A cedar roof gives a house a warmth that manufactured coverings struggle to match. The timber starts out a rich honey tone and gradually mellows to a soft silver-grey, giving the roof a natural, settled look.
Cedar Shake Roofs in Toronto
Goldstar installs new cedar roofs and looks after existing ones. Whether you want to replace a tired cedar roof, bring an older one back into good order or give a new home a natural finish, we handle the work from start to finish.
We work with both shakes and shingles cut from western red cedar. Shakes are split and thicker, with a rugged, textured face. Shingles are sawn, thinner and more uniform, giving a neater and more tailored appearance.
Installing a New Cedar Roof
A cedar roof needs to breathe, and the way it is built reflects that. A new installation typically includes:
- Tear-off of the old covering and an inspection of the deck beneath
- A breathable underlayment suited to timber roofing
- New flashings at valleys, walls and roof openings
- Hand-laid shakes or shingles on battens or a solid deck
- A matching cedar ridge to complete the roof
Laying cedar by hand allows the pieces to be spaced and staggered properly, which helps shed water and lets the timber dry out between spells of wet weather.
Benefits of Cedar
Cedar is naturally insulating, which helps moderate temperatures in the rooms beneath the roof. Installed correctly, it copes well with the freeze-thaw winters and warm, humid summers of our climate.
It also suits a wide range of houses, from traditional and rustic styles to contemporary designs where a natural material softens the overall look.
Cedar does ask for a little more care than manufactured coverings. Keeping the surface clear of leaves and moss, and dealing promptly with any damaged pieces, goes a long way towards getting the most from the timber.
Repairing and Restoring Cedar Roofs
Cedar can often be kept going for longer with the right attention. We carry out:
- Replacement of split, cupped or missing shakes
- Re-nailing of pieces that have worked loose
- Treatment to remove moss and discourage regrowth
- Renewal of worn flashings and ridge pieces
Moss and debris hold moisture against the timber, so clearing them is one of the most useful things you can do to protect a cedar roof. Where the roof is sound overall, selective repairs are far better value than a complete replacement.
Comparing Cedar with Other Coverings
Cedar sits alongside several other materials we fit. Slate roofing offers a stone finish for traditional homes, while designer asphalt shingles can imitate the look of shake with less maintenance.
If you are weighing up a new roof overall, our roof replacement page explains how a complete re-roof is carried out, whichever material you choose.
Talk to Us About Cedar Roofing
To discuss repairing or installing a cedar shake roof at your home in Toronto, ring the Goldstar team on (437) 243 1908. We will inspect the roof, explain the condition of the timber and set out the options clearly.
