Cedar Shake Roofing in Calgary
Natural Wood Roof Installation & Repair
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Cedar shake roofs are incredibly strong and can withstand Calgary’s extreme weather, such as heavy snow, hail, and strong winds, which makes them an excellent choice for homeowners in the area.
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Cedar’s natural insulation keeps Calgary homes warm during frigid winters and lowers energy costs throughout the year.
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With their classic appeal and range of natural hues, cedar shake roofs add curb appeal and perfectly complement Calgary’s landscape and architecture.
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A cedar roof will gain you points in Calgary’s competitive real estate market while providing you with the benefits of long-term durability and top-of-the-line visual appeal.
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Cedar shake roofs are eco-friendly, renewable, and sustainable, all good reasons for Calgary homeowners seeking natural materials.
Expert Cedar Roofing Contractors in Calgary
Cedar shake roofing brings timeless natural beauty to your Calgary property while offering excellent insulation and wind resistance. Made from durable, sustainably sourced wood, cedar shakes not only enhance curb appeal but also perform well in Alberta’s varied climate. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades while aging into a distinctive silver-grey patina.
We also offer a wide range of roofing types and materials to suit different property needs and architectural preferences:
Whatever your Calgary roofing project requires, Superior Roofing provides expert guidance and professional installation to ensure your home or business roof stands up to Calgary’s weather for years to come.
What Is a Cedar Shake Roof?
Cedar shakes are wooden shingles made from split or sawn cedar logs. Each shake is slightly irregular, adding to its handcrafted character. Compared to machine-cut wood shingles, shakes are thicker and offer a more textured, rustic look.
Western Red Cedar is the most commonly used species for Calgary roofs thanks to its natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture.
Why Cedar Roofs in Calgary?
Why are cedar roofs so popular in Calgary? It’s great for the city’s harsh climate and architectural style, so it makes a lot of sense for homeowners.
Weather Resilience
Cedar shakes are ultra-tough in Calgary’s extreme weather. Their inherent flexibility helps them resist fierce winds and hailstones that frequent the area. Cedar’s natural oils offer a layer of water resistance built in, minimizing rain or snowmelt damage.
Calgary’s long winters with heavy snow loads can strain many roofing materials, but cedar’s natural strength withstands the weight. On top of that, cedar roofs can handle temperature extremes, refusing to crack or split even as the weather moves from freezing winters to hot summers.
Natural Insulation
Cedar’s natural thermal qualities make it a superb insulator. It aids in keeping the home at a comfortable temperature by retaining heat during Calgary’s frigid winters and reflecting sunlight during the warmer months. This can save you energy bills by cutting down on the heating and cooling loads during winter and summer.
Cedar roofs provide all-season comfort, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As an eco-friendly material, cedar’s green qualities resonate with homeowners looking for more sustainable roofing options.
Curb Appeal
Cedar shake roofs add a unique rustic appeal to Calgary homes. Offered in a range of natural tones and textures, cedar shingles accentuate the area’s architectural styles and picturesque surroundings.
Because every cedar shake is different, they form a rugged yet graceful roof. This classic appearance adds to a home’s curb appeal, which is why it remains a popular choice for homeowners who value beauty as much as practicality.
Property Value
A properly taken care of cedar roof can give a major uptick to a home’s resale value amidst Calgary’s competitive real estate market. That’s because it’s considered a luxury, and it’s a long haul, with potential life spans of up to 40 years, twice as much as some asphalt roofs.
Cedar roofing is a return-on-investment, drawing prospective buyers to your property, setting you apart from the competition.
Benefits of Cedar Shake Roofing
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Natural Insulation: Cedar acts as a thermal barrier, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
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Curb Appeal: Few materials rival the look of real cedar—especially as it weathers to a silvery gray.
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Durability: Properly installed and maintained, cedar roofs can last 30+ years.
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Wind & Storm Resistance: Cedar shakes are thicker and heavier than asphalt, making them less prone to wind lift.
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Eco-Friendly: Cedar is a renewable, biodegradable material harvested sustainably in many regions.
Things to Consider
Cedar shake roofing is not for every homeowner. It requires a level of commitment and maintenance that synthetic materials may not. Consider the following:
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Maintenance Needs: Requires regular cleaning, moss removal, and sometimes treatment to maintain longevity.
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Higher Upfront Cost: More expensive than asphalt or rubber options.
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Fire Sensitivity: Cedar is naturally combustible unless treated with a fire retardant. We only use Class B or better-rated treated products.
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Weathering: While weathering adds character, it can also shorten lifespan if the roof isn’t cared for properly.
Is Cedar Right for My Home?
