Cedar shake roof replacement and conversion in Washington

Start with removal and roof-deck review

A cedar shake replacement starts with a clear removal plan and a review of the roof deck after the covering is opened. Ask whether the proposal removes the cedar and any later layers, how the home will be protected during tear-off, and when the deck will be inspected.

Record known leaks, past patches, visible soft spots, skylights, chimneys, valleys, and roof-to-wall transitions. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau’s installation manual describes different cedar applications and substrate details. The existing deck and product requirements need to be checked for the specific project; the manual directs homeowners to confirm local requirements with the building official.

Compare cedar with other replacement systems

A new wood roof is one option. Homeowners can also compare asphalt shingles, including products designed to resemble shakes, and standing-seam metal. Each choice changes the named products, attachment and underlayment details, roof transitions, and related work.

Use the same measured roof area, removal assumption, deck allowance, and flashing scope when comparing proposals. The current estimator supports selected asphalt and standing-seam metal scenarios; it does not price cedar shake. Read the estimate method and exclusions before using the planning range.

Name the products and installation details

A cedar proposal should identify the shake or shingle type and grade, the deck substrate, underlayment and interlay approach, valleys, eaves, hips and ridge, fasteners, and ventilation details. The 2025 Cedar Bureau manual is a product-specific reference; it does not replace local building requirements.

If a treated wood product is proposed, list its label and the treatment company’s installation instructions. For a shake-style asphalt alternative, record the manufacturer and product line, matching accessories, and installation scope instead of relying on the words “architectural” or “designer” alone.

• Removal and disposal assumptions for each existing layer.
• Deck inspection and written approval for added repair work.
• Named shake, shingle, or panel product and its accessories.
• Underlayment, flashing, ventilation, valleys, edges, and ridge details.
• Property protection, cleanup, exclusions, and completion records.

Prepare a cedar replacement request

Share your city, current roof covering, approximate roof age if known, leak and repair history, and photos taken from a safe place. Mention additions, skylights, chimneys, or roof sections where the existing covering meets another material.

Ask the provider to separate confirmed scope from deck or transition work that can be checked only after removal. Check the contractor record through Washington L&I and compare product names, exclusions, payment terms, and the approval process for added work. Use the roof replacement page for the broader project checklist or send your project details.