Denver Cedar Shake Specialists
Cedar Shake Roofing in Denver, CO
We've installed and restored cedar shake roofs across Denver since 2013. GAF Master Elite certified, Colorado License #RC-38294 — 4.9 stars across 340+ verified reviews.
What You Get
Every Cedar Shake Installation Includes Our Full Care Package
We don't cut corners on cedar shake roofing. From tear-off to final seal, our crew handles every detail so your roof lasts decades. Here's what we deliver with every job.
- Complete tear-off & disposal — We strip all old layers down to the deck, haul everything away, and sweep your property clean. No hidden cleanup fees.
- High-grade synthetic underlayment — We install GAF Deck-Armor or Malarkey WeatherGuard underlayment for superior moisture protection behind your cedar shakes.
- Copper or galvanized flashing — Every valley, chimney, and pipe boot gets new, custom-bent flashing. We use copper in historic neighborhoods like Wash Park and Congress Park; galvanized in newer builds.
- Premium cedar shakes — We source #1 grade, 24-inch hand-split shakes from certified sustainable mills. Your shakes are pre-stained and oiled to resist Colorado's UV and moisture swings.
- Open or closed valley application — We match the valley style to your home's architecture. Closed valleys with woven shakes for a traditional look; open valleys with metal flashing for faster water drainage.
- Ridge vent & hip/ridge installation — We install Cobra Ridge Runner (GAF) or VentSure ridge vents to keep your attic dry and properly ventilated, extending shake life.
- 25-year transferable workmanship warranty — Our warranty covers labor and installation for a full 25 years — it adds real resale value and peace of mind.
- Final inspection & punch list — We walk the job with you, check every nail line and seal, and fix any cosmetic or functional concerns on the spot.
- Post-job property cleanup — We run magnets over your yard to pick up stray nails, blow off your driveway, and leave your property cleaner than we found it.
Our Cedar Shake Process
From First Call to a Sealed Cedar Roof – Here’s How We Do It
We’ve installed cedar shake roofs across Denver since 2013. Our 6-step process ensures every shake is seated right, every flashing sealed, and your home protected through Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles. No shortcuts.
Step 1: Same-Day Inspection & Estimate
Within hours of your call, our crew arrives at your Denver home. We climb onto the roof and inspect every cedar shake, checking for hail impact cracks, rot, and missing flashing. You receive a detailed written estimate and a clear timeline — no pressure, no hidden fees.
Step 2: Material Selection & Ordering
We walk you through cedar shake options: hand-split vs. resawn, grade A vs. B, and fire-retardant treatments if your neighborhood requires it. We source from local suppliers who stock Western Red Cedar. Once you choose, we order everything and schedule the crew.
Step 3: Site Preparation & Permits
Our team covers your landscaping, sets up tarps, and obtains any necessary permits from Denver’s building department. We also notify your homeowner’s association if needed. This ensures a clean, compliant job site.
Step 4: Professional Installation
We strip old roofing, inspect the deck, and install new underlayment. Then we lay each cedar shake with precision — staggered joints, proper nail placement, and a 3-ply pattern that sheds water. Our GAF Master Elite certification means we meet the highest manufacturer standards.
Step 5: Thorough Cleanup & Debris Removal
We magnet-sweep the entire property for nails, remove all old roofing materials, and leave your yard spotless. No leftover shakes, no hidden hazards.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough & Warranty Registration
We walk every ridge with you, show you the flashings, and explain your 25-year transferable workmanship warranty. We also register your manufacturer warranty with GAF or the brand you chose. You get a binder with all documentation.
DIY vs. The Competition
Why Denver Roofing Team Beats DIY and Discount Crews
Cedar shake is unforgiving — one wrong cut, missed flashing, or cheap underlayment and you're facing rot in two winters. Here's how the options stack up.