Cedar shake roofs are especially popular in the following cases:
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Luxury homes or estate properties seeking natural aesthetics
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Heritage and character homes preserving original material
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Cabins, cottages, or lakefront homes wanting rustic appeal
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Neighborhoods with HOA guidelines that promote wood roofing
If you’re not sure, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons based on your home’s pitch, orientation, and exposure.
HIGHLY REVIEWED
The Cedar Shake Advantage
Blending natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness, cedar shake roofing is a clear choice for Calgary homeowners. Its distinctive features appeal to the region’s particular climate, offering enduring value and classic beauty.
Unmatched Durability
Cedar shakes are valued for their durability. Naturally durable, rot and insect resistant, and weather resistant, cedar oils provide a built-in defense against these elements. This renders it more resistant to Calgary’s fluctuating climate, from scorching summers to blustery snowstorms.
Its strength resists the weight of snow and ice without warping like cheaper materials. When taken care of, cedar shake roofs have the potential to last 25–30 years or longer, more than most synthetic options.
Routine maintenance is required to extend their lifespan as much as possible, tackling issues such as moss or debris. For Calgary’s climate, cedar’s durability proves dependable during brutal winters and volatile swings in temperature.
Superior Energy Efficiency
Cedar’s natural composition is energy efficient and ideal for Calgary homes. That insulation factor reduces heat loss during Calgary’s chilly winters and keeps rooms cooler in the summer. This takes pressure off heating and cooling systems, resulting in lower energy bills.
Cedar roofs pay additional dividends by saving energy, keeping your home comfortable throughout the seasons. Although the initial expense is greater, the overall decrease in utility bills compensates for this for the cost-conscious homeowner.
Lasting Aesthetic
Cedar shakes age beautifully – from warm, honey yellow to a weathered silvery-grey. This aging process builds their rustic charm with time, providing a look that complements Calgary’s natural landscapes.
With customizable finishes, homeowners can tailor the look so that the roof matches their property’s aesthetic. Whereas synthetics fade and chalk, cedar shakes remain beautiful for years, lending a warmth and sophistication to every home.
Hand-split for a rugged appearance or re-sawed for a smoother texture, cedar is second to none in styling options.
Eco-Friendly Choice
As a renewable material, cedar is an environmentally friendly roofing option. It’s biodegradable, with little impact on the environment in harvesting and processing.
For Calgary homeowners emphasizing sustainability, cedar shakes have a lower carbon footprint than synthetic options.
New Installation vs. Restoration
At Superior Roofing, we offer both full installations and cedar shake restoration services:
New Installation:
We install cedar shakes to exacting standards, including:
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Proper breathable underlayments
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Stainless steel fasteners to prevent streaking
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Ridge and hip detailing for wind and moisture control
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Custom flashing and valleys for snow protection
Restoration:
If your cedar roof still has life left, we can restore it by:
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Replacing cracked or cupped shakes
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Re-securing loose shingles
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Power cleaning and treating for moss
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Sealing with breathable protective coatings
Restoration can extend your roof’s life by 5 to 10 years and enhance performance without full replacement.
Signs Your Cedar Roof Needs Help
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Cracked or split shakes
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Heavy moss or algae growth
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Curling or cupping of wood edges
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Discoloration or dry, brittle wood
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Missing shingles after storms
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Leaks or water stains inside your attic
A timely repair or refresh can help avoid total replacement—and preserve the classic look of your home.
How It Works
Final Inspection & Satisfaction Guarantee
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Free Consultation & Estimate
Schedule an appointment with our experts. The roofing estimator will come to survey your roof to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
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Expert Installation & Quality Work
Once the deal is closed and payment is finalized, the project timeline will be set.
Calgary Wood Roof Installation
Cedar shake roofing is a unique option for Calgary homeowners, providing an attractive combination of natural beauty, longevity, and function. Proper installation is key to getting the most out of this roofing type, especially in Calgary’s varied climate. Here are important points on the process and thoughts on a successful installation.
Sourcing Cedar
Quality cedar is the foundation of an enduring wood roof. Cedar shakes are hand-split from logs, giving them classic character. Local or sustainably harvested cedar is sometimes desired, as it helps to meet environmental criteria and is less expensive to ship.
Cedar comes in various grades, with premium-grade materials being best suited for Calgary’s weather because they tend to be denser and longer-lasting. Good suppliers are essential to delivering regular, quality shakes.
Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation will protect a cedar roof. Without it, moisture buildup can lead to premature decay, shortening the roof’s life. In addition to protecting your home against structural damage, proper airflow helps ensure healthy indoor air quality by reducing trapped humidity.
All ventilation systems should be integrated with the roof, and professional installation guarantees the best results. This step is very important in Calgary, where temperature fluctuations are common.
Nailing Technique
Proper nailing is the cornerstone of a solid, long-lasting cedar shake roof. O’er-driven nails can split shakes or cause them to come loose. Rust-resistant nails are a must, since Calgary weather is so unpredictable.
