Cedar Shake Roofing in Toms River, NJ
Western Red Cedar shake roofing has a natural affinity for coastal New England and Mid-Atlantic architecture. The weathered silver-gray patina that develops on cedar shake looks exactly right on the colonial, cape cod, and cottage-style homes that define much of Toms River's residential character. There's an organic authenticity to cedar shake that no manufactured product fully replicates — and for homeowners who want that aesthetic paired with genuine durability, cedar shake is worth serious consideration.
We specialize in cedar shake roofing throughout Ocean County, from new installations to ongoing maintenance for existing cedar roofs. Cedar shake demands a different level of care than asphalt shingles, and we bring the specific knowledge that makes the difference between a cedar roof that performs beautifully for 30 years and one that deteriorates in 15.
Why Cedar Shake for Ocean County Homes
The Coastal Architecture Connection
Toms River and the broader Ocean County area have a rich architectural tradition that includes extensive use of cedar shake. The historic homes in Seaside Park, Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach, and throughout Toms River Township have cedar shake in their DNA. When a cedar roof is eventually replaced, maintaining that material continuity is meaningful — both aesthetically and in terms of historical character.
The Natural Performance Characteristics of Cedar
Western Red Cedar has properties that make it specifically suitable for roofing:
Natural Oils: Cedar contains natural oils (primarily thujaplicins) that provide inherent resistance to rot, insects, and fungal decay. These oils give fresh cedar its distinctive fragrance. Over time the oils dissipate, which is why older cedar without maintenance begins to lose its biological resistance — but well-maintained cedar retains meaningful protection throughout its service life.
Dimensional Stability: Cedar is more dimensionally stable than most wood species — it expands and contracts with moisture cycles without the extreme movement that causes splits and checks in other species. This stability is critical for a roofing material that cycles through wet and dry conditions constantly.
Thermal Performance: Cedar has natural insulating properties that provide modest thermal benefit compared to mineral or metal roofing products. This is a secondary factor but contributes to the overall performance of the roof assembly.
Aesthetics: The silver-gray weathered patina of aged cedar is one of the most sought-after natural weathering effects in residential architecture. It can't be manufactured — it develops through actual exposure, which is part of its appeal.
Cedar Shake Products and Grades
Hand-Split and Resawn Shakes (Heavy Shakes)
The highest-quality cedar shake product. The back face is sawn and the front face is hand-split, creating the dramatic surface texture that defines classic cedar shake. Available in 18-inch and 24-inch lengths. The 24-inch heavy shake creates the most dramatic shadow lines and maximum dimensional depth.
Machine-Split Shakes
Both faces produced by machine splitting. More uniform than hand-split, with somewhat less surface variation. A cost-effective middle ground between hand-split texture and the more refined appearance of sawn shingles.
Tapersawn Shakes
Produced by making a series of taper-sawn cuts, creating a product that resembles traditional shakes but with a more consistent, refinished appearance. Preferred in applications where the dimensional variation of hand-split shake might look out of place.
Grade Standards
Cedar shake is graded by the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB). We install only #1 Grade Blue Label (the premium grade) for residential roofing in Ocean County — it must be 100% heartwood, 100% edge grain, and 100% clear. Lower-grade products contain flat grain and sapwood that compromise both durability and appearance.
Cedar Shake Installation in Ocean County
The Ventilation Imperative
This cannot be overstated: proper ventilation is the single most important installation requirement for cedar shake longevity in Ocean County's humid coastal climate. Cedar must be able to dry after getting wet. An installation that traps moisture beneath the shake creates conditions for rapid rot and biological colonization.
Historically, cedar shake was installed over skip sheathing — boards spaced to allow air circulation through the substrate. Contemporary installations often use a ventilating cedar breather mat (a product like Cedar Breather) between the deck and the shake that creates an air gap promoting drying. Both approaches are valid; the right choice depends on the specific application and substrate.
