Cedar Shake Roofing

Across Connecticut — especially along the scenic shoreline — cedar shake roofing has long been a top choice for homeowners seeking a perfect blend of rustic charm, performance, and historic character. Whether you're preserving a coastal colonial or upgrading your high-end residence, cedar shake roofs offer unmatched natural beauty and lasting durability built for New England weather.

At A1 Home Improvement, we specialize in cedar shake roof installation, repair, and replacement throughout Connecticut, with deep experience in shoreline towns like Old Saybrook, Guilford, Madison, Branford, and Mystic.

Cedar shakes are natural wooden shingles made from Western Red Cedar or Eastern White Cedar, known for their strength, insulation, and weather resistance. Unlike traditional shingles, cedar shakes are often hand-split, giving them a thicker, more textured appearance that weathers beautifully with age — a style that fits especially well with Connecticut's historic coastal homes and wooded countryside properties.

Cedar Shakes vs. Cedar Shingles:

• Shakes: Hand-split, rustic, thicker
  
• Shingles: Machine-cut, thinner, more uniform
  
  

Cedar’s natural look blends perfectly with Connecticut’s classic architecture, especially near the water where coastal homeowners often choose cedar for its salt-air resilience and timeless New England character.

✅ Naturally Insulating
Cedar helps regulate temperature in all seasons — keeping shoreline homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

✅ Built for New England Weather
Cedar is naturally resistant to snow, wind, salt air, and UV damage — perfect for the harsh and variable conditions across Connecticut.

✅ Long-Lasting Performance
With proper maintenance, cedar shake roofs typically last 30 to 50 years, even in coastal climates.

✅ Elevated Curb Appeal
Ideal for colonials, farmhouses, coastal cottages, and estates, cedar shake roofs offer warm tones and rich textures that stand out.

✅ Eco-Friendly Roofing
Cedar is biodegradable and sustainably harvested — an attractive option for environmentally conscious Connecticut homeowners.

✅ Lightweight Structure
Cedar puts less stress on your roof framing than heavier materials like tile or slate, making it suitable for older historic homes.

Installing cedar shake roofs requires specialized craftsmanship — and our team has completed dozens of cedar projects across Connecticut, especially in shoreline communities where coastal wind and moisture require attention to every detail.

Our process includes:

• Correct underlayment and breathable moisture barriers
  
• Precision fitting and layered installation techniques
  
• Use of stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion near the coast
  
• Clean flashing work for valleys, dormers, and transitions
  
  

We understand the importance of both performance and appearance, especially on historic or custom homes where every detail matters.

Connecticut's weather — from salty sea breezes to freeze-thaw cycles — can be tough on wood, so maintenance matters. Cedar roofing holds up well, but proactive care is key:

• Annual roof inspections, especially before/after winter
  
• Gentle roof cleaning to remove debris, moss, or algae
  
• Cedar treatments to resist UV rays, fire, and fungus
  
• Minor shake replacements to address early signs of wear

We offer ongoing cedar roof maintenance services throughout Connecticut, especially in older shoreline towns where preservation is a priority.

Over time, even well-cared-for cedar roofs may show signs of aging. If you're seeing cracked shakes, heavy moss buildup, or noticeable curling, it may be time to consider replacement.

We can help:

• Replace your existing cedar with premium-grade new shakes
  
• Upgrade to modern flashing, insulation, and breathable underlayment
  
• Review synthetic cedar shake alternatives for low-maintenance options
  
• Deliver a custom plan tailored to your home’s size, age, and climate exposure
  
  

We regularly complete cedar roof replacements in coastal Connecticut, where moisture control and wind resilience are especially critical.

We're proud to be one of Connecticut’s trusted names in cedar shake roofing.

🏡 Local Expertise:

Serving homes from Stonington to Westport, we understand the unique needs of shoreline and inland homes alike

🪵 Premium Materials:

We source only top-grade Western Red and Eastern White Cedar


🔨 Craftsmanship:

Our team is trained, certified, and experienced in cedar-specific installation methods

🛡️ Warranty & Satisfaction:

We stand by our work and prioritize clear communication from quote to cleanup

We take pride in delivering durable, beautiful cedar roofs that reflect Connecticut's character and withstand its climate.

Cedar roofing is a premium investment — but one that adds beauty and value. In Connecticut, most cedar shake installations range between $12–$20 per square foot, depending on:

• Home size and roof pitch
  
• Cedar type and thickness (hand-split vs. taper-sawn)
  
• Labor requirements (accessibility, flashing complexity)
  
• Disposal of old roofing
  
• Coastal zone requirements (ventilation, fasteners, underlayment)
  
  

We offer transparent estimates and financing options to make your project easy to plan and budget.

If you love the look of cedar but want lower maintenance, we also offer:

• Synthetic Cedar Shake – Durable and low-maintenance with authentic appearance
  
• Architectural Asphalt Shingles – Affordable and versatile
  
• Metal Roofing – Excellent longevity, modern style, and wind resistance
  
  

We’ll help you compare options based on cost, climate, and aesthetics — especially for coastal CT homes where salt and humidity are factors.

If you’re ready to install or replace a cedar shake roof in Connecticut, we’d love to help. Whether you live inland or along the shoreline, we’ll assess your home, walk you through your options, and provide a free, no-pressure quote.