Residential Services
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Curling, splitting or leaking cedar shakes? We replace aging cedar roofs across Calgary with rubber shake, Class 4 shingles, metal or new cedar, backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.
Cedar shake roof replacement in Calgary
Many Calgary homes built with cedar shake roofs are now reaching the end of them. Cedar shakes last about 30 to 50 years, and our climate shortens that: hail splits and bruises the wood, chinook freeze–thaw cycles open up cracks, strong sun dries the shakes out, and wind lifts and loosens them. Once a cedar roof is thin, cupped and splitting, repairs stop paying off.
Total Exteriors has been roofing in the Calgary area since 2016, and our inspectors are HAAG-certified. We check the shakes, the deck underneath and the attic, then help you choose what to replace your cedar shake roof with. Plan ahead: home insurance generally will not pay to replace a roof that has simply worn out. For tile and clay roofs, see our tile, clay and shake roofs page.
Signs it is time to replace your cedar shake roof
Cupping, curling and splitting
Shakes that cup, warp, curl or split across large areas of the roof have dried out and lost their strength. A few split shakes can be swapped out; when the damage is widespread, the roof is at the end of its life.
Rot, moss and dark discolouration
Cedar weathering to silver-grey is normal. Dark, almost black patches, soft spots, moss and lichen mean the wood is holding moisture, and that dark discolouration is usually a sign of mould and rot.
Missing, loose or thin shakes
Wind and hail knock shakes loose, and decades of weather wear them thin. Gaps let rain and wind-driven snow reach the felt and the roof boards, and give pests an easy way in.
Leaks and attic stains
Water stains on ceilings or damp, darkened wood in the attic mean water is already getting past the shakes. Book an inspection before the next storm, and call our emergency line if water is coming in now.
The risks of waiting too long
Water damage and sheathing rot
Worn shakes let water in, and it is rarely obvious from inside the home until a ceiling stains. Water trapped under the shakes rots the roof boards and sheathing and weakens the whole roof, turning a simple remove-and-replace into a bigger renovation.
Pests
Gaps and soft wood let in everything from carpenter ants and wasps to mice and birds.
Structural damage
The roof structure sits right under the shakes. A slow leak can reach rafters, insulation and drywall, and that repair costs far more than the roof.
Higher costs and insurance gaps
Every season adds repairs, and insurance may not cover damage caused by age or wear and tear. Replacing on your schedule, with a written quote, costs less than replacing after a leak.
Cedar shake alternatives: what to replace it with
Euroshield Beaumont Shake
The closest look to cedar without the upkeep. Beaumont Shake is a rubber roofing panel made largely from recycled tire rubber by Calgary-based Euroshield, with deep cedar-grain texture and shadow lines. It carries a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and will not rot, cup or split like wood. See Euroshield roofing.
BP Vangard Class 4 shingles
The best value when hail is your main worry. Vangard is a laminated asphalt shingle from BP Canada with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and a Class A fire rating, in five colours. The look changes from wood to a dimensional shingle. See BP Vangard shingles and our guide to impact-resistant shingles.
New cedar shakes
If you want real wood, a new cedar roof keeps the authentic look, and the upkeep that comes with it: cleaning, moss control and replacing split shakes. Untreated cedar is combustible, so ask about fire-retardant treated shakes.
Metal roofing
The longest-lasting option. Metal sheds snow, is non-combustible and resists hail cracking, though large hail can dent it. Choose standing seam for a modern look, or a steel shingle or shake profile. See metal roofing.
Cedar roof replacement cost in Calgary
| Euroshield Beaumont Shake | BP Vangard (Class 4) | New cedar shake | Metal roofing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Cedar-grain shake profile | Dimensional laminated shingle | Natural wood that greys with age | Panels, or steel shingle and shake profiles |
| Hail (UL 2218) | Class 4 | Class 4 | Not rated; splits more as it ages | Many products Class 4; large hail can dent |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | High | Low |
| Fire rating | Class C | Class A | Combustible unless fire-treated | Non-combustible |
| Weight | Light | Moderate | Moderate | Lightest |
| Relative cost | $$$ | $ | $$$ | $$ to $$$ |
Costs are relative, installed prices. A typical asphalt roof replacement in Calgary runs about $8,000 to $18,000 (see our roof cost guide). Class 4 shingles cost more than standard asphalt, and rubber shake, metal and new cedar cost more again. None of these is as heavy as concrete or clay tile, so a structure that carried cedar can normally carry them; we still check the framing. Every cedar replacement is quoted after we measure, because the price depends on the roof’s size, pitch and complexity and on how much new sheathing the deck needs.
