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You’re tired of replacing your roof every 15-20 years. You want something that can handle Long Island’s coastal storms, high winds, and temperature swings without constant repairs or energy bills that keep climbing.
Cedar roofing changes that equation completely. While your neighbors deal with another round of shingle replacements, you’re looking at a roof that weathers beautifully and gets stronger over time. The natural oils in western red cedar actually repel moisture, insects, and rot—meaning fewer emergency calls and more money staying in your pocket.
The insulation alone cuts your heating and cooling costs noticeably. Cedar’s cellular structure creates natural air pockets that keep your home comfortable year-round without overworking your HVAC system.
We’ve been installing premium cedar roofs across Suffolk County for years, and we understand exactly what Long Island weather throws at your home. From nor’easters to summer storms, we’ve seen how different roofing materials hold up—and why so many homeowners eventually choose cedar.
We’re not a franchise or a company that does everything. We focus specifically on exterior home improvement for residential properties in Suffolk County, which means we know the local building codes, permit requirements, and installation techniques that work best in this climate. Our team is licensed, insured, and we have the local references to prove our work stands up over time.
Our process starts with a thorough assessment of your current roof structure and a detailed explanation of your cedar options. You’ll see samples of different grades—from premium straight-grain heartwood to more budget-friendly options—and understand exactly what you’re getting for your investment.
Installation begins with proper preparation of the roof deck, including any necessary repairs and the installation of appropriate underlayment. Cedar installation requires specific techniques and spacing that most roofers don’t understand, but it’s critical for longevity. Each shingle or shake is individually placed with precise exposure measurements and proper ventilation gaps.
The final inspection covers everything from ridge caps to flashing details. You’ll get a walkthrough of the completed work and maintenance guidelines to help your cedar roof reach its full 50+ year lifespan.
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Suffolk County’s coastal environment demands roofing materials that can handle salt air, high humidity, and severe weather events. Western red cedar naturally resists these challenges better than any synthetic alternative, which is why it’s been the premium choice for over a century.
You can choose between cedar shingles for a smooth, uniform appearance or cedar shakes for a more rustic, traditional look. Both options come in different grades, with premium straight-grain heartwood offering the longest lifespan and best weather resistance. Fire-treated options are available where required by local codes.
Long Island’s building requirements and coastal conditions mean proper installation is non-negotiable. The wrong techniques or shortcuts lead to premature failure, which is why working with contractors who understand cedar-specific installation methods makes all the difference in your roof’s performance and longevity.
A properly installed cedar roof in Suffolk County typically lasts 50+ years, significantly longer than asphalt shingles that need replacement every 15-20 years. The key factors are using premium-grade cedar, proper installation techniques, and basic maintenance.
Long Island’s coastal environment is actually favorable for cedar because the natural moisture helps prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. The salt air that damages other materials doesn’t affect cedar’s natural preservatives. With periodic cleaning and minor maintenance, many cedar roofs in coastal areas last 60-80 years.
The grade of cedar matters significantly. Premium straight-grain heartwood (No. 1 grade) offers maximum longevity, while lower grades may last 30-40 years but still outperform synthetic alternatives.
Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides, creating a smooth, uniform appearance with consistent thickness. They’re ideal for homes where you want a clean, tailored look and are generally less expensive than shakes.
Cedar shakes are split by hand or machine, creating a more rustic, uneven texture with varying thickness. They’re thicker than shingles, which provides better insulation and wind resistance, but requires more skilled installation and costs more upfront.
Both options last equally long when properly installed, so the choice usually comes down to aesthetic preference and budget. Shingles work well on modern or traditional homes, while shakes are perfect for rustic, Cape Cod, or historic-style properties.
Cedar roofing is actually the most wind-resistant roofing material available. Cedar shingles can withstand winds up to 173 mph, while cedar shakes resist winds up to 245 mph—far exceeding what most Long Island storms produce.
The individual pieces flex with wind rather than breaking like rigid materials. Cedar’s natural oils repel water while allowing the wood to breathe, preventing the moisture buildup that leads to rot in other materials. Snow loads aren’t an issue because cedar is lightweight but incredibly strong.
Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles that crack other roofing materials don’t affect properly installed cedar. The wood expands and contracts naturally without compromising the roof’s integrity, which is why you see cedar roofs on century-old homes that are still performing perfectly.
Cedar roofs require minimal maintenance compared to other premium roofing materials. The main tasks are annual cleaning to remove debris and moss, and periodic inspection of gutters and flashing.
Every 3-5 years, you should have the roof professionally cleaned and inspected. This involves removing any moss or algae growth, checking for loose or damaged pieces, and ensuring proper drainage. Most issues are minor and easily addressed during these inspections.
Some homeowners choose to apply treatments or stains, but it’s not necessary for the roof’s performance. Cedar naturally weathers to an attractive silver-gray color that many homeowners prefer. If you want to maintain the original color, periodic staining every 5-10 years will do the job.
Modern cedar roofing can be treated with fire retardants to meet local fire codes, and many areas of Suffolk County require these treatments for new installations. Fire-treated cedar maintains all of cedar’s natural benefits while meeting safety requirements.
The fire treatment is applied during manufacturing and penetrates throughout the wood, not just the surface. This doesn’t affect the appearance, longevity, or other performance characteristics of the cedar—it simply adds an extra layer of safety.
Your contractor should be familiar with local fire code requirements and ensure your cedar roof meets all applicable standards. The fire treatment adds to the initial cost but provides peace of mind and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Cedar roofing costs more upfront than asphalt but significantly less than slate, tile, or metal roofing when you factor in longevity. Over a 50-year period, cedar often costs less per year than replacing asphalt shingles multiple times.
The installation cost varies based on the grade of cedar, roof complexity, and current material prices. Premium straight-grain cedar costs more initially but lasts longer and requires less maintenance than lower grades, making it often the better long-term value.
Energy savings from cedar’s natural insulation properties help offset the initial investment. Many homeowners see noticeable reductions in heating and cooling costs, and the increased property value typically exceeds the installation cost when it’s time to sell.
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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.
