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You’re looking at a roof that outlasts asphalt by decades. Cedar roofing isn’t just about the stunning natural beauty—though that weathered elegance does add serious curb appeal to your Holtsville property.
The real value comes from what happens after installation. Your energy bills drop because cedar provides more than twice the insulation of standard shingles. Storm damage becomes less of a worry since Western Red Cedar naturally resists wind, hail, and the kind of weather Suffolk County throws at homes year after year.
Most importantly, you’re done replacing your roof every 15-20 years. A properly installed cedar roof protects your home for 30-50 years, making it a genuine long-term investment rather than another maintenance expense.
We focus exclusively on exterior home improvement in Suffolk County, with cedar roofing as one of our core specialties. We understand Long Island’s unique climate challenges—the coastal humidity, winter freeze-thaw cycles, and storm patterns that demand more from your roof than standard materials can deliver.
Our approach centers on matching the right cedar materials to your specific home and location. Whether you need hand-split cedar shakes for that classic Hamptons aesthetic or tapersawn shakes for a more uniform appearance, we source premium Western Red Cedar from certified mills with proper warranties.
What sets us apart is our commitment to proper installation. Cedar roofing demands precision—improper installation leads to premature failure, gaps that let weather in, and costly repairs down the road. We’ve built our reputation on getting it right the first time.
Your cedar roof project starts with a thorough assessment of your existing roof structure and your specific needs. We examine the roof deck, check for any underlying issues, and discuss your preferences for cedar grade, style, and appearance.
Next comes material selection and preparation. We source the appropriate grade of Western Red Cedar—whether that’s premium #1 grade “Blue Label” shakes for maximum longevity, or #2 grade for excellent performance at a more accessible price point. The roof deck gets properly prepared with breathable underlayment that prevents moisture issues.
Installation follows strict protocols. Each cedar shake or shingle gets properly aligned and secured with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners. We pay special attention to flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof penetrations—areas where most cedar roof problems start. The final step includes applying appropriate treatments and sealants for long-term weather protection.
After completion, we walk you through maintenance basics and provide guidance on preserving your investment for decades to come.
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Your cedar roof service includes premium Western Red Cedar materials specifically chosen for Long Island’s coastal climate. We offer both cedar shakes and cedar shingles, each with distinct advantages for different architectural styles and performance needs.
Hand-split cedar shakes provide that rustic, textured appearance that’s become synonymous with high-end Suffolk County homes. These thicker, more rugged pieces create deep shadow lines and natural variation that ages beautifully. Tapersawn cedar shakes offer similar thickness with a more uniform appearance, while cedar shingles provide clean lines perfect for traditional and contemporary homes.
All our cedar materials come from sustainably managed forests with proper grading and certifications. We include fire-treated options where required by local codes, and synthetic cedar alternatives for homeowners who want the cedar look with reduced maintenance requirements. Every installation includes proper underlayment, premium fasteners, and weatherproofing materials designed specifically for cedar applications.
The result is a complete roofing system engineered to handle everything from summer humidity to winter ice storms, backed by both manufacturer warranties and our craftsmanship guarantee.
A properly installed cedar roof in Holtsville typically lasts 30-50 years with appropriate maintenance. Suffolk County’s coastal climate actually works in cedar’s favor—the natural humidity helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking, while cedar’s inherent resistance to moisture prevents rot and decay issues common with other materials.
The key factors affecting lifespan include the grade of cedar used, installation quality, and regular maintenance. Premium #1 grade Western Red Cedar with proper installation and annual inspections can easily reach the 40-50 year range. Even #2 grade cedar, when properly maintained, provides 30+ years of reliable protection.
Your roof’s exposure also matters. South-facing slopes get more UV exposure and may require treatment every few years, while north-facing areas often maintain their appearance longer with minimal intervention.
Cedar shakes are hand-split or taper-sawn, creating a thicker, more rustic appearance with natural texture variations. They’re typically ⅝” to 1¼” thick at the butt end and provide deeper shadow lines that create visual interest. Shakes work particularly well on traditional, cottage, or Hamptons-style homes where that weathered, natural look is desired.