| Factor | DIY | Discount Crew | Denver Roofing Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | None | Often unlicensed | Colorado #RC-38294 |
| Insurance | None — you're liable | Minimal or lapsed | $2M liability + workers' comp |
| Cedar experience | YouTube tutorials | Occasional installs | 13 years, 200+ cedar shake roofs |
| Materials | Big-box grade | Unknown sourcing | GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed |
| Underlayment | Standard felt | May skip or thin out | Proper breathable membrane — cedar requires it |
| Warranty | None | 1–2 years if any | Transferable 25-year workmanship |
| Insurance claims | You negotiate alone | Limited help | 1,400+ claims handled since 2013 |
| Inspection | Self-assessed | Varies | Same-day storm season response, 7 days/week |
| BBB / Reviews | N/A | Few or mixed | A+ BBB · 4.9 stars / 340+ Google reviews |
| GAF Certification | No | No | Master Elite — top 2% in Colorado |
Recent Project
Cedar Shake Replacement in Park Hill — 2024
A Park Hill homeowner called us after two winters of ice-dam leaks. Here's exactly what we found, what we installed, and how the job finished.
The situation: A 1948 bungalow on Clermont Street had original cedar shakes — beautiful, but the wood had gone brittle after years of Denver freeze-thaw cycles. Several courses had cracked through, and ice dams were pushing meltwater under the deck every February.
What we found: Our inspector documented 34 split shakes, failed step flashing along the dormer, and a ridge cap that had lifted in a 2023 hailstorm. The homeowner had patched it twice with a handyman — neither patch lasted a full season.
What we installed: We stripped to bare deck, replaced 6 sheets of damaged OSB, and installed a full cedar shake system using Boral fire-treated #1 Blue Label shakes over a synthetic underlayment rated for Colorado's climate. All flashings were replaced with 26-gauge copper at the dormers and valleys.
License on file: Colorado #RC-38294. Fully insured — $2M liability + workers' comp.
Outcome: Job completed in 3 days. The homeowner filed a partial insurance claim for hail damage; we handled all adjuster documentation. Two winters in — zero leaks, no callbacks. Transferable 25-year workmanship warranty recorded with the property.
FAQs
Common Questions About Cedar Shake Roofing in Denver
Our crew has installed cedar shake roofs across Denver neighborhoods—from Washington Park to Highland. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
How much does a cedar shake roof cost in Denver?
Costs vary by roof size, slope, and grade of cedar. We typically quote $8–$14 per square foot for materials and labor on a standard home in Congress Park or Sloan’s Lake. That includes removal of old roofing, underlayment, and Class A fire-rated shakes. Call (720) 784-0657 for a no-obligation estimate specific to your property.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
With proper ventilation and annual inspections, a cedar shake roof can last 25–30 years in Denver’s dry climate. We’ve maintained roofs in Cherry Creek that are still watertight after 20 years. Our crew uses pressure-treated shakes from GAF and Malarkey to resist rot and moisture.
Does cedar shake hold up well in Denver's hail and snow?
Cedar shakes are naturally impact-resistant, but severe hailstorms—like the 2017 Denver hail event—can crack them. We install with a high-performance underlayment and recommend Class 4 impact-rated shakes for neighborhoods like Hilltop that see frequent storms. After any hailstorm, we offer same-day inspections to check for damage.
What maintenance does a cedar shake roof need?
We recommend an annual inspection and cleaning of debris from valleys and gutters. Every 3–5 years, we apply a wood preservative to prevent moss and UV fading. For homes in Washington Park near mature trees, we suggest bi-annual cleanings to avoid moisture buildup. Our maintenance package includes a full report and photo documentation.
How long does installation take?
A typical 2,500-square-foot cedar shake roof takes 5–7 days, weather permitting. We work 7 days a week during storm season to minimize disruption. For a home in Platt Park, we completed a full tear-off and installation in 5 days, including dry-in and ridge vent installation.
Do you offer a warranty on cedar shake installations?
Yes—our workmanship is backed by a transferable 25-year warranty, which adds real resale value. Manufacturer warranties (GAF, Malarkey, Owens Corning) also apply to the shakes themselves. We’re Colorado licensed (#RC-38294) and fully insured with $2M liability, so your investment is protected.
Ready to Replace Your Cedar Shake Roof?
We've handled cedar shake roofs across Denver since 2013 — from Capitol Hill bungalows to Wash Park Victorians. Colorado License #RC-38294. Call (720) 784-0657 or request a free assessment today.
GAF Master Elite certified. 4.9 stars / 340+ Google reviews. 25-year transferable workmanship warranty.