Cedar Shake Roofing in San Jose, CA
San Jose Roof Repair restores cedar shake roofing on homes where the original wood is still worth saving. A cedar roof sheds rain beautifully until the sun bakes the shakes brittle and splits them open, and that is usually the point where we get the call. Dial 6504145505 and we will get eyes on it.
Call 6504145505
Cedar shake work starts with what sits under the shakes. On a mid-century ranch home from the 1950s or 1960s, we often find skip sheathing or a plywood roof deck that has been taking on water for years. We check moisture content in the decking before we quote, because replacing a rotted roof deck is a different line item than reshingling.
Dry summers with minimal rainfall and intense sun are hard on wood. Shakes bake, cup, and split along the grain, and the roofing felt or synthetic underlayment underneath starts to fail at the fasteners. Then a winter rain storm finds every gap at once. Low humidity here keeps moss in check compared with wetter climates, but shaded north slopes still grow it, and algae-stained streaks are common.
Spanish Colonial Revival homes from the early 1900s often have low-pitch sections, dormers, and clay tile accents we work around carefully. Contemporary suburban developments built since 2000 tend toward steeper gables, where a full cedar field course reads warmer than asphalt shingle. Cost comes down to square footage, roof pitch, how much shake is salvageable, and whether we tear off to the deck or overlay the old courses. You get the number in writing before we start.
What's Included
Our Cedar Shake Roofing Process
How We Handle a Cedar Shake Job, Step by Step
- We start with a roof inspection from the ground, a ladder, and the attic, checking moisture content and deck condition before anyone climbs up with a pry bar.
- You get a written roof estimate by line item — tear-off, deck repair, underlayment, flashing, and materials separated so you can see where the money goes.
- Crews anchor safety harnesses at the ridge and set scaffold or ladder staging on steep pitches, then hand-carry old shake down rather than dropping it into your landscaping.
- Tear-off goes to the sheathing with a roofing shovel and pry bar, and any rotted plywood, OSB, or framing gets replaced and re-nailed with ring-shank nails.
- New ice-and-water shield goes at the eaves and valleys, then synthetic underlayment across the field, then a starter course and staggered courses set to an even exposure with a roofing square.
- Shakes are fastened with a nail gun running off an air compressor, and flashing is rebuilt at the chimney, sidewalls, and pipe boots, with counter-flashing set into masonry and hand-sealed.
- Ridge cap and ridge vent go on last, then we check the gutter and downspout and run a magnet sweep for nails, screws, and staples.
- We walk the roof with you, share photos of the deck before it was covered, and leave warranty paperwork with your estimate.
Free Inspection
We assess your roof with a thorough inspection and provide a detailed photo report — no cost, no obligation.
Clear Estimate
You get an itemized scope with materials, labor, and timeline. No hidden fees. We discuss insurance and financing options.
Expert Work
Licensed crews arrive on schedule, protect your property, complete the work, and clean up thoroughly.
Final Walkthrough
You inspect with us. We document everything with before/after photos. Warranty registered and paperwork delivered.
Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing
Signs Your Cedar Shake Roof Needs Attention
- Shakes that are blistered, buckled, or curling at the edges, which means the wood has dried past the point where sealant will hold it.
- Splits along the grain you can see from the driveway, especially on south- and west-facing slopes that take the most sun.
- Dark, algae-stained bands near the roofline or in the shade of a valley, where moisture lingers after a storm.
- Shakes that feel loose or slide sideways when you press them, a sign the nails and fasteners have lost their grip.
- Wood splinters and granule loss collecting in the gutter and at the base of the downspout.
- Brown water stains on ceiling drywall, or damp insulation under a dormer or skylight, after winter rain.
- Sag or soft spots you can feel from the attic, which usually points to rot in the roof deck, sheathing, or rafter ends.
- Moss or lichen on a shaded north slope, holding water against the wood long after the storm has passed.
Cedar Shake Roofing — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cedar shake roofing cost in San Jose?
Cedar shake costs more than asphalt because the material is heavier and every shake gets set by hand. The drivers are square footage, pitch, salvageable wood, and deck condition. Small repairs run a few hundred dollars; a full tear-off runs into the thousands.
Can you repair a cedar shake roof instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. When the shakes are sound across most of the roof, we replace the failed field and refit the flashing. If the underlayment or vapor barrier has failed across the whole field, patching just moves the leak.
Will my insurance cover storm damage to a cedar roof?
Storm damage from winter rain, wind uplift, or a fallen branch is usually covered. End-of-life wear is not. We photograph the damage, meet the adjuster inspection, and build a line-item estimate that matches the insurance scope.
How long does a cedar shake roof take to install?
A typical single-story roof takes two to four days; a steep roof with dormers, valleys, or a chimney takes longer. Cedar needs a dry stretch, so we schedule around the forecast.
Does a cedar roof need attic ventilation?
Yes, and it is the part homeowners forget. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and an attic fan keep the roof deck dry from underneath. Without them, moisture condenses on the sheathing, the insulation gets damp, and the deck rots from the inside.
Do you work on roof types other than cedar shake?
We do. Roof replacement covers asphalt shingle, architectural shingle, and three-tab shingle; metal roofing covers a standing-seam panel or corrugated panel; flat work includes TPO, EPDM, PVC membrane, modified bitumen, and built-up roof systems. We also handle slate, clay tile, and concrete tile.
Don't just take our word for it — hear from our satisfied customers.
"Our 1950s ranch in Willow Glen had cedar shakes curling and splitting on the west side. They tore off to the deck, replaced two sheets of plywood, and put down new synthetic underlayment with matched shakes. The stain on our hallway ceiling stopped." — Karen M., Willow Glen
"We are in Almaden Valley and three companies told us to replace the whole roof. San Jose Roof Repair said the shakes on the back slope had life left and only replaced what was failing. That saved us a lot of money." — David R., Almaden Valley
"Cedar roof up in the Los Gatos Hills, moss on the north side and a leak near the chimney. They resealed the counter-flashing, cleared the moss, and treated the shakes instead of selling us a full tear-off." — Priya S., Los Gatos Hills
Ready to get started? Call us today at 6504145505 for a free estimate.
Free estimates · Licensed & Insured certified · up to 50-year warranty
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