Cedar Shake Roofing Installation in Chicago, IL

Having decided to build a wooden house, everyone faces the problem of what type of Chicago wood to choose. Most often, preference is given to pine or cedar. Both trees belong to the category of pine species. Moreover, Siberian cedar is sometimes called pine. Red cedar is extremely popular among wealthy people in Chicagoland.
It is this type of wood that is used to build most of the elite wooden houses made of cedar in the Chicago area. In addition to excellent performance characteristics, red Canadian cedar is endowed by nature with a beautiful color range: from light amber to dark chocolate. Usually, all structures and decorative elements from this material are made by hand, hence the high cost. Wondering how to roof with cedar shingles? Begin by ensuring a solid underlayment is in place, followed by accurate shingle placement for an even, durable roof. Here we’ll give you a manual guide on how to install cedar shake roofing and share some tips about wood shingles installation. The cedar shingle installation guide will walk you through each step, from prepping the roof to applying the shingles in the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
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Must-Have Tools for Cedar Shake Roof Installation

Working on a roof is more difficult than on the floor or the ground, so cedar shake roofing installation tools should be chosen especially carefully. A properly selected tool in Chicago Neighbourhoods not only increases productivity but also makes all manipulations at height safer. If you’re wondering how to install wood shakes, following the proper techniques to ensure durability and proper water resistance is essential. The cedar shake installation manual provides detailed instructions, ensuring proper techniques are used for a long-lasting roof.
Both universal and specific tools are used when working with a particular roofing material in Chicago suburbs. To properly install cedar roof shingles, make sure the new roof is clean and dry and the layers of shingles are spaced appropriately for expansion. Wood shingle installation requires a precise approach, ensuring each shingle is securely nailed to the roof for maximum protection in surrounding communities. When you’re ready to install cedar shingles, ensure the roof structure is sound, and you have all the necessary tools and materials.
- a hammer for driving roofing nails;
- a spatula for applying and leveling the sealing mastic;
- a knife for cutting the underlay carpet and tile plates;
- metal shears for cutting eaves strips;
- in the cold season – a hair dryer for heating bituminous materials;
- a pneumatic nailer if you need to speed up the driving of nails.
Expert Tips for Installing a Beautiful Cedar Shingles

So, you have chosen cedar shingles for your roofing and now you need to install them? Then, here you will find some pro tips for this task. Correct installation of a wooden roof near you is the key to its long service life. When installing, it is necessary to take into account the features of the material, which consist of the fact that under the influence of moisture, the boards swell and tightly close together, not letting it in. In the sun, the tiles dry out, while their edges rise, providing natural proper ventilation of the roof. How to install a cedar shake roof ridge cap close to me? The ridge cap should be applied last, covering the peak to protect the top of the roof from leaks.
Natural tiles make the roof installation process much easier. We highlight these tiles for the speed of installation and the ability to replace individual elements. The waste of natural tiles is very small, and scheduled roof repairs will not be required for several decades! The tiles can withstand the weight of a person. The design of the tiles allows you to quickly eliminate errors (theoretical, since we try to avoid them). Natural tiles are piece material, and this allows you to install roofs on roofs with a complex design.
Here are the steps for installing cedar shingles, that are used even by the best roofers in IL:
- Preparing the base. Before installing the shingles, make sure the roof base is clean and dry. Make sure the plywood or wooden boards on which the shingles will be laid are in good condition.
- Laying the underlayment. Lay a waterproof membrane or windproof film on the prepared surface. This will provide additional protection from moisture.
- Installing the battens. Install the counter-battens, which will serve as the base for laying the cedar shingles. They should be evenly spaced and secured to the roof.
- Starting laying the shingles. Start laying the shingles from the bottom of the roof, applying the first shingle and leaving a small gap for the expansion of the wood. Nail or screw special galvanized screws to each shingle.
- Overlapping rows. Lay the tiles starting with the first row and overlapping the top row on the row below to allow water to drain freely and prevent water from getting inside.
- Installing end flashings. Once all the tiles have been laid, install end flashings on the edges of the roof for added protection and aesthetics.
- Installing ridge and crown flashings. Install the ridge flashings on the top edge of the roof (the ridge) to protect it from wind and rain.
- Final inspection. Inspect the entire roof to ensure all tiles are installed correctly, without gaps, and that there is no damage.
Depending on the exterior design of the house, one of the roofing options may well be natural cedar roofing in a suitable design. For detailed information, follow the cedar shake roof installation instructions to make sure your roof is installed correctly and efficiently.
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The Costs of Installing a Cedar Roof
Cost Component | Estimated Cost Range | Details |
Materials (Cedar Shakes) | $3 – $8 per sq. ft. | Price varies based on wood grade (premium or standard), size, and quality of cedar shakes. |
Underlayment (Waterproofing) | $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft. | Synthetic or felt underlayment to protect against leaks and moisture. |
Labor Costs | $2 – $5 per sq. ft. | Depends on roof complexity, installer experience, and geographic location. |
Roof Preparation (Old Roof Removal) | $1 – $2 per sq. ft. | Costs to remove old roofing materials, if necessary. |
Flashing and Ventilation | $0.50 – $2 per sq. ft. | Installation of flashing around chimneys, vents, and other roof features to prevent leaks. |
Total Estimated Cost (per sq. ft.) | $7.50 – $20 per sq. ft. | The total cost, including all materials, labour, and disposal, typically ranges from $7.50 to $20. |
Labor Expenses for Installing a Wood Roof
The list of installation services provided by most companies is approximately the same. There are minor differences, but the main difference is how highly the company values its specialists and how justified or fair such prices for the roof are. No one wants to overpay, so today there are more and more people who, if possible, try to do without the help of specialists and install the roof themselves. The labor cost to install a cedar shake roof can be substantial but varies based on roof complexity and location. Such work may not be of high quality, but the savings are significant.
Understanding the Cost of Removing a Cedar Shake Roof

