Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar Shake Roofing in Nanaimo & Across Vancouver Island
Nothing says West Coast like a Western red cedar shake roof. The rich texture, natural variation, and silvered patina of cedar suit Vancouver Island architecture — from character homes in old Nanaimo to waterfront retreats in Qualicum Beach — like no other material.
9+ years strong
Roofing Vancouver Island homes
But cedar on the Island is a commitment: our wet climate grows moss aggressively, and cedar demands knowledgeable installation and ongoing care. Eco Roofing Ltd installs new cedar shake and shingle roofs to Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau standards — proper exposure, stainless or hot-dipped fasteners, breathable underlayment, and correct ventilation — and we restore aging cedar roofs with cleaning, treatment, and targeted shake replacement.
Whether you are preserving a heritage cedar roof in Ladysmith, replacing a failing shake roof in Duncan, or choosing cedar for a new build in Parksville, we give you straight answers about cost, lifespan, and maintenance — cedar included.
Recent work
Our Cedar Shake Roofing Projects
Real roofs, real Island homes — a look at recent cedar shake roofing work by our crews.
Don't ignore these
Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing
Spot any of these? A free inspection will tell you exactly where you stand — before a small issue becomes a big bill.
Widespread moss & lichen
Heavy biological growth lifts shakes and holds moisture. Professional treatment can save roofs caught in time.
Curling, splitting, missing shakes
Individual failed shakes are normal and replaceable; widespread failure across slopes means replacement.
Soft or punky wood
Shake butts that crumble or feel spongy indicate rot — often from poor ventilation or decades without treatment.
Leaks despite repairs
Cedar roofs rarely leak through the shakes themselves — leaks usually mean failed underlayment or flashing, which we diagnose accurately.
Why it is worth it
Why Homeowners Choose Cedar Shake Roofing
Bureau-standard installation
Correct exposure, spacing, and fastening per Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau specs — the difference between a 15-year and 30-year cedar roof.
Premium Western red cedar
We source quality #1 grade shakes and shingles — tight grain, edge grain, properly dried — not bargain material that curls in two years.
Moss prevention built in
Zinc or copper ridge strips plus treatment programs dramatically slow the moss growth our climate encourages.
Restoration, not just replacement
Many cedar roofs have years left with professional cleaning, preservative treatment, and selective shake replacement — we will tell you honestly.
Natural insulation & character
Cedar natural thermal properties and unmatched texture add authentic West Coast character and real resale appeal.
Environmentally sound
Renewable, biodegradable, and low-embodied-energy — cedar is the natural choice for an eco-minded roofing company.
Pick your system
Cedar Shake Roofing Options & Materials
We will help you pick the right system for your roof and budget during your free inspection — here is a head start.
Hand-split shakes
Rustic, deeply textured, the classic look. Best on steeper pitches; 25–35 year potential with care.
Taper-sawn shingles
Smoother, more uniform appearance; suitable for slightly lower pitches. A refined cedar look.
Cedar restoration
Deep cleaning, moss/mildew treatment, preservative application, and replacement of failed shakes — extends life by years.
Our Cedar Shake Roofing Process
No mysteries, no surprises — here is exactly what happens from your first call to the final walkthrough.
- 1
Assessment & honest advice
We inspect your cedar roof condition and tell you plainly: restore, repair, or replace — with costs for each path.
- 2
Material selection
Hand-split shakes vs. taper-sawn shingles, exposure, and grade — chosen for your roof pitch, exposure, and budget.
- 3
Preparation
Tear-off, deck inspection, and breathable underlayment with proper ventilation detailing cedar requires.
- 4
Craft installation
Shakes laid with correct exposure and keyways, corrosion-resistant fasteners, woven valleys, and ridge treatment.
- 5
Treatment & care plan
Initial preservative treatment and a maintenance schedule to maximize your cedar roof lifespan.
Get an exact quote: every roof is different, so we provide free inspections and itemized written quotes — no obligation, no pressure. Call (250) 240-3684 or request your quote online.
Good to know
Cedar Shake Roofing FAQs
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof lasts 25–35 years here; neglected ones can fail in 15. The keys are quality material, correct installation, ventilation, and periodic treatment against moss.
Cedar is a premium roof: expect roughly 2–3x the cost of architectural shingles for a full installation in the Nanaimo area. Restoration of an existing cedar roof is far less — often 20–30% of replacement cost.
If the shakes are generally sound with localized failures and the underlayment is intact, restoration usually wins. If shakes are widely thin, split, or rotting, replacement is the honest answer. Our free inspection gives you both options with real numbers.
Zinc strips at the ridge, periodic professional treatment, keeping overhanging branches trimmed, and ensuring good sun exposure and airflow. We set every cedar customer up with a maintenance plan.
Untreated cedar has a lower fire rating than asphalt or metal, which matters in interface areas. Pressure-treated fire-retardant shakes are available, and we discuss this openly with rural property owners.
Where we work
Cedar Shake Roofing Across Vancouver Island
Based in Nanaimo and on the road daily. Tap your community to see local cedar shake roofing details.
Free quotes · No pressure
Need Cedar Shake Roofing in Nanaimo?
Free inspection, honest written quote, licensed local crews. Get started today.