Cedar shingles are machine-sawn on both sides, resulting in a uniform thickness (usually around ¼” to ½”) and smooth, clean appearance. They provide straight lines and consistent exposure, making them ideal for contemporary homes or traditional styles where precision and uniformity matter more than rustic character.
Both offer excellent weather protection and longevity. The choice usually comes down to architectural style, personal preference, and budget—shakes typically cost more due to the hand-splitting process and thicker material requirements, but both provide decades of reliable performance when properly installed.
Cedar roof installation in the Holtsville area typically ranges from $10-17 per square foot installed, depending on the cedar grade, roof complexity, and specific materials chosen. For an average 2,000 square foot roof, expect investment between $20,000-34,000 for a complete cedar roofing system.
Several factors affect the final cost: Premium #1 grade “Blue Label” cedar shakes cost more than #2 grade materials, but provide longer lifespan and better appearance retention. Complex rooflines with multiple angles, chimneys, and skylights require additional time and materials. Steep pitches increase labor costs due to safety requirements and slower installation pace.
While cedar costs more upfront than asphalt, the long-term value equation changes significantly. Cedar roofs last 30-50 years versus 15-25 for asphalt, provide superior insulation that reduces energy costs, and can increase home value by 40-50%. When you factor in avoided replacement costs and energy savings over decades, cedar often proves more economical than cheaper alternatives.
Cedar roofing in Suffolk County requires regular but straightforward maintenance to maximize its lifespan. Annual inspections are essential—checking for cracked, curled, or missing shakes, clearing debris that traps moisture, and ensuring proper drainage around gutters and downspouts.
The coastal environment actually helps cedar roofing in some ways. The natural humidity prevents excessive drying and cracking that occurs in arid climates. However, you’ll want to address moss or algae growth promptly, especially on north-facing slopes that stay damp longer. A soft wash every few years prevents buildup without damaging the wood.
Most cedar roofs benefit from treatment with wood preservatives or water repellents every 3-5 years, particularly on south-facing exposures that get more UV damage. Proper attic ventilation is crucial—it prevents moisture buildup that can cause rot from the inside out. With this routine care, your cedar roof will weather beautifully and provide decades of reliable protection.
Cedar roofing should not be installed over existing shingles, regardless of the current roofing material. Cedar’s performance depends on proper ventilation and drainage, which get compromised when installed over old materials. The additional weight of cedar shakes or shingles, combined with existing roofing, can also exceed your roof structure’s load capacity.
Proper cedar installation requires removing all existing materials down to the roof deck. This allows us to inspect the structural integrity, replace any damaged decking, and install the breathable underlayment that’s essential for cedar’s long-term performance. We also need to ensure proper spacing and fastener penetration, which isn’t possible over existing materials.
The removal process also gives us the opportunity to upgrade insulation, improve ventilation, and address any underlying issues before they become problems. While this adds to the initial cost, it’s essential for getting the full lifespan and performance that makes cedar roofing a worthwhile investment. Shortcuts during installation inevitably lead to premature failure and costly repairs.
Western Red Cedar performs exceptionally well in Long Island’s climate, offering natural resistance to the humidity, temperature swings, and storm conditions common in Suffolk County. For maximum longevity, we recommend #1 grade “Blue Label” cedar shakes or shingles, which come from the clear heartwood with straight grain and no defects.
Fire-treated cedar options are worth considering, especially in areas with local fire safety requirements. The treatment process doesn’t compromise cedar’s natural weather resistance but provides additional peace of mind. For homeowners concerned about maintenance, synthetic cedar shakes like CeDUR provide authentic cedar appearance with enhanced durability and reduced upkeep requirements.
Tapersawn cedar shakes offer an excellent middle ground—they provide the substantial appearance of hand-split shakes with more uniform installation and better weather sealing. The key is matching the cedar grade and style to your specific home, budget, and maintenance preferences while ensuring proper installation techniques that account for Long Island’s unique weather patterns.
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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.
