Valley metal
Valleys, walls, vents and skylights get new metal matched to the new roof.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Mountainside, NJ
Replacing a cedar roof in Mountainside starts with removing every old shake and strip of felt interlay, then fixing the boards underneath before the new roof goes on, with the deck matched to whatever comes next. One call to (908) 728-6030 reaches a nearby cedar roof replacement pro.
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. That is when replacing the roof costs less over time than chasing leaks.
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. Tear-off also lets the roofer see and fix every rotted board.
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. Any soft or split boards are cut out and replaced.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement is often paired with cedar shake roof installation and cedar shake roof repair, depending on the cause.
Need cedar shake roof replacement in Mountainside? Call (908) 728-6030 to talk to a local roofer.
Call nowThe process
The cedar roof replacement process
Here is how a roofer usually handles a full cedar replacement.
Choose the material
The roofer inspects the deck from the attic, measures the roof and talks through new cedar versus synthetic shakes, architectural shingles or metal. Code and permit requirements are confirmed before work starts.
Site prep
Tarps and plywood cover plants, decks and walkways, because cedar tear-offs throw off heavy debris and thousands of old nails. Cover stored items in the attic, because old wood roofs shed dust inward.
Tear off to the deck
Every shake, felt interlay strip, old nail and rusted valley metal comes off, down to bare boards. Any older layers found underneath are removed at the same time.
Re-deck the roof
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. Nothing else on the roof works if the deck is weak.
Dry in the roof
Waterproof membrane at the eaves and valleys plus new underlayment protect the house before the finish roof goes on. For new cedar, a breathable mat or spaced boards keep air moving under the shakes.
Install the new roof
The new roof goes on with new valley metal, step flashing, pipe boots and ridge ventilation. The site is cleaned and swept with magnets before the crew leaves.
What is included
What the replacement includes
Debris removal
Debris is removed daily so the yard is safe to walk.
Sheathing
Damaged sheathing is renewed for the new roofing material.
Ice barrier
Ice and water membrane goes in at the eaves and valleys where water and ice gather.
Old roof removal
Every layer comes off section by section.
Related service
Cedar Shingle Roof Replacement Mountainside, NJ
Sawn cedar shingles were once the default roof on many older houses, and many are now due for replacement. It is common to find original shingles hidden under a later asphalt roof, both of which come off. With everything removed, the boards are checked and repaired or covered with solid sheathing.
Replacing sawn shingles with new sawn shingles keeps the tight, even look of the original roof. If your home is in a historic area, check what materials are allowed. Ask a Mountainside roofer to compare new cedar shingles with look-alike options for your home.
Local help
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Near Me
Cedar roofs around Mountainside reach replacement age on older homes first, often after years of shade and moss. Across Mountainside and nearby towns like Westfield, Summit, New Providence and Garwood, 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.
For cedar shake roof replacement in Mountainside, NJ or nearby towns like Westfield, Summit, New Providence and Garwood, call (908) 728-6030 to reach a roofer who covers your street.
How the weather here affects roofs around Mountainside
Cold winters bring snow, ice and a long stretch of freezing nights. Heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, building ice dams that push water up under the shingles. Coastal storms and heavy spring rain drive water sideways into flashing, valleys and old chimneys. That is why roof repair in Mountainside is busiest after a hard winter and before the next one.
Why call
Why fix it now
Smaller repairs
A roof problem fixed early rarely spreads to the decking, the insulation or the ceilings.
Familiar with local homes
Roofers in Mountainside know the roof types and weather wear common in local homes.
Clear next steps
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement FAQ
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. Anything other than cedar typically requires sheathing the roof solid.
Do I need new sheathing when replacing a cedar roof?
The answer hinges on the new roofing material. 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?
The choice depends on the look, maintenance and rules in your area. Real cedar looks great and lasts decades with care, while look-alike materials trade some character for lower maintenance. Seeing samples side by side helps.
Is it okay to roof over a cedar shake roof?
Covering cedar shakes with a new roof is not a sound approach. Shakes create an irregular surface and trap moisture under the new roofing. Removing the old roof is the right first step.
How many days does it take to replace a cedar roof?
A typical house takes several working days. Removing old wood and adding sheathing take time. The roofer opens only as much roof each day as can be dried in before evening.
More questions? Call (908) 728-6030
Related services
Cedar Shake Roof Installation
Cedar roof installation from the sheathing and starter course up to the ridge, 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, without tearing off the shakes that still have years left.
Learn moreRoof Replacement
Replacing an aging roof with new underlayment, flashing, vents and roofing, with the old layers removed and the deck checked.
Learn moreShingle Roof Replacement
Replacing an aging shingle roof once repairs no longer hold, with soft decking fixed before anything new goes on.
Learn more
Looking for something else?
See all roofing servicesGet cedar shake roof replacement help in Mountainside
Call (908) 728-6030 for a local roofer in Mountainside and nearby towns.