture against a wood roof and should not be allowed to become permanent residents.
04
FASTENING
Fastener type and placement must be compatible with the selected wood roofing product and manufacturer requirements.
05
ROOF SLOPE
Natural wood roofing is a water-shedding steep-slope system and needs appropriate roof geometry and drainage.
06
MAINTENANCE
Periodic inspections can catch split, displaced or damaged pieces and flashing problems before they become larger failures.
NATURAL CEDAR VS. SYNTHETIC SHAKE
DO NOT CONFUSE THE LOOK WITH THE MATERIAL.
Synthetic shake products can imitate cedar texture, but they are not natural wood. That can be an advantage or a deal-breaker depending on what the homeowner values.
NATURAL CEDAR
Authentic wood grain, natural weathering and traditional material character.
SYNTHETIC SHAKE
Manufactured material designed to replicate the appearance with a different maintenance and performance profile.
CODE
Review local requirements and actual product fire classification.
DECISION
Compare architecture, warranty, budget, maintenance and material authenticity.
CEDAR ROOFING PROCESS
START WITH THE MATERIAL. THEN RESPECT WHAT IT REQUIRES.
01
INSPECT
Evaluate the existing roof, structure, slope, flashing, ventilation and project constraints.
02
VERIFY REQUIREMENTS
Review product specifications, fire classification, local code and any HOA architectural rules.
03
SELECT MATERIAL
Choose shake / shingle type, grade, profile and compatible roof-system components.
04
DETAIL
Plan valleys, flashings, penetrations, ventilation and drainage before installation.
05
INSTALL
Complete the roof to the specified system and material requirements.
06
MAINTAIN
Use periodic inspections and responsible maintenance to protect the long-term roof assembly.
CERTIFICATION + ROOFING CAPABILITY
THE CREDENTIALS SHOULD SUPPORT THE ACTUAL ROOFING WORK.
Ameristar Roofing is currently listed by GAF as a Master Elite® residential contractor and a President's Club award recipient. Qualifying GAF roofing systems may be eligible for enhanced warranty options, subject to the products installed and the applicable GAF warranty terms.
VERIFY AMERISTAR WITH GAF →CEDAR SHAKE ROOFING FAQS
THE QUESTIONS THAT MATTER BEFORE CHOOSING NATURAL WOOD.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Wood shingles are generally machine-sawn for a more uniform appearance, while shakes are typically split or sawn to create a thicker, more textured profile. Product standards and exact manufacturing methods vary by manufacturer and grade.
Is cedar shake roofing allowed everywhere in the Atlanta area?
Local code, neighborhood requirements and product fire classification can affect whether a natural wood roof is appropriate. NRCA notes that some codes restrict wood shakes and shingles because of fire-resistance concerns, so the specific product and jurisdiction should be checked before installation.
Does cedar roofing require more maintenance than asphalt shingles?
Natural wood roofing generally benefits from more deliberate maintenance. Debris accumulation, moisture retention, organic growth, damaged units, flashing and ventilation should be monitored so the roof can dry properly and localized problems are handled early.
Can damaged cedar shakes be repaired individually?
Often, localized damaged shakes or shingles can be replaced when the surrounding roof remains serviceable and compatible material is available. Widespread weathering, failed underlayment or repeated leaks can make a larger project more practical.
Will a cedar roof stay the same color?
No. Natural cedar weathers over time and typically shifts from warm wood tones toward a silver or gray appearance. That weathering is normal and part of the material's natural character.
Should I use natural cedar or a synthetic shake product?
They are different materials with different performance, maintenance, fire-rating and appearance characteristics. The decision should be based on architecture, code, budget, product approvals, warranty and whether natural wood is actually the priority.
CEDAR SHAKE ROOFING • ATLANTA, GA
CHOOSE CEDAR FOR THE RIGHT REASON. THEN BUILD IT LIKE CEDAR.
If natural wood is part of the architecture you want, start with the roof, product requirements and long-term maintenance plan before committing to the material.
(770) 338-6361