King Roof Care works on wood shake roofs in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA. The company handles inspection, repair, storm damage repair and replacement. It starts with a free, no-obligation roof assessment and gives a written estimate with the exact scope and materials before any work starts. Wood shake pricing depends on the individual roof, so ask for a written quote for your home.
What a Wood Shake Roof Is and How Shakes Differ From Cedar Shingles
A wood shake roof is covered with split pieces of wood, most often cedar, that have a rough, textured face and uneven edges. Cedar shingles are the close cousin: they are sawn rather than split, so they look smoother, flatter and more uniform on the roof.
Wood Shake Roof Pros, Cons and Material Trade-Offs
Wood shake roofing appeals mainly for its look: a natural, textured surface that weathers over time. The trade-off is upkeep. Wood needs regular attention to moss, debris and damaged pieces, while some other materials ask less of the homeowner between inspections.
| Material | Appearance | Upkeep to plan for | Question to ask in the estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood shake | Rough, split texture that weathers toward gray | Moss treatment, debris clearing, replacing split or missing shakes | Which shake product and finish are specified, and what the maker recommends for care |
| Composition / asphalt shingle | Flat, uniform surface in many colors | Periodic inspection, moss treatment, flashing checks | Which shingle line is quoted and how ridge and starter courses are handled |
| Presidential shingle | Layered, dimensional look | Periodic inspection and flashing checks | How the product compares in look with the shake roof being replaced |
| Metal | Panels or shingles with a clean, modern line | Checks for corrosion, damaged panels and sealing | Panel profile, fastening method and flashing details |
| PVC / single-ply membrane | Smooth sheet on low-slope areas | Checks for ponding water and membrane issues | Which roof sections are low-slope and need a membrane instead of shakes |
Signs a Wood Shake Roof Needs Repair
A wood shake roof usually shows trouble at the surface before a leak reaches the living space. Look from the ground or from a window with binoculars rather than climbing up; wet or mossy wood can be slippery, and shakes can crack under foot.
- Split, cupped, curled or missing shakes, especially after a windstorm
- Thick moss or debris packed between courses, which holds moisture against the wood
- Gaps or lifted metal at chimneys, vents, skylights and walls
- Soft-looking or sagging areas on the roof plane
- Water stains on ceilings, or damp spots and daylight visible in the attic
- Gutters filling with wood fragments or overflowing during rain
Wood Shake Roof Maintenance: Moss, Sealing and Staining
Wood shake roof maintenance in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond centers on keeping the wood clean, dry and intact. King Roof Care offers proactive maintenance plans that include regular inspections and moss treatment, which address the two jobs most shake roofs need on a recurring basis.
Repair or Replace a Wood Shake Roof: A Decision Checklist
Choosing between repairing and replacing a wood shake roof comes down to how widespread the damage is and what lies beneath the shakes. King Roof Care begins repair jobs with a thorough inspection to find the exact source of the problem, which is the information you need before deciding.
- Is the damage confined to one area, or visible on several roof slopes?
- Did the inspection find soft or rotted sheathing, and how much?
- Are leaks recurring after earlier repairs?
- Is the flashing failing at more than one penetration?
- Do you want to keep the wood shake look, or compare composition, presidential shingle or metal?
- Does the written estimate state the exact scope and materials for each option?
How King Roof Care Handles a Roof Replacement Step by Step
A roof replacement with King Roof Care follows a defined sequence, described on the company's roofing page, that applies when a worn wood shake roof is torn off and replaced. Knowing the order helps you plan around the work and read the estimate.
- On-site inspection of the roof, the attic and the ventilation, noting anything that affects the work
- Written estimate with the exact scope and materials before any work starts
- Detailed pre-construction meeting to prepare the project
- Protective tarps over landscaping, decks and patios
- Tear-off and haul-away of the existing roofing material
- Inspection of the roof deck, with damaged sheathing replaced as needed
- New underlayment, plus ice-and-water protection where the roof requires it
- Flashing at valleys, walls, chimneys and other roof penetrations
- Starter course, new roofing and ridge caps
- Full cleanup once the work is done
Wood Shake Roof Cost Factors and What to Compare in an Estimate
Wood shake roof cost is quoted by King Roof Care roof by roof in a written estimate, because the total depends on the home. The main factors are the roof's size and pitch, the shake product chosen, how much sheathing must be replaced, flashing work at chimneys and skylights, and tear-off and disposal. For how square-foot pricing works in general, see the page on price per square foot for roof replacement.
- Estimate item: which shake product and grade are specified, by name
- Estimate item: how damaged sheathing is handled and how it will be priced if found
- Estimate item: underlayment, ice-and-water protection and flashing at each penetration
- Estimate item: tear-off, haul-away, protective tarps and cleanup
- Mistake that causes rework: replacing shakes without checking the deck beneath them
- Mistake that causes rework: reusing tired flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights
- Mistake that causes rework: letting moss and debris build up between maintenance visits
- Mistake that causes rework: sealing or staining with a product the shake maker does not recommend
Frequently asked questions
How much do cedar shingles cost per square foot?
Cedar shingle cost per square foot depends on the roof, so King Roof Care prices each job individually. Roof size, pitch, product, deck repairs and flashing all affect the total. King Roof Care provides a free, no-obligation assessment and a written estimate with the exact scope and materials before any work starts.
Can you walk on a cedar shake roof?
Walking on a cedar shake roof is best left to a roofing professional. Shakes can split under foot, and wet or mossy wood can be slippery, so homeowners should inspect from the ground or a window and schedule a roof inspection for a closer look.
What can I do about rotten plywood under my shingles?
Rotten plywood under shingles needs a roofer to inspect the roof deck and replace the damaged sheathing. During a roof replacement, King Roof Care tears off the old roofing, inspects the deck and replaces damaged sheathing as needed before new underlayment goes on.
Are cedar roofs good?
Cedar roofs are a good fit for homeowners who want a natural wood look and are prepared for ongoing upkeep such as moss treatment and replacing damaged shakes. King Roof Care works with wood shake as well as composition, presidential shingle and metal, so you can compare options during the assessment.