The correct answer to the question of how much it costs to dismantle a roof is that the price of the dismantling service itself is included in the cost of the general complex of works. In the price list on the website of the selected company, you can see the prices (price per m2) and calculate the preliminary cost of the work, which includes such services as a study of the site, preparatory work (delivery of tools, equipment of the site, etc.), the dismantling of the roof itself and services for the disposal of construction waste.
On average, homeowners should expect to pay around $3 per square foot to remove cedar shakes. The cost of the work is fixed in the contract and remains unchanged until the delivery of the object to the customer. The cost to remove the cedar shake roof should be factored into your budget.
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DIY Cedar Shake Roof Installation or Professional One
Category | DIY Cost | Professional Cost |
Cedar shake materials | $3 – $8 per sq. ft. | $3 – $8 per sq. ft. |
Underlayment (waterproofing) | $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft. | $0.50 – $1 per sq. ft. |
Tools & Equipment (rental) | $100 – $500 (one-time rental) | Included in the overall service cost |
Labour (installation) | DIY (No labour cost) | $2 – $5 per sq. ft. |
Roof Preparation (removal of the old roof) | $1 – $2 per sq. ft. (if DIY) | $1 – $2 per sq. ft. |
The roof is a key element of the house, protecting it from the overwhelming majority of negative impacts of nature, to which it is exposed. That is why high-quality installation is the root cause of long-term and reliable use. The question of how to install a cedar shake ridge cap involves cutting the cap to fit the ridge and securing it in place for a clean, watertight finish.
Professional roofing and installation teams have rich material and technical equipment, which allows them to perform any work on the roof quickly and efficiently. Also, workers in this field have experience, thanks to which any problems that arise during the entire installation are quickly resolved. Also, workers in this field have experience, thanks to which any problems that arise during the entire installation are quickly resolved. To how to fit cedar roof shingles properly, overlap the shingles according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum protection.
In addition, most companies professionally engaged in the performance of roofing and installation work provide a guarantee for the services performed, which greatly facilitates the issue of peace of mind in operation.
This will significantly save your time and effort, ensure reliable use and protect against unforeseen breakdowns. From a financial point of view, DIY installation is significantly cheaper, but it does not provide any guarantees and is very time-consuming. Wood roof cladding offers both aesthetic appeal and natural insulation properties, making it an ideal choice for many homeowners. Discover how to lay wooden shingles by carefully overlapping the edges and securing them with nails, creating a waterproof seal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, installing a cedar shake roof can enhance the beauty and value of your home while providing exceptional durability and insulation. Following this step-by-step guide ensures that you approach the installation process with the proper techniques and knowledge, resulting in a roof that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time. From selecting high-quality materials to ensuring proper ventilation and accurate installation, each step is crucial in achieving a successful outcome.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the installation process or would prefer to leave it to the professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Choosing experienced roofers who specialize in cedar shake installations can make all the difference in achieving a roof that meets your expectations for both aesthetics and longevity. Contact us today to discuss your roofing project and ensure your home gets the quality care it deserves!
FAQ
What do you put under cedar shakes?
Under cedar shakes, it is essential to use a durable underlayment, typically a weather-resistant barrier such as roofing felt or synthetic underlayment. This layer serves to protect the roofing deck from moisture and weather-related damage, ensuring that the shakes can maintain their integrity while providing effective protection for the underlying structure.
What is the best way to attach cedar shakes?
The best way to attach cedar shakes is by using stainless steel or galvanized nails, which resist rust and corrosion. Each shake should be fastened with at least two nails, ideally placed at the top of the shake and driven into the sheathing beneath. This method ensures a secure fit and helps maintain the roof’s overall durability against wind and weather.
Does a cedar shake roof require underlayment?
Yes, a cedar shake roof requires underlayment to provide additional protection against water infiltration and to enhance overall roof performance. The underlayment acts as a secondary barrier, preventing moisture from penetrating to the roof deck and prolonging the lifespan of the cedar shakes by reducing the risk of rot and decay.
Why cedar roof shingles is a suitable option?
First of all, for their durability and reliability, the service life of natural tiles is up to 100 years. This is an environmentally friendly roofing material since only natural components are used as raw materials. Natural tiles in Illinois have high bending strength, low moisture absorption, water resistance and resistance to negative environmental impacts, including solar radiation. It has sound and heat insulation and is highly frost-resistant.
What is the minimum slope for a cedar shake roof?
The minimum slope for a cedar shake roof is generally recommended to be 4:12, meaning for every 12 horizontal inches, the roof should rise at least 4 inches vertically. This slope helps ensure proper water drainage and reduces the likelihood of water pooling, which can lead to damage and shorten the lifespan of the roof.