Our seasoned roofers take care to screw every shake down firm which keeps your roof looking good and intact.
Flashing Details
Flashing prevents leaks by sealing areas like roof valleys, edges, and around chimneys. Well-installed flashing is the cornerstone of cedar roofing.
Key benefits include:
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Protects against water infiltration in high-stress areas.
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Protects edges and valleys from Calgary’s heavy snow and rain.
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Ensures durability by redirecting water away from weak points.
Routine inspections are a must to combat wear and tear and make certain flashing stays up to snuff during the roof’s lifetime.
Cedar Roof Repair in Calgary
Cedar shake roofs are a popular choice in Calgary, offering durability and a natural aesthetic that complements the local environment. Calgary’s extreme weather, with frigid winters, hail, and muggy summers, can be hard on cedar roofing, making repairs a must.
Here’s an in-depth look at typical repair needs and best practices for keeping cedar roofs in the area.
Hail Damage
Hailstorms frequently blow through Calgary and cause damage by denting, cracking or knocking off cedar shakes. The rough texture of cedar also makes it susceptible to impact damage, which can weaken the roof system.
It’s important to check your roof following severe storms because damage isn’t always obvious from ground level. Hail-damaged cedar roof repairs generally consist of replacing cracked or broken shakes to return the roof to a weather-resistant state.
Professional roofers will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage and whether or not repairs or a replacement are needed. Insurance usually covers hail damage, but you might need some paperwork from a professional roof contractor to get your claim through.
Cracks and Splits
Cracks and splits in cedar shakes are endemic as a result of weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and years of UV exposure. These cracks can permit water penetration, compromising the roof’s water resistance.
Replacing damaged shakes immediately saves you from water damage to the underlying structure. Premium cedar shakes, pressure-treated for durability, will reduce the chance of splits and lengthen the life of your roof.
Periodic maintenance, like cleaning and sealing, helps minimize stress on the material.
Moss and Algae
Moss and algae trap moisture, causing premature cedar shake rot. This is particularly troubling in Calgary’s muggy summer months. With periodic cleaning about every five years and occasional treatments to inhibit moss and algae growth, the roof will continue to perform and look great.
Not only does a clean roof look better, but it also makes certain that your roof drains properly and extends your roof’s life.
Missing Shakes
High winds can tear off cedar shakes, creating spaces that allow water in. Missing shakes need to be replaced immediately.
Professional repair services guarantee correct alignment and tight installation, reestablishing the roof’s protective shield.
How Cedar Performs in Alberta Weather
Cedar handles temperature swings well, but Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, hail, and dry summers can take a toll.
That’s why we take special precautions:
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Ventilation design to avoid trapped moisture
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Proper overhangs and flashing to direct runoff
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Ice and water shield barriers under vulnerable zones
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UV-resistant protective coatings, when requested
With the right system and upkeep, cedar can thrive even in Alberta’s toughest conditions.
The True Cost of Ownership
What is the true cost to own a cedar shake roof in Calgary? Although cedar shakes are beautiful and durable, the true cost of ownership extends past the original installation. It’s all about the true cost of ownership.
The cost of a metal roof can vary depending on several factors. Materials typically range from $5 to $12 per square foot, while installation labour adds another $3 to $7 per square foot. Altogether, a full metal roof installation for a standard home can fall between $15,000 and $30,000. Ongoing costs include annual maintenance, which can range from $200 to over $1,000, and minor repairs typically costing between $200 and $1,000. A professional roof inspection usually runs between $200 and $400.
Initial Investment
The initial price of the cedar shake roof is among the highest. For an average-sized Calgary home, they cost between $15,000 to $30,000 to install, depending on the cedar shake quality and labour. Higher quality cedar, which is thicker and more robust, drives up the price but provides greater durability.
The workmanship of the installation makes a huge difference in the price. This upfront cost is balanced by cedar’s long-term value. Its inherent insulating qualities help the energy usage, especially come Calgary’s chilly winters. Cedar roofs are the ultimate good-looking, premium-enhancing, curb-appeal-raising, resale-value exploding choice.
Maintenance Budget
Cedar roofs need continual attention. Annual maintenance is a few hundred dollars – cleaning, sealing, and small repairs, $200-$1,000. Professional maintenance services are a must, since Calgary’s weather—from brutal winters to summer storms—hastens wear.
Proactive maintenance, like sealing against moisture or immediately replacing damaged shakes, keeps expensive structural damage at bay. This diligence pays off in the long run by keeping the roof looking good and intact, and saving money.
Repair Expenses
Common repairs are replacing shakes and leak repairs — $200 to $1,000. Major damage, typically from storms or heavy snow, can demand multi-thousand-dollar repairs. Timely intervention lowers these costs, since waiting can cause a condition to become worse.
