Cedar Shake Roofing in Duluth

Cedar is alive in a way shingles are not. It soaks up rain and swells. It dries in the sun and shrinks. Every storm, every hot afternoon, the whole roof shifts a little. Pack it tight and it heaves. Starve it of air and it stays damp, then cups, checks and decays early. So doing cedar right means building around that movement. Each shake gets a little breathing room at its sides. Rows are staggered so every seam is covered by the shake above. Between rows sits a breathable layer that sheds rain yet releases moisture. Under the whole roof, spaced boards or a vented mat give the back of each shake a way to dry. Stainless nails keep rust and dark streaks away. Being your advocate also means being honest about the commitment. Cedar costs more than shingles and needs debris kept off it, especially under trees. In return you get a roof that weathers from honey gold to soft gray and suits craftsman homes and wooded lots beautifully. Some Duluth homes are a natural match. New cedar, full cedar replacements and patching of damaged areas are all on offer, and we will tell you if an old cedar roof is past saving.