Underlayment
Traditional cedar shake installations use 18-inch strips of 30# felt interleaved between shake courses (not applied as a continuous layer). Modern installations often use a breathable synthetic underlayment that provides better moisture management while maintaining the ventilating properties cedar requires. We do not use standard felt paper applied as a continuous layer on cedar shake — it impedes the drying cycle that the material needs.
Interlayment Technique
Each course of shake is laid with a 18-inch-wide felt or breathable synthetic interlayment strip positioned at the midpoint of the exposure — so the bottom edge of the interlayment falls at the butt line of the next course. This interlayment provides secondary weather protection at every course without blocking the substrate ventilation.
Proper Exposure for Slope and Grade
On roof pitches of 5:12 or greater with 18-inch heavy shakes, the standard exposure is 7.5 inches. On lower pitches (4:12–5:12), exposure must be reduced to ensure adequate overlap. We calculate exposure for each installation based on actual pitch and shake length.
Copper and Stainless Fasteners
We've mentioned this for other materials, but it bears emphasis for cedar in coastal environments: copper or stainless steel nails are mandatory for Ocean County cedar shake installations. Galvanized nails in contact with cedar's natural tannins corrode significantly faster than they would in other environments, often failing within 10 years. We use stainless steel ring-shank nails — the ring-shank profile improves holding power in the split grain of shake compared to smooth-shank.
Cedar Shake Maintenance in Ocean County
Cedar shake requires more active maintenance than asphalt shingles. This is not a reason to avoid it — but it's a factor that homeowners need to commit to. Here's what proper cedar shake maintenance looks like in the Toms River area:
Annual Debris Clearing
Leaves, pine needles, and organic debris accumulate on cedar roofs, particularly in valleys and along ridges. This debris retains moisture against the cedar surface and is the primary accelerant of biological growth and rot. Annual clearing is essential — it's simple and inexpensive, and skipping it compounds rapidly into shingle replacement.
Moss and Algae Prevention and Treatment
North-facing slopes with shade canopy are particularly susceptible. An annual preventive treatment application of a zinc- or copper-based biocide inhibits moss and algae establishment. Once moss establishes, gentle removal and treatment is required — we never pressure wash cedar shake or use high-concentration bleach solutions that bleach the cedar gray prematurely and damage the surface.
Preservative Treatment
Every 3–5 years, a cedar preservative treatment (penetrating oil formulation, not a surface paint or coating) extends the service life of the cedar oils and provides additional biological resistance. This is most impactful in the first half of the installation's life when the cedar oils are still present and the preservative can augment them.
Ridge and Hip Inspection
Ridge and hip shake is the most exposed element and the first to show deterioration. Annual inspection catches failing ridge shake before it becomes a leak point.
Cedar Shake Costs in Toms River
- #1 Grade cedar shake installation (full roof, 1,500 sq ft): $18,000–$30,000
- Fire-retardant treated cedar shake: 10–20% premium
- Individual shake replacement (spot repairs): $350–$800
- Ridge replacement (full ridge): $700–$1,600
- Annual maintenance treatment: $350–$600
- Cedar preservative application: $400–$900
Making the Decision: Cedar vs. Asphalt for Your Toms River Home
Cedar is not for everyone, and we'll say that honestly. The higher upfront cost, the maintenance commitment, and the nuanced installation requirements mean cedar is the right choice for homeowners who:
- Want the authentic coastal aesthetic that cedar delivers
- Are committed to the annual maintenance routine
- Plan to stay in the home long enough to realize the value difference
- Have a home where cedar's appearance is architecturally appropriate
For homeowners who want low-maintenance and cost-efficiency, quality architectural asphalt shingles deliver excellent performance and are the right choice. We'll give you an honest recommendation based on your situation.
Schedule Your Cedar Shake Roofing Estimate
Whether you're replacing an existing cedar roof or installing cedar for the first time, we bring the specific expertise this material demands. Serving all of Toms River and Ocean County.