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Roof Types / Wood Shake

Wood Shake

Natural beauty meets modern alternatives — transitioning Bay Area homes from cedar to composite shake.

20-40
year lifespan

Wood shake roofs are a Bay Area tradition, particularly in the wooded hillside communities of Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Gatos, and the Oakland and Berkeley Hills. The natural warmth and rustic elegance of cedar shake has defined these neighborhoods for decades. However, California's evolving fire codes and insurance requirements are driving a significant shift — most homeowners replacing wood shake today are choosing composite alternatives that capture the look of natural cedar with dramatically better fire resistance and longevity.

If you currently have a wood shake roof in good condition, we can maintain and repair it to maximize its remaining lifespan. Cedar shake typically lasts 20-30 years in the Bay Area, though some premium installations reach 40 years with diligent maintenance including regular cleaning, moss treatment, and replacement of split or curled shakes. We understand the unique maintenance needs of wood roofing and can develop a care plan that protects your investment.

For homeowners ready to replace their wood shake, we specialize in composite shake products from DaVinci and Brava that are virtually indistinguishable from natural cedar. These engineered alternatives offer Class A fire ratings, 50-year warranties, zero maintenance, and they satisfy both fire codes and insurance companies. The transition is seamless — your home keeps its character while gaining fire safety and eliminating ongoing maintenance costs.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Unmatched natural beauty and rustic character
  • Excellent insulation properties
  • Composite alternatives offer 50-year warranties
  • Composite shake is Class A fire rated
  • Natural cedar is environmentally renewable
  • Premium curb appeal in wooded communities

Considerations

  • Natural cedar is a fire risk — restricted in many areas
  • Cedar requires regular maintenance (cleaning, treatment)
  • Insurance increasingly difficult for natural wood roofs
  • Cedar lifespan shorter than tile or metal (20-30 years)
  • Moss and algae growth in shaded, damp areas
  • Composite alternatives have higher upfront cost

Best For

Woodside, Portola Valley, and hillside homesRustic and craftsman-style architectureHomeowners transitioning from cedar to compositeProperties in wooded settings seeking natural aestheticsHomes where neighborhood character is a priorityFire-zone homeowners wanting shake appearance with Class A rating

Bay Area Considerations

Most common in Woodside, Portola Valley, Los Gatos, and the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. The vast majority of homeowners we work with are transitioning from natural cedar to composite shake (DaVinci or Brava) — keeping the look they love while meeting fire codes and eliminating maintenance. Insurance companies are increasingly refusing to cover natural wood shake roofs in fire-risk areas, making composite the practical choice.

Brands We Install

DaVinci RoofscapesBrava Roof TileCeDUR RoofingReal cedar (maintenance projects only)

Related Services

Roof Replacement Roof Repair Roof Inspections

Popular In

Woodside Portola Valley Los Gatos Los Altos Hills Oakland Berkeley

Wood Shake FAQ

Should I replace my cedar shake with composite?
In most cases, yes. Composite shake from DaVinci or Brava looks virtually identical to natural cedar but offers a Class A fire rating, 50-year warranty, and zero maintenance. With insurance companies increasingly refusing natural wood shake coverage in fire zones, composite is the practical and often required choice.
How much does it cost to switch from cedar to composite shake?
A composite shake replacement typically costs $15,000-$25,000 for a standard Bay Area home. While the material cost is higher than cedar, you eliminate all future maintenance costs (cleaning, treating, replacing individual shakes) and gain a 50-year warranty versus 20-30 years for cedar.
Can I keep my natural cedar shake roof?
If your cedar shake is in good condition and your area does not have fire-code restrictions, yes. We offer maintenance programs including cleaning, moss treatment, and individual shake replacement to maximize lifespan. However, check with your insurance company — many are dropping coverage for natural wood roofs in fire-risk areas.
Will composite shake look the same as my current cedar?
Modern composite shake is remarkably realistic. DaVinci and Brava products replicate the grain, texture, and color variation of natural cedar. From the street, even experienced roofers have difficulty telling the difference. We can bring samples to your home for a side-by-side comparison.

Considering Wood Shake?

Get a free inspection and estimate. We will help you decide if wood shake is the right choice for your home.

Request Free Inspection Call (555) 123-4567