Sheathing
Rotted boards are replaced and solid sheathing is added if needed so fasteners hold firmly.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Orange, NJ
Replacing a cedar roof in Orange starts with removing every old shake and strip of felt interlay, then fixing the boards underneath before the new roof goes on, so the new roof starts on solid, dry wood. Dial (973) 858-1825 to talk with a local roofer about replacing the roof.
Every cedar roof eventually wears past what spot repairs can fix. After decades of weather, shakes lose thickness, split easily and no longer hold a nail, so new pieces have nothing solid to tie into. At that point a full replacement protects the sheathing and framing underneath.
Overlaying cedar shakes with new roofing is not a real option. Covering old shakes traps wet wood under the new roof, leaves bumps and adds fuel load, which is why codes generally require a tear-off. Removing everything is the only way to inspect the deck.
What sits under the shakes shapes the whole project. Many older wood roofs were built on spaced boards with gaps for airflow, which works for new cedar but not for asphalt shingles, metal or most synthetic products. Rotted boards are replaced either way.
If the problem goes deeper than it first looked, an Orange roofer may also recommend cedar shake roof installation or cedar shake roof repair.
Looking for Orange cedar shake roof replacement? Call (973) 858-1825 and describe the problem to a roofer who works in Orange.
Call nowThe process
The cedar roof replacement process
A cedar replacement is a bigger tear-off than most roofs.
Planning
The roofer inspects the deck from the attic, measures the roof and talks through new cedar versus synthetic shakes, architectural shingles or metal. Permits are pulled and any neighborhood or fire rules are checked.
Protect the property
Gutters, shrubs and patios are covered before the old roof comes off. Cover stored items in the attic, because old wood roofs shed dust inward.
Remove the old roof
Every shake, felt interlay strip, old nail and rusted valley metal comes off, down to bare boards. Sometimes a forgotten layer of shingles turns up and is removed as well.
Repair the deck
Rotted or split boards are replaced, and if the new roof is not cedar, plywood or OSB is laid over the spaced boards or in their place. This is the step that makes the new roof flat and secure.
Dry-in
Ice and water membrane goes along the eaves and valleys, then underlayment covers the deck and new drip edge is installed. For new cedar, a breathable mat or spaced boards keep air moving under the shakes.
Install the new roof
The finish roof is laid with new metal at valleys and walls and a vented ridge. The site is cleaned and swept with magnets before the crew leaves.
What is included
Parts of a cedar roof replacement
Old roof removal
All shakes, felt and old metal are stripped section by section.
Underlayment
Ice and water membrane goes in at the eaves and valleys where water and ice gather.
Cleanup
Old cedar, felt and nails are hauled away and stray nails are collected.
New flashing
All flashing is replaced, not reused so no old rusted metal remains.
Related service
Cedar Shingle Roof Replacement Orange, NJ
Sawn cedar shingles were once the default roof on many older houses, and many are now due for replacement. Those roofs were usually laid on spaced boards, and some were later covered with a layer of asphalt shingles, so a tear-off can uncover more than one roof. With everything removed, the boards are checked and repaired or covered with solid sheathing.
New cedar shingles restore the tailored, historic appearance many owners want to keep. Some historic districts require it, while others accept materials that imitate wood. For an Orange home, the choice depends on the house, the budget and local guidelines.
Local help
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Near Me
Cedar roofs around Orange reach replacement age on older homes first, often after years of shade and moss. Across Orange and nearby towns like East Orange, Glen Ridge, Caldwell and Roseland, some owners put cedar back to keep the look while others switch to synthetic shakes, architectural shingles or metal, so it helps to see samples before the tear-off.
Searching for cedar shake roof replacement near me from Orange or East Orange, Glen Ridge, Caldwell and Roseland? Call (973) 858-1825 to talk to a roofer who works in your part of town.
Roofs in this climate
Winters here are long and cold, with snow on the roof for weeks at a time and plenty of nights below freezing. When warm attic air melts the snow, the meltwater runs down and freezes again at the eaves, which is how ice dams form and back water up under the shingles. Strong coastal storms push rain into every weak spot at the flashing and valleys. That is why roof repair in Orange is busiest after a hard winter and before the next one.
Why call
Why act early
Drier ceilings
Small roof problems caught early usually stay small repairs.
Roofers who know Orange
Roofers in Orange know the roof types and weather wear common in local homes.
Know what happens next
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Common questions about cedar shake roof replacement
Is it okay to roof over a cedar shake roof?
Laying new material over shakes causes more problems than it solves. Shakes create an irregular surface and trap moisture under the new roofing. Removing the old roof is the right first step.
What can I replace my cedar shake roof with?
You can put cedar back or choose a material that looks like it. Common choices are new cedar, polymer shakes, architectural shingles and metal shake panels. Switching away from cedar usually means adding solid decking.
Do I need new sheathing when replacing a cedar roof?
It comes down to the material you choose. Spaced boards work for cedar, while other roofs need a solid deck laid over the boards or in their place. Soft or split boards are replaced no matter what.
Is it worth replacing cedar with cedar?
Your own priorities decide it. Real cedar looks great and lasts decades with care, while look-alike materials trade some character for lower maintenance. Ask to compare cedar with alternatives first.
How many days does it take to replace a cedar roof?
A typical house takes several working days. Cedar tear-offs produce a lot of debris, and re-decking adds time. The roofer opens only as much roof each day as can be dried in before evening.
More questions? Call (973) 858-1825
Related services
Cedar Shake Roof Installation
Installing cedar shakes or shingles with proper exposure, valleys, ridge caps and ventilation, laid to the slope and climate of the house.
Learn moreCedar Shake Roof Repair
Replacing split, cupped or missing shakes, clearing moss and fixing valleys and ridge caps, so a sound cedar roof keeps shedding water.
Learn moreRoof Replacement
Replacing an aging roof with new underlayment, flashing, vents and roofing, so the house is dry for decades instead of seasons.
Learn moreShingle Roof Replacement
Full shingle roof replacement, from tear-off and deck repair to new shingles and flashing, so the new roof starts on a sound, dry deck.
Learn more
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