Hear from Our Customers
When we properly install your cedar roof, you’re looking at decades of protection that actually gets more beautiful with time. The natural weathering process creates that coveted silver-gray patina that makes your North Haven home stand out in the best way possible.
You’ll notice the difference in your energy bills too. Cedar’s natural insulation properties help regulate your home’s temperature year-round, reducing heating costs during those brutal Long Island winters and keeping cooling costs down when summer humidity hits.
Most importantly, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected by a roofing material that can withstand everything from nor’easters to summer storms while maintaining its structural integrity for up to 50 years.
We’ve been serving North Haven and Suffolk County homeowners as a full-service exterior improvement specialist focused exclusively on residential projects. We understand what Long Island weather throws at your home because we live here too.
Our team knows the unique challenges of coastal weather patterns, from ice dam formation in winter to the humidity and salt air that can affect roofing materials. That’s why we’ve specialized in cedar roofing systems that are specifically designed to handle these conditions.
When you work with us, you’re working with contractors who’ve seen how different roofing materials perform in this specific climate over decades of service.
We start with a thorough inspection of your existing roof structure to ensure it can properly support cedar shakes or shingles. This includes checking the decking, ventilation systems, and identifying any structural issues that need addressing before installation begins.
Next, we remove your old roofing materials and prepare the surface with proper underlayment designed specifically for cedar installations. This step is crucial because cedar roofing requires different ventilation and moisture management than standard asphalt systems.
The installation process involves hand-placing each cedar shake or shingle with precise spacing and overlap patterns. Our installers understand the nuances of working with natural materials where each piece is slightly different, ensuring proper water shedding and wind resistance throughout your roof system.
Ready to get started?
We work exclusively with Western Red Cedar, the gold standard for cedar roofing materials. You can choose from hand-split cedar shakes for that authentic rustic appearance, or tapersawn cedar shingles for a more refined look that still delivers all the performance benefits of natural cedar.
All our cedar materials come fire-treated to meet current building codes, addressing the historical concerns about cedar and fire safety. These treatments don’t compromise the natural beauty or longevity of the material while providing the safety standards North Haven requires.
For homeowners in coastal areas like ours, we also offer synthetic cedar shake options that deliver the aesthetic appeal of natural cedar with enhanced durability against salt air and extreme weather conditions. These products are specifically engineered to handle the unique challenges of Long Island’s maritime climate.
Properly installed and maintained cedar roofs in North Haven typically last 40-50 years, sometimes longer. The key factors are using quality Western Red Cedar materials, proper installation with adequate ventilation, and periodic maintenance treatments every 3-5 years.
Long Island’s climate actually works well for cedar roofing because the natural freeze-thaw cycles help the wood maintain its structural integrity. The coastal humidity can be managed with proper ventilation systems that we install as part of every cedar roof project.
Regular inspections and prompt repairs of any damaged shakes will extend your roof’s life significantly. Most cedar roofs we’ve installed 20+ years ago are still performing excellently with basic maintenance.
Cedar shakes are hand-split, giving them a thicker, more rustic appearance with natural texture variations. They’re typically 3/4″ to 1-1/4″ thick and create deeper shadow lines that many homeowners prefer for the authentic look.
Cedar shingles are machine-cut and sawn smooth on both sides, creating a more uniform appearance. They’re thinner (typically 3/8″ to 5/8″) and lay flatter against the roof surface, making them slightly more weather-tight but with less dramatic visual impact.
Both materials offer excellent durability and weather resistance. Your choice usually comes down to the aesthetic you want and your budget, as shakes typically cost 20-30% more due to the hand-splitting process and thicker material.
Modern cedar roofing materials are treated with fire-retardant chemicals that meet or exceed current building codes. These treatments significantly reduce the fire risk that was a concern with untreated cedar decades ago.
The fire-retardant treatments penetrate deep into the wood fibers and are designed to last for many years. However, we recommend reapplication every 5-7 years to maintain optimal fire resistance, especially in areas prone to wildfires or where local codes require it.
Many insurance companies now accept fire-treated cedar roofing without premium increases, though you should verify with your specific insurer. The combination of proper treatment and installation makes modern cedar roofing as safe as most other roofing materials.
Cedar roofs in Suffolk County need cleaning and treatment every 3-5 years to prevent moss, algae, and mildew growth that our humid climate can encourage. This involves gentle pressure washing and application of cedar preservatives and fungicides.
Annual inspections are important to catch any loose or damaged shakes before they allow water penetration. We typically find that replacing 5-10 individual shakes per year is normal maintenance that prevents larger problems.
Keeping gutters clean and ensuring proper attic ventilation are crucial for cedar roof longevity. Poor ventilation can trap moisture and lead to premature deterioration, while clogged gutters can cause water backup that affects the lower courses of shakes.
Cedar roof installation in North Haven typically ranges from $12-18 per square foot installed, depending on the grade of cedar, complexity of your roofline, and current roof removal requirements. A typical 2,000 square foot home runs $24,000-36,000 for complete replacement.
Hand-split cedar shakes cost more than tapersawn shingles, and premium grades with fewer knots and defects command higher prices. However, the longevity of cedar often makes it cost-competitive with premium asphalt when you factor in the 50-year lifespan.
We provide detailed estimates that break down material costs, labor, permits, and any structural work needed. Most homeowners find that financing options make cedar roofing affordable while adding significant value to their North Haven property.
Cedar offers unique advantages for Long Island’s climate that synthetic materials can’t match. The natural wood fibers expand and contract gradually with temperature changes, reducing the thermal stress that can crack other materials during our extreme seasonal variations.
Cedar’s natural oils provide inherent resistance to insects and decay, while the wood’s cellular structure offers superior insulation compared to asphalt or metal roofing. This translates to lower energy costs year-round and better comfort during both summer heat waves and winter cold snaps.
From an investment perspective, cedar roofing typically adds more to your home’s resale value than the installation cost, especially in North Haven’s upscale market where natural materials and craftsmanship are highly valued by buyers.
Other Services we provide in North Haven
Ready to improve your home with SkyLuxe Construction? Give us a call or fill out a FREE online quote form – take your first step towards a beautifully transformed home.