Authentic cedar shake installation, repair, and restoration across Nassau and Suffolk County. Natural beauty. Long-lasting performance. Expert installation by trained crews.
Cedar shake roofing is the defining material on Long Island's most distinctive homes — from the North Shore's colonial estates to the East End's craftsman cottages. No manufactured material replicates the texture, warmth, and character of real cedar.
Done correctly, a cedar shake roof lasts 25–40 years and develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time. Done incorrectly — without proper ventilation, treated underlayment, and correct nailing patterns — it fails early and expensively. Greene Group's cedar shake crews are trained specifically in wood roofing installation.
We install both hand-split cedar shakes (traditional, deeply textured, maximum character) and sawn shakes (smoother face, more uniform appearance). Fire-treated options are available and required by some Long Island municipalities.
Traditional split-face cedar for maximum texture and historical authenticity. The classic Long Island look for character homes and estates.
Smooth sawn face with natural cedar character. A cleaner look that suits craftsman and contemporary colonial architecture.
Pressure-treated cedar meeting Class A or Class B fire ratings. Required in some Long Island fire districts and for some insurance policies.
Individual shake replacement, ridge repair, valley re-flashing, and moss/algae treatment to extend the life of an existing cedar roof.
| Material | Lifespan | Appearance | Typical Cost (Long Island) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shake | 25–40 years | Premium — natural, unique | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Architectural Shingles | 25–30 years | Good — uniform | $9,000–$18,000 |
| Metal (Standing Seam) | 40–70 years | Modern/contemporary | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Synthetic Cedar (composite) | 30–50 years | Cedar look, lower maintenance | $14,000–$28,000 |
Long Island's climate — salt air from the Sound and ocean, humid summers, and freeze-thaw winters — accelerates the natural weathering of cedar shake. Moss and algae are common along the shaded North Shore. Without periodic maintenance, a cedar roof that should last 35 years may fail in 15.
We recommend a professional cedar shake inspection every 3–5 years, moss treatment as needed, and re-treatment with water repellent every 7–10 years. We provide these services in addition to installation and repair.
Cedar shake isn't right for every roof. Here are the other options we install on Long Island.