What is involved in a cedar shake tear-off
Replacing cedar takes more work than re-roofing over asphalt, and a good quote accounts for it.
- Spaced sheathing: many older cedar roofs are nailed to spaced boards with gaps between them so the wood can dry. Asphalt shingles need a solid deck, so we sheath the roof with new plywood or OSB. For rubber shake and metal we follow the manufacturer’s deck requirements.
- Deck and framing check: with the shakes off, we inspect the boards and rafters and replace rotten wood before anything goes over it.
- Disposal: a cedar tear-off produces a lot of bulky debris. We protect your yard, sweep for nails and haul it all away.
- Ventilation: a shake roof breathes through its gaps; a solid deck does not. We check intake and exhaust venting so the attic stays dry, with Pro 50 vents available as an upgrade.
- Membranes: ice and water membrane at the eaves and valleys and synthetic underlayment over the whole roof.
Our cedar roof replacement process
1. Inspection and options
A HAAG-certified inspector checks the shakes, deck, attic and ventilation, and we go through your replacement options.
2. Written quote
An itemized quote with your product, colour and any re-sheathing, valid for 30 days.
3. Tear-off
We strip the cedar down to the boards, protect your yard and clear debris as we go.
4. Solid deck and repairs
Spaced boards are sheathed solid where your new roof needs it, and rotten wood is replaced.
5. Membranes and new roof
Drip edge, membranes, underlayment, flashings, vents and your new roof, installed to the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Clean-up and walkthrough
Full clean-up, eavestroughs cleaned out and a final walkthrough, backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty.
Storm Damage on Your Cedar Roof?
Hail and wind can split and tear off shakes on a roof that was otherwise holding up. Our HAAG-certified inspectors document the damage for your adjuster, and as one of the preferred insurance vendors in Alberta, we work with your insurer through the claim. Insurance covers storm damage, not age or wear; if your claim is approved, you can usually upgrade to rubber shake or Class 4 shingles by paying the difference.
Call (403) 313-4932, read about our insurance claims process, or report your claim online.
Cedar shake roof replacement FAQs
How long does a cedar shake roof last in Calgary?
Cedar shake roofs last about 30 to 50 years, and Calgary’s climate pushes them toward the low end. Hail, chinook freeze–thaw cycles, strong sun and wind all wear the wood faster. Widespread splitting, curling and dark rot mean it is time to replace.
What is the best replacement for a cedar shake roof?
It depends on what matters most. For the look of cedar with little upkeep, choose Euroshield Beaumont Shake. For strong hail protection at the lowest cost, choose a Class 4 shingle such as BP Vangard. For the longest life, choose metal. If you want real wood, choose new cedar.
Can you replace only part of a cedar roof?
We can replace individual split or missing shakes, which makes sense on a roof with plenty of life left. If the wear is widespread, patching only moves the leak, so a full replacement is better value. A separate roof, such as a detached garage, can be done on its own.
Does insurance cover replacing an old cedar roof?
Home insurance generally covers sudden damage such as hail or wind, not age or wear and tear, and some policies pay only the depreciated value of an older roof. If a storm has damaged your cedar roof, our HAAG-certified inspectors can document it for your claim.
Do I need new sheathing when replacing cedar shakes?
Often, yes. Many cedar roofs sit on spaced boards, and asphalt shingles need a solid deck, so we sheath the roof with plywood or OSB and itemize it in your quote. If the deck is already solid, rotten sheets are replaced at the per-sheet rate in your contract.
How long does a cedar shake roof replacement take?
Longer than a typical asphalt re-roof, because the tear-off produces more debris and the deck often needs new sheathing. Most homes take a few days, depending on size, pitch and weather. We give you the expected schedule with your quote.
Ready to replace your cedar shake roof? Call (403) 313-4932 or contact us to book an inspection and quote. Not sure whether to repair or replace? Read our guide on repairing or replacing a roof in Calgary.
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Service Area for Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
We replace cedar shake roofs across Calgary and nearby communities, including acreages and hamlets in Rocky View County. Choose your area for local roofing details.
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