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When your cedar roof is properly installed, you’re looking at 30-50 years of protection that gets more beautiful with time. The natural silver-gray patina that develops actually strengthens your roof’s resistance to salt air and moisture – something standard shingles can’t match.
You’ll notice the difference immediately in how your home stands out. Cedar roofing isn’t common around here, which means your property gains that distinctive curb appeal that neighbors notice and potential buyers remember. More importantly, you’re investing in wind resistance up to 245mph for cedar shakes – the kind of protection that matters when Long Island storms roll through.
The energy efficiency is real too. Cedar’s natural insulation properties mean your HVAC system doesn’t work as hard, whether it’s keeping cool during those brutal summer days or staying warm when winter hits Suffolk County hard.
We’ve been serving Bohemia and Suffolk County homeowners for decades, specializing in exterior renovations that last. We’re not a general contractor trying to do everything – we focus on roofing, siding, and exterior work because that’s where Long Island homes need the most protection.
Our team understands exactly what cedar roofing faces here. The salt air from being 50 miles from the coast, the nor’easters that test every fastener, the summer heat that makes inferior materials fail. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in this climate.
Every cedar roof project gets personal oversight from our experienced crew. We combine traditional craftsmanship – the kind that built the classic cedar homes you see throughout the Hamptons – with modern installation techniques that ensure your investment performs for decades.
We start with a thorough inspection of your existing roof structure. Cedar is heavier than standard shingles, so we need to verify your home can handle the load. Most Bohemia homes can, but we check every beam and support to be certain.
Next comes material selection. We’ll walk you through the differences between cedar shingles and shakes, grading options from select to premium straight grain, and whether fire treatment makes sense for your specific situation. This isn’t a sales pitch – it’s education so you make the right choice for your home and budget.
Installation happens systematically, starting with proper underlayment designed for cedar applications. Each shake or shingle gets positioned for optimal water shedding and wind resistance. We pay special attention to flashing around chimneys, vents, and roof transitions – the spots where most cedar roof problems start if not done right.
The final step includes cleanup and a complete walkthrough. You’ll see exactly what we installed and understand how to maintain your cedar roof for maximum lifespan. We don’t disappear after installation – we’re here in Suffolk County for the long term.
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We work with Western Red Cedar – the gold standard for roofing applications. This isn’t the cedar you’ll find at big box stores. We source premium grades that are specifically cut and treated for Long Island’s coastal environment.
Your cedar roof installation includes fire treatment when appropriate, stainless steel fasteners that won’t corrode in salt air, and proper ventilation systems that prevent moisture buildup. These details matter when you’re investing in a roof that should last 40-50 years.
For Bohemia homeowners dealing with the area’s specific challenges – from the humidity that comes with being near the Great South Bay to the wind patterns that funnel between Long Island’s north and south shores – we adjust our installation techniques accordingly. The cedar shakes on a home near Bohemia Avenue face different stresses than those closer to the Connetquot River, and our installation reflects that local knowledge.
We also handle cedar roof repairs and maintenance. Sometimes a few damaged shakes can be replaced individually, extending your roof’s life significantly. Other times, a thorough cleaning and retreatment brings back that rich cedar appearance while protecting the wood underneath.
A properly installed cedar roof in Bohemia typically lasts 30-50 years, sometimes longer with good maintenance. The key factors are using premium grade cedar, proper installation with corrosion-resistant fasteners, and periodic maintenance every 6-8 years.
Long Island’s coastal environment is actually favorable for cedar in some ways. The humidity helps prevent the wood from becoming too dry and brittle, while the salt air that damages other materials doesn’t significantly affect treated cedar. The bigger concerns are ensuring proper drainage and preventing moss buildup in shaded areas.
We’ve worked on cedar roofs in Suffolk County that are over 40 years old and still performing well. The difference is always in the initial installation quality and whether homeowners stay on top of basic maintenance like keeping gutters clean and addressing small issues before they become major problems.
Cedar shingles are machine-cut for a uniform, smooth appearance that works well on both traditional and modern homes. They’re thinner and provide a more refined look, typically lasting around 30-40 years with proper care.
Cedar shakes are hand-split or machine-split for a more rustic, textured appearance. They’re thicker and more irregular, which gives that classic Hamptons look you see throughout Suffolk County. Shakes typically last 40-50 years because of their thickness and the way they shed water.
For wind resistance, shakes actually perform better – they can handle winds up to 245mph compared to shingles’ 173mph rating. In Bohemia, where we get those strong coastal storms, many homeowners choose shakes for the extra durability. The choice often comes down to your home’s architectural style and personal preference for appearance.
Cedar roofing typically costs 2-3 times more than standard asphalt shingles upfront, but the long-term value equation is different. While an asphalt roof might cost $8,000-$12,000 and last 15-20 years, a cedar roof runs $15,000-$25,000 but lasts 30-50 years.
When you factor in that you’d likely replace an asphalt roof twice in the time one cedar roof lasts, plus the energy savings from cedar’s superior insulation, the lifetime cost often favors cedar. There’s also the property value increase – cedar roofing can add significant resale value, especially in Suffolk County where distinctive homes command premium prices.
The maintenance costs are higher with cedar, requiring cleaning and treatment every 6-8 years. But many homeowners find the combination of longevity, energy efficiency, and curb appeal makes cedar roofing a smart long-term investment for their Bohemia home.
Cedar roofing is actually one of the most storm-resistant materials available. Cedar shakes can withstand winds up to 245mph, while cedar shingles handle up to 173mph – both significantly higher than standard asphalt shingles which typically fail around 90-110mph.
The key is proper installation with the right fasteners and techniques for our coastal environment. We use stainless steel nails that won’t corrode in salt air, and our installation pattern accounts for the wind uplift forces common in Suffolk County storms. The interlocking nature of cedar shakes actually gets stronger under wind pressure when installed correctly.
We’ve seen cedar roofs in Bohemia survive major storms that damaged neighboring homes with standard roofing. The natural flexibility of wood helps cedar move with wind forces rather than fighting them. However, any roofing material can fail in extreme conditions, which is why we also discuss proper insurance coverage and emergency repair procedures with every customer.
Yes, cedar roof installation in Bohemia requires building permits through the Town of Islip, just like any major roofing project. The permit process ensures your roof meets current building codes and safety standards.
We handle the permit application process for our customers, including submitting the required plans and specifications. The town typically requires details about the cedar grade, installation methods, and structural adequacy – especially important since cedar is heavier than standard shingles.
The inspection process usually includes a structural review before installation begins and a final inspection after completion. Having permits and inspections actually protects you by ensuring the work meets code requirements and provides documentation for insurance and future resale. We coordinate all inspections and make sure everything passes the first time.
Cedar roof maintenance in Suffolk County focuses on preventing moisture retention and organic growth. The most important step is keeping gutters clean and ensuring proper drainage – standing water is cedar’s biggest enemy.
Every 6-8 years, your cedar roof should be professionally cleaned to remove moss, algae, and debris that can trap moisture. We use specialized soft-wash techniques that clean without damaging the wood fibers. After cleaning, we often recommend applying a penetrating wood preservative that provides UV protection and helps prevent mold growth.
Between professional cleanings, you can help by trimming tree branches that shade the roof (moss grows faster in shade), checking for loose or damaged shakes after storms, and ensuring attic ventilation is adequate. Small issues like a few loose shakes can be repaired individually, but waiting too long often means larger sections need replacement. Regular maintenance is always more cost-effective than major repairs.
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Specializing in roofing, siding, chimney, and gutter services, SkyLuxe Construction is committed to delivering top-tier home transformations in Suffolk County, NY.
