Cedar shake roof installation is a rewarding project for homeowners who want a durable, aesthetically pleasing roof with natural insulation properties. This guide covers the essential steps, tools, and best practices for a do-it-yourself Cedar Shake Roof Installation while emphasizing safety, preparation, and long-term maintenance. By understanding underlayment, shake selection, nailing patterns, and weather considerations, homeowners can achieve a professional result and extend the life of their roof.
Planning And Materials
Successful DIY Cedar Shake Roof Installation starts with thorough planning. Determine the roof pitch, climate considerations, and local building codes. Most cedar shakes perform best on roofs with a pitch of 4:12 or greater. Obtain any required permits and confirm warranty terms with the shake manufacturer. Create a bill of materials to avoid mid-project trips to the hardware store.
Key materials include high-quality cedar shakes, weatherproof underlayment, starter strips, ridge cap, corrosion-resistant nails, a hammer, a pneumatic nailer or hammer tammers, chalk line, appropriate safety gear, and a suitable ladder system. Shakes vary in thickness and grading; select a uniform batch for a consistent appearance and performance. Plan for waste and potential cutoffs by ordering 10–15 percent extra shakes.
Safety And Preparation
Safety is paramount in any roof project. Use a sturdy ladder, secure fall-arrest systems if required, and wear non-slip footwear and eye protection. Work with a partner for handling heavy bundles and to assist with alignment and nailing. Before starting, inspect the roof deck for rot, soft spots, and damaged flashing. Replace compromised areas to prevent leaks and structural weakness.
Prepare the work area by laying down tarps or plastic to protect landscaping and remove debris from the roof line. Check local weather forecasts and avoid installing during rain, snow, or high winds. Cedar shakes can warp if exposed to prolonged moisture, so ensure the deck and underlayment are dry before installation begins.
Removing Old Roofing
If replacing an existing roof, carefully remove old shingles or shakes, exposing the roof deck. Inspect the decking for damage and repair as needed. Fasten or replace sheathing where nails have caused splitting or where rot is evident. Clean the surface and ensure a flat, even base for the underlayment and new shakes. This step reduces the risk of nail pops and uneven rows after installation.
For some installations, a roof vent and chimney flashing may need adjustments or replacements. Plan to reseal any flashing with compatible sealants and flashing materials to preserve the roof’s weatherproofing. Removing the old roof also provides an opportunity to upgrade insulation and ventilation, improving energy efficiency and roof longevity.
Underlayment And Roofing Felt
Apply a high-quality water-resistant underlayment over the roof deck. This layer acts as a secondary barrier against moisture and protects shakes during installation. Use weather-rated 30- to 60-minute underlayment with a slip-resistant surface. Start at the eave and work up the roof with horizontal seams, ensuring overlaps of at least two inches to prevent water intrusion.
Some installers use a code-approved breathable underlayment in combination with a synthetic or felt layer, depending on climate and local requirements. Secure underlayment with nails that penetrate through the deck without over-penetrating. Ensure continuous coverage across ridges and hips for a uniform base to support cedar shakes.
Installing Cedar Shakes
Begin with starter strips along the eave line to ensure a straight, uniform starting point. Install first row shakes with the bottom edge overlapping the starter strip by about 1/4 inch to maintain a clean look and proper water shedding. Use corrosion-resistant nails long enough to penetrate the decking securely but not protrude through the top surface of the shake.
Place shakes in a tight, staggered pattern to avoid visible seams. A typical installation uses per-shake spacing that allows for natural expansion and contraction. Work in rows, maintaining consistent exposure and aligning the edges of each shake. Cut shakes as needed at hips, valleys, and edges with a sharp utility knife or saw, ensuring clean, straight cuts.
For ventilation and durability, maintain proper spacing between shakes to allow moisture to escape while limiting wind-driven moisture intrusion. Keep nails at a fixed distance from the edges to minimize splitting and to ensure a strong hold under wind loads. Weather conditions, such as wind-driven rain, can affect the installation sequence; plan to pause if rain begins to avoid soaking exposed wood.
Nailing Patterns And Fasteners
Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized ring-shail nails designed for cedar to resist corrosion. The correct nail length typically ranges from 1 1/2 to 2 inches, depending on shake thickness and deck depth. Drive nails just above the shingle groove to reduce the risk of splitting the shake. Do not over-nail; allow for natural wood movement with proper spacing and fastener placement.
Below is a quick reference for common nails and spec considerations:
- Nail Type: Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized to resist decay.
- Nail Length: Typically 1 1/2″ to 2″ depending on shake thickness and deck.
- Nail Pattern: One nail near the lower third of the shake, offset from the row below to avoid splitting.
- Number Of Nails Per Shake: Usually two nails per shake in the US; adjust for wind exposure and shake thickness as per manufacturer guidelines.
Consult the shake manufacturer’s nailing schedule for exact counts and spacing, as improper nailing can compromise warranty and performance.
Maintenance And Longevity
cedar shakes require periodic maintenance to maximize lifespan. Schedule inspections every 3–5 years to check for loose, cracked, or cupped shakes, and inspect flashing seals around chimneys and vents. Clean debris from gutters and ensure adequate attic ventilation to reduce moisture buildup that can cause wood rot.
Sealants are generally not recommended on cedar shakes unless specified by the manufacturer, as improper coatings can trap moisture and shorten life. If staining or sealing is desired for color consistency, apply a breathable, water-repellent stain following the product’s directions and after full cure. Regular cleaning with a soft brush and mild detergent can prevent mold growth and surface staining.
Common Mistakes And Troubleshooting
DIY cedar roof projects often encounter avoidable issues. Common mistakes include inadequate underlayment, improper nailing patterns, and failing to account for wood movement. Warped shakes, cupping, or uneven rows can result from inconsistent spacing or rushed cutting. Wind uplift can cause nail pops if fasteners are too short or poorly placed. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for underlayment, fasteners, and nailing patterns to maintain warranty coverage.
If you notice leaks after installation, inspect for gaps around flashing, hip and valley transitions, and at edge terms where underlayment may have lifted. Re-seating shakes with correct nails and resealing flashing areas can mitigate leaks. For long-term performance, ensure proper attic ventilation and address any moisture sources that could compromise cedar’s durability.
Estimated Time And Labor Considerations
DIY cedar shake roof installation is labor-intensive. A typical suburban roof (approximately 1,500–2,000 square feet) can take several days to complete for a small team, considering preparation, underlayment, and multiple rows of shakes. Beginners should plan for slower progress and expect to take additional time for cutting, alignment, and safety checks. A well-planned project with proper tools, materials, and weather windows increases the likelihood of a satisfactory outcome.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Shake Thickness | Typically 5/8″ to 7/8″; select consistent batch |
| Nail Size | 1 1/2″ to 2″; corrosion-resistant |
| Underlayment | Weather-rated; synthetic or felt as required |
| Starter Strips | Installed along eave for straight first row |
The above table summarizes key choices that influence performance and durability. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a long-lasting cedar shake roof that withstands local weather conditions.