25 to 35 years. That’s what most homeowners can realistically expect from a cedar shake roof in Wisconsin, if they keep up with maintenance. Without it? You might get 15. Maybe less. Cedar is a premium roofing material, but it’s not bulletproof. It’s wood. It needs care to increase the average roof life.
What Impacts Cedar Shake Roof Lifespan?
Short version? The way it’s installed, the weather it faces, and how much you maintain it.
Here’s what cuts years off cedar fast:
- No ventilation: This is the big one. Cedar has to breathe. If your attic’s trapping heat and moisture, you’re rotting the roof from underneath.
- Neglected maintenance: I’ve seen 10-year-old cedar roofs fall apart because no one ever cleared moss, trimmed trees, or treated the wood.
- Low-quality shakes: Cheap, untreated, thin shakes don’t hold up. Add rusty nails or poor flashing, and it’s a recipe for early failure.
- Tree coverage: Shade might seem good, but it locks in moisture. That’s where rot and moss take hold. Fast.
- No preservative: You need to apply a proper wood treatment. Not just once, either. Every few years. Skipping this shortens life by a lot.
If you bought a house and it has a cedar roof, don’t assume it was done right. I’ve seen a lot of high-end homes where corners were cut on the install. Just because it looks good from the ground doesn’t mean it was done right underneath.
What Does “Maintenance” Actually Mean?
Let’s be clear. Maintenance isn’t just “clean your gutters.” You need to actively take care of the cedar, or it will fail early.
Here’s what real maintenance looks like:
- Clean it: Blow off leaves. Clear debris. Get rid of moss and algae with a proper wash (don’t pressure wash it, use a cedar-safe treatment).
- Trim trees: Keep branches back. They hold moisture, rub on the shakes, and drop junk that traps water.
- Inspect it: Look for curling, cracking, missing shakes, or visible gaps. Every couple of years minimum.
- Treat it: Apply a cedar wood preservative. Helps resist rot, UV damage, and moss. Do it every 3-5 years, depending on product and exposure.
- Check flashing: This is critical. Chimneys, valleys, dormers- if the metalwork isn’t done right or sealed tight, water’s getting in.
If you’re not going to do these things (or pay someone to), you probably shouldn’t install cedar. It’s not a low-maintenance roof.
What’s the Real Life Expectancy?
25 to 35 years if:
- It was installed correctly with good ventilation
- You maintain it consistently
- You use quality materials
15 to 20 years if:
- There’s no ventilation
- You rarely or never clean it
- The roof is shaded, damp, and untreated
- The shakes were low-grade or installed poorly
Some manufacturers and roofers claim “40+ years.” And yeah, maybe under perfect conditions, premium materials, steep pitch, good drainage, and regular maintenance. But that’s not what most people get, especially in Wisconsin, where we’ve got snow, ice dams, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles. So let’s just be honest.
Cedar Shake vs. Asphalt: Worth It?
Cedar costs more. A lot more. But it also insulates better, lasts longer than asphalt (if maintained), and gives your house a unique, premium look. That said, if you just want something to put on your roof and forget about, cedar isn’t it. Go with architectural shingles. They’ll last you 20-25 years with much less effort.
Cedar’s for people who are willing to put in the work, or hire a roofer who knows how to do it right and check in every so often.
Problems You’ll See When It’s Failing
If your cedar roof is getting up there in age, here’s what to watch for:
- Curling or cupping shakes
- Splitting, cracking, or thin, worn edges
- Moss and algae buildup
- Leaks in valleys or around chimneys
- Discoloration of the roof looks black; it’s holding moisture
Some of these you can spot from the ground. But a lot of it requires getting up close or even checking from the attic. If it’s been over 20 years since installation and you haven’t looked at it, now’s the time.
Wrapping Up
Cedar shake is a solid roof material, but only if you treat it like what it is, wood that lives outside. It’s not magic. It doesn’t take care of itself. With maintenance and a good install, you can get 25–35 years easily. Without it, you’ll be calling a roofer before you hit 20.
If you’re not sure how old your cedar roof is or what condition it’s in, don’t guess. A visual inspection and attic check could save you thousands later.
We do cedar inspections all the time, and we’ll give you a straight answer. Contact us or visit our office. Get directions.
FAQs
Q: What causes cedar shake roofs to wear out early?
A: Poor attic ventilation, moss buildup, neglecting maintenance, and installing cheap or untreated shakes. Tree coverage and trapped moisture also shorten roof life.
Q: Can I make my cedar shake roof last longer?
A: Yes. Keep it clean, trim back trees, apply wood preservatives every few years, and make sure the attic has proper airflow. Regular inspections help catch problems early.
Q: When should I check if my cedar roof needs replacing?
A: Look out for peeling or cracked shingles, leaks near flashing, soft wood, or rot. Moreover, a roof older than 25 years should be professionally inspected.
Q: Is cedar roofing worth it compared to shingles?
A: Cedar costs more but can last longer and insulate better, if maintained. Shingles are cheaper and lower-maintenance but usually last 15–25 years, depending on type and installation.
Nicholas
Owner, Northern Generations Roofing & Remodeling
