Cedar shake and shingle roofing by Bullarco

Premium CedarNatural Beauty

Timeless elegance meets natural performance. Cedar roofing offers unmatched beauty, excellent insulation, and the distinctive character that only genuine wood can provide.

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Natural Beauty • Superior Insulation • Renewable Resource

Cedar Roofing Excellence

Discover the natural advantages of cedar roofing. From superior insulation to timeless beauty, cedar delivers performance that only nature can provide.

Cedar Shakes

Hand-Split Rustic Character

Traditional hand-split cedar shakes offer the most authentic rustic appearance with natural texture variations.

Key Features

  • Hand-split for natural texture
  • Irregular edges and surfaces
  • Maximum rustic character
  • Superior weather shedding
  • Thick butt ends
  • Natural ventilation

Benefits

  • Authentic historic appearance
  • Superior insulation properties
  • Natural water resistance
  • Ages beautifully over time
Thickness
1/2" to 3/4"
Coverage
25 sq ft per square
Grades
3 Available
Get Cedar Shakes Quote

Cedar Shingles

Sawn Precision Profile

Machine-cut cedar shingles provide clean lines and uniform appearance while maintaining natural cedar benefits.

Key Features

  • Machine-sawn uniformity
  • Smooth, even surfaces
  • Consistent thickness
  • Clean architectural lines
  • Precise edge alignment
  • Streamlined installation

Benefits

  • Contemporary cedar look
  • Faster installation time
  • Consistent weather protection
  • Architectural versatility
Thickness
3/8" to 1/2"
Coverage
25 sq ft per square
Grades
4 Available
Get Cedar Shingles Quote

Natural Insulation

Cedar provides excellent thermal properties, keeping homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

  • Superior R-value per inch
  • Natural air pockets
  • Energy efficiency benefits
  • Reduced heating/cooling costs

Weather Resistance

Natural oils and resins in cedar provide inherent resistance to moisture, insects, and decay.

  • Natural preservatives
  • Moisture resistant
  • Insect deterrent properties
  • Decay resistant heartwood

Authentic Beauty

Each cedar piece is unique, offering natural color variation and grain patterns that cant be replicated.

  • Unique grain patterns
  • Natural color variation
  • Ages to silver-gray patina
  • Architectural character

Renewable Resource

Cedar is a sustainable, renewable building material that stores carbon throughout its lifespan.

  • Sustainably harvested
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Biodegradable at end of life
  • Low environmental impact

Dimensional Stability

Cedar maintains its shape and size better than most wood species, reducing splitting and warping.

  • Low shrinkage rate
  • Minimal warping
  • Excellent stability
  • Long-lasting performance

Sound Dampening

Cedar naturally absorbs sound, providing a quieter indoor environment during rain and storms.

  • Natural sound absorption
  • Reduced noise transmission
  • Quieter in storms
  • Enhanced comfort

Cedar Specifications

SpeciesWestern Red Cedar
Fire RatingClass B (with treatment)
Life Expectancy30-50+ Years
R-Value1.25 per inch
Moisture Content15-19%
InstallationPneumatic or Hand Nail
MaintenancePeriodic Inspection
WarrantyMaterial Dependent

Cedar Care Tips

  • Allow natural weathering to silver-gray patina
  • Inspect and clear debris from valleys annually
  • Trim overhanging branches to prevent moss
  • Consider staining to maintain original color
  • Replace individual damaged shakes/shingles
  • Professional inspection every 3-5 years

Cedar vs Other Roofing Materials

See how natural cedar stacks up against other roofing options. Understanding the differences helps you make the right choice for your home.

