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When you invest in cedar roofing, you’re getting more than just a beautiful roof. You’re securing decades of protection with materials that actually get better at resisting wind and weather over time.
Cedar shakes and shingles offer the highest wind resistance of any roofing material – we’re talking about withstanding winds up to 245 mph. That matters when you’re dealing with coastal storms and the unpredictable weather patterns we see here in Suffolk County.
Your energy bills will drop too. Cedar’s natural insulation properties keep your home cooler during those increasingly hot summers and warmer through our harsh winters, often cutting heating and cooling costs significantly compared to standard asphalt roofing.
We bring decades of exterior renovation expertise specifically to East Islip and Suffolk County homeowners. We’re not just another roofing company – we’re a family legacy built on understanding exactly what works in our local climate.
We’ve seen how coastal weather, salt air, and temperature swings affect different roofing materials. That’s why we specialize in cedar roofing systems that actually thrive in Long Island conditions, unlike materials that deteriorate quickly in our environment.
Every project gets personal oversight from our team, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern installation techniques. When you work with us, you’re working with people who live here, understand the local challenges, and stand behind every roof we install.
We start with a thorough assessment of your existing roof structure and your specific needs. Not every home is the same, and cedar installation requires understanding your roof’s unique characteristics, from pitch and complexity to underlying structural considerations.
Next comes material selection. We’ll walk you through the differences between cedar shakes and shingles, various grades available, and options like fire-treated cedar for enhanced safety. You’ll understand exactly what you’re getting and why it’s the right choice for your situation.
Installation is where our expertise really shows. Cedar roofing requires skilled craftsmanship – each shake or shingle must be properly positioned and secured to maximize wind resistance and longevity. We handle everything from tear-off of existing materials to final cleanup, ensuring your property is protected and pristine throughout the process.
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We offer both cedar shakes and cedar shingles, each with distinct advantages. Cedar shakes provide that classic, rustic Hampton’s look that’s so popular throughout eastern Long Island, with their hand-split texture and varying thickness creating unique character for every roof.
Cedar shingles offer a more uniform appearance while still delivering exceptional durability and wind resistance. Both options can be factory-treated for fire resistance and enhanced protection against insects and moisture.
For East Islip homeowners, we typically recommend Western Red Cedar for its superior performance in our coastal climate. The natural oils and density of this wood species provide excellent resistance to salt air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations that are common in Suffolk County. We also offer synthetic cedar shake alternatives for homeowners who want the cedar aesthetic with even lower maintenance requirements.
Cedar roofs are actually well-suited to Long Island’s climate and can last 40-50 years with proper installation and maintenance. Cedar shakes typically last longer than shingles due to their thickness, often reaching 50+ years.
The key is proper installation and understanding how cedar performs in our specific environment. Unlike some materials that deteriorate quickly in salt air and temperature swings, cedar actually develops natural weathering characteristics that enhance its protective qualities over time. We see cedar roofs from the 1970s and 1980s still performing well when they were properly installed and maintained.
Modern cedar roofing can be factory-treated with fire retardants to achieve Class A or Class C fire ratings, significantly improving fire resistance. This treatment is particularly important given the increasing temperatures we’re seeing in East Islip.
We recommend fire-treated cedar for all our installations, especially given that East Islip is expected to see a 142% increase in days over 94°F in the next 30 years. The treatment doesn’t affect the natural beauty or performance of the cedar but provides crucial additional protection.
Additionally, cedar’s natural insulation properties actually help regulate temperatures, reducing the heat buildup that can contribute to fire risk compared to materials like asphalt that absorb and retain heat.
Cedar roofing is actually the most wind-resistant roofing material available. Cedar shingles can withstand winds up to 173 mph, while cedar shakes can handle up to 245 mph – far exceeding what we typically see even in severe coastal storms.
This superior wind resistance comes from cedar’s natural flexibility and the way individual shakes or shingles interlock when properly installed. Unlike rigid materials that can crack or shatter, cedar moves with wind forces while maintaining its protective seal.
We’ve seen cedar roofs perform exceptionally well during major storms that damaged other roofing materials in the area. The combination of proper installation techniques and cedar’s natural properties creates a roofing system that actually gets stronger and more weather-resistant over time.
Cedar shakes are hand-split, giving them a rustic, textured appearance with varying thickness (3/8″ to 1″). They provide the classic Hampton’s look that’s popular throughout eastern Long Island and offer superior insulation due to their thickness.
Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides, creating a more uniform, smooth appearance. They’re typically thinner and less expensive than shakes, but still provide excellent durability and wind resistance. Both last decades when properly installed.
For East Islip homes, the choice often comes down to aesthetic preference and budget. Shakes provide that distinctive, high-end appearance but require more skilled installation labor. Shingles offer a cleaner look that works well with both traditional and modern home styles while being more cost-effective.
Yes, cedar provides excellent natural insulation that can significantly reduce energy costs. Cedar’s thermal properties offer up to twice the insulating value of asphalt shingles, helping keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
This is particularly valuable given the increasing temperatures we’re experiencing in East Islip. With 17 days above 94°F expected in 30 years compared to just 7 today, cedar’s superior insulation becomes even more important for managing cooling costs.
Many of our customers report noticeable reductions in their heating and cooling bills after cedar installation. The natural air pockets in cedar wood create an effective thermal barrier that helps regulate indoor temperatures year-round, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
Cedar roofs require periodic maintenance but are generally low-maintenance when properly installed. The main concerns are preventing moss growth and occasional treatment for enhanced protection against salt air and moisture.
In Suffolk County’s coastal environment, we recommend annual inspections and cleaning debris from gutters and roof valleys. Moss prevention treatments every few years help maintain the roof’s appearance and performance, especially in areas that don’t receive direct sunlight.
The good news is that individual cedar shakes or shingles can be easily replaced if damaged, unlike other roofing systems that require larger repairs. Most maintenance can be handled proactively during regular inspections, preventing small issues from becoming major problems.
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