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How Much Does a Synthetic Cedar Shake Roof Cost?

October 4th, 2021 | 5 min. read

How Much Does a Synthetic Cedar Shake Roof Cost?

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The biggest concern homeowners have before investing in a new synthetic cedar shake roof is the cost. How can you possibly feel comfortable investing your hard-earned money without the slightest clue about how much it costs?

Unfortunately, the roofing industry likes to avoid questions about pricing. You don’t have to worry about that here. 

With over 30 years in the roofing industry, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has no problem taking the tough questions the rest of the industry avoids head-on. That’s why we will give you a price range for a new synthetic cedar shake roof. 

Not only will this article give you the cost, but it also provides the 3 important things to know about a synthetic cedar shake roof to help you understand this popular roofing material even better. 

How much does a synthetic cedar shake roof cost?

I would love to give you an exact price for a new synthetic cedar shake roof, but it’s impossible due to all the factors that impact a roof’s cost. While I can’t be exact, I can give you a price range.

A synthetic cedar shake roof will always cost less than a real cedar shake roof. With that in mind, you can expect a synthetic cedar shake roof to cost around $14.00-$18.00 per square foot.

synthetic cedar shake roof

Even though it costs more overall, it’s hard to say if the labor of tearing off your old roof and installing your new synthetic one will be cheaper than real cedar shake. This is because the labor cost will ultimately depend on the roofing contractor you hire. 

However, a synthetic cedar shake roof will be about the same price or marginally cheaper than a real cedar shake roof. 

3 more things to know about a synthetic cedar shake roof

Now you have an idea of how much a synthetic cedar shake roof will cost. However, there are still a few more things to know about this type of roof besides the cost. 

Let’s get to 3 more things you need to know about a synthetic cedar shake roof. 

1. Synthetic cedar shake shingles won’t age like real cedar shake

Natural cedar shake shingles eventually rot, crack, and curl as they age. However, you won’t have to worry about this happening with a synthetic cedar shake roof as it ages.

curled cedar shake shingles(Curled natural cedar shake shingles)

As long as they’re installed properly, you shouldn’t have aesthetic problems with synthetic cedar shake shingles. You also won’t have to worry about the shingles losing their color. 

synthetic cedar shake shingles(Synthetic cedar shake shingles)

This isn’t necessarily a big deal, but real cedar shake shingles change from a fresh cedar color to a worn (or aged) color as they age. Unlike real cedar shakes, synthetic cedar shake roofing will retain the color you choose as the years go by. 

2. The lifespan of a synthetic cedar shake roof

The lifespan of a roof is the number of years you’ll get out of it. I like to look at a roof’s lifespan as the return you get out of your investment. 

With that in mind, you can expect to get around 40-50 years out of a synthetic cedar shake roof as long as it’s installed correctly. To reach this lifespan, the shingles have a high impact rating (resistance to impact from hail, winds, etc.) to make them one of the most durable materials. 

For example, DaVinci synthetic cedar shake shingles have a Class 4 impact rating (the highest rating possible). Because of their durability, synthetic shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. 

3. The warranties you get on a synthetic cedar shake roof 

When getting a new synthetic cedar shake roof, you’ll get two warranties to protect your investment. The first one will be on the workmanship from the roofing contractor who installed your new roof. 

The number of years you get on a workmanship warranty depends on the roofing contractor you hire. To get the most out of your investment, look for a roofing contractor who offers a lifetime warranty or close to it (25 years). 

The other warranty will be from the manufacturer of your synthetic cedar shake shingles and the rest of the roofing materials. Using Davinci Roofscapes as an example again, their synthetic cedar shake shingles come with a limited lifetime material warranty. 

However, the material warranty you get on your synthetic cedar shake will ultimately depend on the manufacturer your roofing contractor uses. Ask your roofing contractor about both warranties and make sure to get them in writing to put in a safe spot just in case there’s ever a problem. 

The checklist you need to find a great roofing contractor

After reading this article, you have a good idea of whether a synthetic cedar shake roof is right for you. If you’ve decided a synthetic cedar shake roof is right for you, it’s time to find a great roofer. 

Hiring a roofing contractor will be the most important decision you’ll have to make during the roof replacement process. Unfortunately, this can be hard due to the saturation of companies in the roofing industry. 

The best way to find a great one is to ask the right questions when meeting with potential roofing contractors. To help you even further, we created a checklist of 16 questions every homeowner needs to ask a roofing contractor and the right answers you should get back. 

With the checklist, you’ll have the power to make the right hiring decision and get the best roof possible.

Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services in Nashville and surrounding areas. No matter what your roof needs, you can count on an educational experience and our reliable workmanship backed by a lifetime warranty.  

If you’re local to Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us for any of your roofing needs. 

Whether you’re local to the Nashville area or not, get your Checklist of 16 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor to find a great one today.

roofing contractor questions checklist

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