FeatureNatural CedarCompositeAsphalt Shingles
Initial Cost
Moderate to High
Premium natural material
Moderate
Engineered alternative
Low
Most economical option
Lifespan
30-50+ Years
With proper maintenance
25-40 Years
Consistent performance
15-25 Years
Standard expectancy
Maintenance
Moderate
Periodic inspection and care
Low
Minimal upkeep required
Low
Basic maintenance needs
Insulation Value
Excellent
Superior R-value naturally
Good
Engineered thermal properties
Fair
Standard insulation
Natural Beauty
Outstanding
Authentic wood grain and aging
Good
Realistic wood appearance
Limited
Basic color options
Environmental Impact
Excellent
Renewable, biodegradable
Good
Often recycled content
Fair
Petroleum-based material
Fire Resistance
Class B/C
Naturally combustible
Class A
Engineered fire resistance
Class A
Good fire protection
Weather Resistance
Excellent
Natural oils provide protection
Excellent
Engineered for all climates
Good
Proven weather performance

The Cedar Aging Process

Year 1-2: Fresh Cedar

Rich reddish-brown color with natural oils visible. Cedar exhibits its characteristic aroma and natural preservative properties.

Year 3-5: Transition Period

Color begins to fade and weather. Natural tannins wash out, revealing the underlying wood structure.

Year 5+: Silver Patina

Develops beautiful silver-gray patina. This weathered look is prized by many homeowners for its distinguished appearance.

Cedar Maintenance Options

Natural Weathering

Allow cedar to age naturally to silver-gray patina.

No CostNatural Look
Staining/Sealing

Maintain original color with periodic staining.

Colour ControlEnhanced Protection
Fire Retardant Treatment

Improve fire resistance with professional treatment.

Class A RatingInsurance Benefits

Experience Natural Cedar Beauty

Cedar roofing offers timeless beauty and natural performance that synthetic materials simply can't match. Let us show you the cedar difference.

Common Questions

Cedar Roofing FAQs

Common questions about cedar shake and shingle roofing in Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

How long does a cedar roof last?

A well-maintained cedar roof typically lasts 30–50 years. Lifespan depends on wood grade, ventilation, and ongoing maintenance.

  • Premium western red cedar offers the longest service life
  • Proper attic ventilation is critical to preventing premature decay
  • Regular cleaning and treatment extend lifespan significantly
  • Cedar shakes tend to last longer than thinner shingles
What maintenance does a cedar roof require?

Cedar roofing benefits from periodic cleaning, moss treatment, and re-application of protective coatings every 5–7 years.

  • Annual visual inspection for cracked or curled shakes
  • Moss and debris removal to prevent moisture retention
  • UV and water-resistant treatment every 5–7 years
  • Prompt replacement of damaged individual shakes
What is the difference between cedar shakes and shingles?

Shakes are hand-split with a rough, textured surface. Shingles are machine-sawn for a smoother, more uniform appearance.

  • Shakes are thicker and more rustic in character
  • Shingles provide a clean, uniform roofline
  • Both are available in various grades and dimensions
  • Shakes generally offer greater longevity due to thickness
Is cedar roofing fire-safe?

Untreated cedar is combustible, but pressure-treated fire-retardant cedar meets Class B or C fire ratings for code compliance.

  • Fire-retardant treatment is available and recommended
  • Some municipalities require treated cedar for building permit
  • Check local building codes for fire rating requirements
  • We advise on compliance before material selection
Can cedar be installed over an existing roof?

We always recommend a complete tear-off for cedar installations to ensure proper ventilation and a sound decking surface.

  • Cedar requires consistent airflow to prevent rot
  • Full tear-off allows deck inspection and repairs
  • Proper underlayment and battens are essential for cedar
  • Overlay risks trapping moisture and shortening roof life
Is cedar roofing energy efficient?

Yes. Cedar provides natural insulation roughly twice that of asphalt shingles, helping to moderate attic temperatures.

  • Natural wood fibres create an insulating air barrier
  • Reduces heat transfer in summer and winter
  • Helps moderate attic temperature swings
  • Combined with proper ventilation, it improves overall efficiency

Still Have Questions?

Our team is happy to answer any questions about your specific project. Get personalized advice with no obligation.

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