There are cost-effective repair options out there, but homeowners should account for inspections ($200–$400) to catch problems early. It minimizes sticker-shock surprises.
Long-Term Value
Cedar shake roofs have a lifespan of 25–30 years — fantastic value for the long haul. They replace asphalt shingles less often. Energy efficiency and added property value sweeten the deal even more.
With alluring aesthetics and lasting durability, cedar shakes are an investment well spent.
Beyond the Obvious Benefits
Cedar shake roofing has benefits far beyond the obvious beauty for Calgary homeowners. Aside from the rustic appeal, cedar shake roofs make an intelligent statement in design and eco-friendliness.
Arguably, the most unique characteristic of cedar shakes is their natural appeal. The shakes’ textured surface and uneven cuts give them a cozy, organic feel that melds perfectly with Calgary’s natural surroundings. Over time, cedar shakes acquire a beautiful patina, aging from warm honey and cinnamon colors to an elegant silvery-grey. This aging process gives character to the roof, making it a living part of your home’s appearance.
For anyone desiring a roof that ages gracefully, cedar shakes provide an incredible aesthetic quality.
On a pragmatic level, cedar shake roofs are very energy efficient. Winters in Calgary are brutal, with the temperatures often falling below zero. Cedar is a natural insulator, so it helps keep heat from escaping. Cedar shakes ventilate homes during summer, keeping them cooler during heat waves.
Although the energy-efficient feature is understated, it’s a major long-term bonus for consumers who want to keep tabs on utility costs.
Environmentally minded homeowners will love cedar’s sustainable benefits. Cedar is a renewable resource, and many manufacturers harvest it responsibly. Unlike synthetic materials, cedar shakes are biodegradable and don’t have the same impact on landfills.
Cedar shakes have to be maintained against moisture and pests so that they stay effective.
Cedar shake roofs present some challenges. Calgary’s harsh climate — both in terms of snow accumulation and summer thunderstorms — can take its toll on your vehicle. Cedar is flammable, making it problematic in wildfire-prone areas.
Its life span — generally 25–30 years — is shorter than certain other options, but sparing maintenance can stretch it to the limit. The initial expense — from $4 to $7.25 per square foot installed — might be high, but it’s indicative of the artistry and the substance of the product.
Cedar shake roofing delivers classic aesthetics and reliable durability for Calgary homes. It’s natural aesthetics, powerful insulating qualities, and resilience against Calgary’s weather conditions make it an intelligent choice for stylish yet durable roofing. If you require expert installation, reliable repairs, or advice on caring for your cedar roof, Superior Roofing provides trusted service with years of experience.
Now, if you’re ready to spruce up your home with cedar shakes! Contact Superior Roofing now for a consultation or estimate. Let’s cover your home with a roof that makes a statement and makes it through the seasons to come.
OUR PROJECTS
There’s something about cedar shake roofing that just exudes natural beauty and durability that stands the test of time. Renowned for its durability and insulation, cedar shakes are a favorite among homeowners looking for a roof that can endure Calgary’s unpredictable weather, from heavy snowfalls to summer hailstorms.
In addition to their old world charm, cedar shake roofing is waterproof and UV resistant, which is especially practical considering our local climate. It needs to be properly installed and maintained to make the most of its lifespan, and that’s where Superior Roofing comes in.
Backed by decades of experience and a commitment to premium craftsmanship, we make certain your cedar shake roof looks stunning and performs consistently throughout the seasons. Check out some of our work!
Sage Valley Road NW, Calgary, AB
3030 Bishop Dr SW, Calgary, AB
32 St NE, Calary, AB
Cameron Ave, Calgary, AB
36 Elmont Dr SW, Calgary, AB
6919 Livingstone Dr SW, Calgary, AB
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Cedar shake roofing in Calgary may be preferred just for this reason – it deals with Calgary’s brutal weather. It weathers cold winters, resists hail, and blends with Calgary’s natural environment with its rustic appeal.
With good care, cedar shake roofs in Calgary tend to have a 30–50 year lifespan. Maintenance is the secret to shielding it against the elements and living a long life.
Indeed, cedar shake roofs are terrific in Calgary’s climate. They withstand hail, snow, and wind. They are also great insulators in both winter and summer.
Cedar shake roofing usually has a higher upfront cost than asphalt shingles, with an average of $20–$30 per square foot installed. Its longevity and natural beauty make it a great investment.
Routine upkeep involves debris removal, moss or mold cleaning, and wood treatment application. Post-storm inspections are important to identify damage early.
Cedar shake roofs are rugged and can resist hailstorms better than most. Their inherent pliability aids in impact absorption, mitigating damage.
