Expert cedar shake and wood shingle installation and replacement for Long Island homes. Beautiful natural aesthetic with proper moisture management for Nassau and Suffolk County's coastal climate.
Cedar shake roofing is a defining element of Long Island's architectural character. From the traditional Shingle Style homes of the East End to older Nassau County neighborhoods, hand-split and hand-sawn cedar shakes create a natural texture and weathered look that no manufactured product fully replicates. When properly installed and maintained, cedar shake roofing lasts 20–30 years and develops a beautiful silver-gray patina.
Greene Group Construction installs premium No. 1 Blue Label and No. 1 Perfection grade western red cedar shakes and shingles from the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) certified mills. We use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails (standard steel fasteners corrode rapidly in Long Island's salt-air environment), proper inter-layment felt on all steep-slope installations, and code-compliant ice and water shield at eaves.
We also offer pressure-preservative treated cedar shakes for homeowners wanting maximum moisture resistance — an important consideration in Long Island's high-humidity coastal climate.
Cedar requires more maintenance than asphalt or metal in Long Island's humid climate. Annual inspection, cleaning moss and algae growth (very common with our humidity levels), and periodic preservative treatment are necessary to achieve the material's full lifespan. We'll always give you an honest assessment — for high-maintenance situations, we may recommend metal shingles as an alternative that provides a similar aesthetic with much lower upkeep.
We source premium CSSB-certified cedar from Pacific Northwest mills — here are the main product types
The classic Long Island look. Hand-split texture creates deep shadow lines and a bold rustic appearance that is particularly suited to traditional and shingle-style architecture.
Sawn on both faces for a smoother, more uniform appearance. Preferred for more formal architectural styles. Generally dries faster than split shakes due to smoother surface.
Factory pressure-treated with preservatives for maximum resistance to moisture, mold, and rot. Recommended for north-facing roof sections and homes in heavily shaded or high-humidity locations — very relevant to Long Island's coastal conditions.
Cedar shake roofing costs more than asphalt shingles due to the higher material cost, slower installation process, and the additional underlayment and fastener requirements for Long Island's climate.
2025 Long Island market rates. Final price depends on pitch, existing material removal, deck condition, and access. Financing available.
To maximize the lifespan of cedar shakes in Long Island's climate, we recommend:
Individual cracked or weathered shakes can be replaced without full roof replacement — a significant advantage of cedar over other materials. We offer targeted repair and spot replacement services on existing cedar shake roofs.
We'll honestly assess whether cedar is the right choice for your home and give you a full written quote