Best Cedar Shakes for Roofing: Durable, Natural Looks and Easy Maintenance
The following article highlights top cedar-shake options and related products commonly used in cedar roofing projects. It combines actual cedar shake styles with protective coatings and compatible accessories to help homeowners compare choices and plan installations. All selections emphasize durability, weather resistance, and realistic aesthetics for American roofing applications.
| Product | Brand | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Impressions Double 9in. Staggered Rough Split Shakes (1/2 Square) Mountain Cedar | CertainTeed | Pre-finished cedar shake panels for authentic appearance and quick installation |
| Cedar Impressions Double 9in. Staggered Rough Split Shakes (1/2 Square) Flagstone | CertainTeed | Pre-finished cedar shake panels with natural color option for various styles |
| Rust-Oleum 314061 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Cedar | Rust-Oleum | Protective cedar-tone spray coating for accessories and surfaces around the roof |
| Rust-Oleum 314061-6PK Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Cedar | Rust-Oleum | Bulk cedar coating spray for multiple roofing accessory applications |
| Roofing Granules 50 Pound Bucket (Cedar Summer sage Shakewood) | Generic | Granules used for shingle and shake repair or aesthetic touchups |
Cedar Impressions Mountain Cedar Shakes
CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions Mountain Cedar shakes simulate real cedar shakes with a staggered 9-inch profile. The design features a patented PanelThermometer for precise installation and True Texture finish technology that delivers distinctive shadow lines and shingle definition. Built to withstand hurricane-force winds, these panels reduce maintenance needs and speed up installation, aided by quick-reference nail mark indicators for correct panel nailing without extra measuring.
Cedar Impressions Flagstone Shakes
Flagstone Cedar Impressions shakes provide the same panel construction and finish technologies as Mountain Cedar but in a different color option. The panels feature Distinctive shadow lines and shingle definition that mimic traditional cedar textures. They are designed and tested to withstand hurricane-level winds, offering low-maintenance performance for long-term roofing projects. Quick nail-mark indicators help installers nail accurately without lengthy measurements.
Rust-Oleum Cedar Roofing Accessory Coat
Rust-Oleum’s 314061 Cedar coating is designed for exterior use on wood, metal, masonry, and plastic surfaces that support roof accessory installations. Its Stops Rust oil-based formula resists chipping and weathering, delivering superior coverage and a natural cedar appearance. The spray dries to the touch in about 20 minutes and covers up to 12 square feet, enabling efficient quick-touch projects around the roof area.
Rust-Oleum Cedar Coating Pack (6-Pack)
This six-pack of Cedar coating spray provides bulk coverage for multiple roof accessories or larger projects. The coating offers the same exterior-use benefits as the single can version, with quick drying and broad coverage to match cedar-themed roofwork across diverse areas and components.
Roofing Granules 50 Lb Cedar/Summer Sage/Shakewood
These 50-pound buckets contain cedar, summer sage, and shakewood granules intended for shingle or shake repair, refinishing, or aesthetic touchups. They can help restore color consistency in cedar roofing projects and provide a protective layer that helps shield underlying materials from weathering and UV exposure.
Simpson Strong-Tie Shake And Shingle Nails
These 2-1/2 inch, 13-gauge stainless steel nails are designed for shake and shingle roofing applications. They feature a slender shank to minimize wood splitting and a checker pattern on the heads to blend with the wood grain. The S8SN71 nails provide reliable fastening for cedar shake installations, supporting long-term roof performance and weather resistance.
Buying Guide: Cedar Shakes And Related Roofing Accessories
- Material authenticity and color options: Real cedar shakes offer natural appearance; pre-finished panels, like CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions, provide controlled aesthetics and faster installation with consistent color and texture.
- Durability and wind resistance: Look for products designed to withstand high-wind events and harsh weather. Panel systems may include engineering to resist uplift and provide long-term performance.
- Installation aids: Quick Reference nail indicators and precise panel thermometers reduce on-site measurement time and improve accuracy during nailing and alignment.
- Maintenance and coatings: Protective coatings in cedar tones help resist weathering, maintain color, and protect surrounding roof components. Consider coatings that dry quickly and provide broad surface coverage.
- Repair and touch-up options: Granules and touch-up coatings can help restore appearance after weathering, while compatible fasteners ensure secure installation with minimal damage to cedar materials.
- Compatibility with roof components: Ensure coatings and granules align with the chosen shakes, nails, and underlayment. Matching cedar tones with the overall roof design provides cohesive curb appeal.
- Cost and project scope: For larger projects, bulk packaging and multi-pack coatings can lower per-unit costs. Balance upfront material investments with long-term durability and maintenance needs.
- Environmental considerations: Some coatings and granules are formulated to minimize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and to extend the life of cedar materials in outdoor environments.
- Application environment: Consider climate, sun exposure, and humidity. Cedar shakes and coatings behave differently under varying conditions; choose products appropriate for your local weather patterns.