Are you ready for a new roof in Nashville, TN? Are you considering a head-turning cedar shake roof?
It’s hard to find a better-looking roof than cedar shake. However, cedar shake roofing is also one of the most expensive roofing materials available in the Nashville area.
That’s why learning as much as possible is crucial to determine if it’s right for you.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided thousands of Nashville and surrounding Middle TN residents with long-lasting roof solutions. But even if you aren’t a customer, I still want to use my experience to help as many homeowners as possible.
So, let’s break down everything you need to know about getting a cedar shake roof in Nashville, TN.
1. The three grades of cedar shakes
There are three grades of cedar shakes: common, select, and 100% straight grain. Common cedar shakes are pretty much the leftovers of other cuts, which is why they’re the cheapest and most inferior grade.
Select cedar shakes are a mix of the two other grades, around 80% straight grain and 20% common. They’re called “select” because your Nashville roofer will go through them to select the best quality shakes to actually install.
100% straight grain cedar shakes are the highest quality cuts, but also the most expensive grade. They’re hand-selected and straight-grained to ensure they lay flat and help prevent curling as they age.
2. Nashville has a good climate for a cedar shake roof
A cedar shake roof needs the right climate to truly maximize its lifespan. In extreme heat, the cedar will dry out to the point that the shakes split or crack.
On the other hand, the wood can absorb excess moisture and rot in a climate with too much humidity. Cedar shakes simply won’t last as long in areas with these types of climates.
While we do have humidity and high temperatures, a cedar shake roof is a great fit for Nashville, TN. However, the summer months can take quite a toll on cedar shakes as the roof gets older.
3. A cedar shake roof shows wear and tear more than other materials
A cedar shake roof has one of the highest curb appeals out of the roofing materials options popular in Nashville, TN. Unfortunately, cedar shakes won’t keep their original color forever as they age.
Instead of the original bright coloration, wear and tear will turn the roof a darkish brown. An aged cedar shake roof still provides high curb appeal on cottage, brick, and stone homes.
However, you should avoid a cedar shake roof if you don’t want the aged look on your Nashville, TN, home.
4. How long a cedar shake roof lasts
As long as it’s properly installed and has routine maintenance, a cedar shake roof should last 30 years in Nashville, TN. It can last longer, but 30 years is a good baseline lifespan for our area.
While climate plays a big role, there are many things that impact how a cedar shake roof lasts. However, the biggest two are the quality of materials and labor.
A cedar shake roof with 100% straight grain grade shingles will always last longer than one with inferior cuts. But even if you invest in the highest quality materials, they mean nothing without proper installation.
5. A cedar shake roof doesn’t come with a material warranty
Under normal circumstances, you get two types of warranties after your roof is installed. There’s one on the workmanship from your Nashville roofing contractor and another from the manufacturer on the roofing materials.
Unfortunately, there’s usually no manufacturer warranty because cedar shakes are naturally made. Now, this can vary based on where they’re coming from and the specific manufacturer.
But most of the time, you’ll have to rely on your workmanship warranty for any problems with your cedar shake roof. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a Nashville roofing contractor with cedar shake installation experience who will stand behind their work for at least 10 years.
6. A cedar shake roof must be maintained
Maintenance is one of the best ways to maximize a roof’s lifespan, and a cedar shake roof is no different. Whether it’s once or twice a year, maintenance keeps it running smoothly by catching and fixing potential problems before a leak happens.
This is also the perfect time to clear sitting wet debris that damages and shortens the lifespan of cedar shakes. And after every inspection, you’ll know its condition, how it’s performing, and if any issues need to be addressed.
That’s why I recommend maintaining your cedar shake roof at least once a year in Nashville, TN.
7. How much a cedar shake roof costs in Nashville, TN
For tear-off and installation, a cedar shake roof costs around $20.00 to $30.00 per square foot in Nashville, TN. Cedar shakes and the labor (and time) required to install them are very expensive, plus metal flashing is needed in valleys because the wood can’t fold to form a watertight seal.
On top of this, there are also other cost factors based on your roof and the specific roofing contractor. These include:
- The rest of the roof system’s materials
- Your roof’s accessibility
- The number of penetrations your roof has
- Your roof’s size, pitch, and complexity
- The amount of decking that gets replaced
- Dump fees
- Operating costs
- Upgrading metal flashing to copper (if applicable)
At the end of the day, a cedar shake roof is one of the most expensive materials in Nashville for residential roofing. However, you won’t know how much your cedar shake roof will cost until after getting an estimate from a Nashville roofer.
What do you need to know before replacing your roof in Nashville, TN?
After reading this article, you know the things every Nashville homeowner needs to know about getting a cedar shake roof. Unfortunately, it won’t be a realistic option for most budgets.
However, that’s for everyone to decide for themselves. But before making a final decision, there’s much more you need to know before starting a roof replacement project on your Nashville, TN, home.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the things every homeowner needs to know before replacing their roof.
Check out 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN, to go into the replacement process informed and prepared.
