Wood & Cedar Shake Roofing Utah | Best Roofing Utah

For homeowners seeking a roof with unparalleled natural beauty and rustic charm, a wood roof is a timeless and classic choice. The rich, warm aesthetic of cedar shakes and shingles creates a stunning, organic look that blends seamlessly with Utah’s beautiful mountain landscapes. At Best Roofing Utah, we are craftsmen and certified cedar roofing contractors specializing in the installation, repair, and preservation of wood roofing systems.

A wood roof is a statement of natural elegance. We have the expertise to deliver a system that is not only beautiful from day one but is also installed with meticulous care to maximize its longevity and performance against the elements.

Understanding the Difference: Shakes vs. Shingles

While both are typically made from high-quality Western Red Cedar, there is a key difference in their manufacturing and appearance that defines their character:

• Wood Shakes (Hand-Split): Shakes are hand-split from a log and have a more rough-hewn, rustic appearance. Their varied thickness and naturally uneven surfaces create deep, dramatic shadow lines and a rugged, authentic character. They are the thicker and more durable of the two, often used for high-end mountain homes.
• Wood Shingles (Tapersawn): Shingles are sawn on both sides to be uniform in thickness and shape. This process creates a more smooth, tailored, and refined look on the roof, with clean lines and a consistent profile.

Why Choose a Wood Roof for Your Utah Home?

A wood roof offers a unique combination of benefits that make it a coveted choice for custom and high-end homes.

• Unmistakable Natural Beauty: The primary reason homeowners choose wood is its stunning curb appeal. The natural grain, color variations, and rich texture of cedar create a warm, inviting look that cannot be replicated by synthetic materials. Over time, it weathers to a beautiful silvery-gray patina, adding to its architectural character.
• Excellent Natural Insulation: Wood has a high natural R-value, meaning it’s a great insulator. A wood roof can help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, potentially reducing your energy bills.
• Durability & Dimensional Stability: When properly installed and maintained, a high-quality cedar shake roof can last 30 years or more. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insects. It is also dimensionally stable, meaning it holds its shape and stands up well to Utah’s high winds and freeze-thaw cycles.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: Cedar is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource, making it a sustainable choice for homeowners conscious of their environmental impact.

Our Specialized Wood Roofing Services

Wood roofing requires a specific expertise that differs greatly from other materials. Our Licensed & Insured crews are skilled wood roofing artisans.

• Wood Roof Installation: Proper installation is critical for a wood roof’s lifespan. We ensure the roof has the correct “breathing” room with proper ventilation, specialized underlayment, and interweaving felt between courses. This allows the wood to dry out evenly and prevents rot. We use only high-quality stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust and staining.
• Wood Roof Repair: We can handle all types of cedar roof repair, including replacing cracked, curled, or missing shakes and shingles. We are experts at locating the source of leaks and performing meticulous repairs that blend seamlessly with your existing roof.
• Wood Roof Maintenance & Treatment: This is the most critical service for any wood roof. Our professional wood roof preservation service includes:
  • Gentle Cleaning: Removing leaves, pine needles, and other debris that trap moisture.
  • Moss & Algae Treatment: Applying solutions to kill and prevent the growth of damaging moss and fungus.
  • Preservative Application: Applying specialized treatments to protect the wood from UV damage and moisture, replenishing its natural protective oils.

Fire Safety & Wood Roofing

A common concern for homeowners is fire safety. While untreated wood is flammable, modern wood roofing products are not the same as those from decades ago.

• Pressure-Treated Fire Retardants: We only install premium cedar shakes and shingles that have been pressure-treated with fire retardants at the factory. This process forces the retardant deep into the wood’s fibers, allowing the products to achieve a Class A, B, or C fire rating, ensuring your home’s safety and compliance with local building codes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Roofing

How long does a wood roof last in Utah?

With proper, consistent maintenance, a high-quality cedar shake roof can last 30 years or more. The lifespan is directly tied to the quality of the installation and the diligence of the maintenance plan.

Do wood roofs require more maintenance than other roof types?

Yes. To prevent moss, algae, and rot, and to protect against UV damage, a wood roof should be professionally cleaned and inspected regularly. Periodic treatments with preservatives and fungicides are necessary to protect the wood and ensure its longevity.

How does Utah’s dry climate affect a wood roof?

Utah’s dry air and intense sun can cause wood to lose its natural oils, making it brittle and prone to splitting or curling. This is why our maintenance service, which includes applying UV-blocking preservatives, is so critical to keeping the wood healthy and resilient.

Can you repair just a small section of my wood roof?

Yes. In many cases, we can perform targeted repairs to replace only the damaged or worn-out sections of your roof, carefully matching the new shakes or shingles to the color and style of your existing roof.

Preserve the Natural Beauty of Your Home

A wood roof is a beautiful and valuable feature that requires expert care. Trust the specialists at Best Roofing Utah to install, repair, and maintain it with the craftsmanship it deserves.

Contact us today at +1-(877)-540-6523 or visit us at bestroofingutah.net to schedule your Free Inspection & Estimate.

Proudly Serving Communities Across Utah​

Best Roofing Utah is headquartered in Salt Lake City and we are proud to provide expert roofing services to homes and businesses throughout the region. If you don’t see your town listed, give us a call! Our primary service areas include: