Cedar shake roofs have a way of making a house look like it belongs on a postcard. But that beauty comes with a catch. Cedar isn’t forgiving of shortcuts, and a roofer who’s experienced with asphalt shingles can still get cedar wrong in ways that may not show up right away, particularly when moisture management or ventilation is overlooked. That’s why credentials and hands-on cedar experience matter more here than with standard roofing work. Liberty Restoration Group works with homeowners evaluating cedar roofing systems across Chicagoland, and this guide explains what “certified” can and can’t tell you about a contractor.
What “Certified” Actually Means for Cedar Roofing
There isn’t one universal certification that makes someone a “certified cedar shake roofing contractor.” Several different credentials get grouped under that label, and they aren’t interchangeable:
- Illinois roofing licensure. This is the state-level license a contractor needs to perform roofing work in Illinois. It shows a contractor is licensed to operate, but it doesn’t say anything about cedar expertise. Some municipalities also have their own registration or permit requirements.
- CSSB Member Contractor/Installer status. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) is the trade association for the cedar roofing industry. Its contractor and installer designation is specific to cedar, so ask a contractor exactly which CSSB status they hold and how to verify it.
- Manufacturer-specific training. Manufacturers of premium synthetic shake products, such as DaVinci and Brava, offer their own installer training. That training applies to their products.
- Certi-label cedar product certification. Certi-label is a CSSB grading and certification program for the cedar shakes and shingles themselves. A certified product doesn’t automatically make the installer a certified cedar contractor.
When a contractor says they’re “certified,” it’s reasonable to ask which credential they mean, who issued it, and whether it’s current.
What a Cedar Shake Roofing Contractor Should Know
Cedar shake isn’t a material you install the way you’d install asphalt shingles. It behaves more like a living material. It expands, contracts, and reacts to humidity in ways that asphalt doesn’t.
A contractor who knows cedar understands spacing and gaps between shakes, because cedar needs room to swell without buckling. They know how to layer felt or breathable underlayment so the wood can dry out after rain instead of trapping moisture against the roof deck. They also understand flashing details around chimneys, valleys, and skylights, which call for precision on a cedar roof.
Ventilation is another piece that gets overlooked. Cedar needs airflow underneath it to help prevent moisture-related deterioration, and a ventilation setup that meets minimum requirements may still leave the wood holding moisture over time.
This is the core difference between general roofing experience and cedar-specific experience. A contractor can have decades of asphalt roofing experience and still be new to cedar. The material asks for a different set of skills, and it’s a big part of why many homeowners look for cedar shake roofing contractors who specialize in it rather than a general roofing crew.
What to Look for in a Cedar Shake Roofing Contractor
Not every roofer who says “yes, we do cedar” has the training to back it up. A few things are worth checking before you sign anything.
- Active Illinois roofing licensure and insurance, which are baseline requirements and help protect you if something goes wrong mid-project.
- Cedar-specific credentials, such as CSSB Member Contractor/Installer status, if the contractor claims it. Ask for the exact designation and how you can confirm it.
- A track record with natural cedar projects specifically, not just commercial flat roofs, general remodeling, or other roofing materials.
- Manufacturer training, understood for what it is. DaVinci and Brava training covers those premium synthetic products. It doesn’t automatically establish experience installing natural cedar, and natural cedar experience doesn’t automatically cover synthetic products either. If you’re considering both, ask about each separately.
- Willingness to walk you through their process before work starts. Vague answers here are worth noting.
A contractor who is confident in their process should be comfortable explaining it in detail.
Why Cedar Shake Roofing Requires Specialized Experience
Asphalt shingles are generally more tolerant of installation variation. Cedar is less so.
Wood reacts to moisture differently than manufactured materials do. A cedar shake roof installed without the right spacing or ventilation may be more prone to cupping, splitting, or moss growth, and Chicagoland’s humid summers and freeze-thaw winters add to that exposure.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Cedar Shake |
| Moisture response | Minimal expansion and contraction | Swells and shrinks with humidity |
| Ventilation needs | Standard | Higher airflow requirement |
| Installation precision | Moderate | High; spacing and layering matter |
| Effect of poor installation | Can reduce service life | Can significantly reduce service life, depending on the defect and exposure |
| Repair complexity | Generally straightforward | Requires matching grain, thickness, and weathering |
Poor installation doesn’t only affect lifespan. It can affect appearance too. Uneven weathering, discoloration, and warping can be signs of an installation problem, though other factors can contribute as well.
This is also where a basic roof inspection can miss details. Someone without cedar-specific training might see nothing obviously wrong, while an experienced eye may recognize early signs of trapped moisture, flashing concerns, or ventilation gaps. If a roof deck has already taken on damage, homeowners may start looking into full roof replacement services to compare against repair, and the right choice depends on the roof’s condition.
Choosing a Cedar Shake Roofing Contractor in Chicagoland
Local weather matters when it comes to cedar. Chicagoland has a mix of humidity, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles through the year, and it helps to work with a contractor who understands how wood roofing performs in this climate.
Communication matters just as much as the technical side. A good contractor should walk you through the inspection findings, explain what they’re recommending and why, and keep you informed through installation. Regular cedar shingle roof maintenance afterward also plays a role in how a roof performs over time, so it’s worth asking upfront whether a contractor offers maintenance support or only installation.
Liberty Restoration Group works with homeowners evaluating cedar roofing systems across Chicagoland, including material selection, installation details, ventilation, and flashing. When comparing any contractor, including us, ask for specifics on credentials, project history, and process, so you can make a decision based on documented information.
If you’re weighing cedar against other premium roofing materials, this comparison of general ranges may help:
| Material | Look | Maintenance Needs | General Lifespan Range* |
| Cedar shake | Natural wood, ages over time | Moderate to high | Roughly 25 to 30 years |
| DaVinci (premium synthetic) | Designed to resemble cedar or slate | Generally lower | Manufacturer-stated; varies by product line |
| Brava (premium synthetic) | Designed to resemble slate or shake | Generally lower | Manufacturer-stated; varies by product line |
| Asphalt | Standard, uniform | Generally lower | Roughly 15 to 20 years |
These are general ranges only. Actual roof life depends on product grade, installation quality, exposure, ventilation, maintenance, and climate, and none of these figures are guaranteed outcomes. DaVinci and Brava are premium synthetic alternatives, not natural cedar, and they should be evaluated as different materials with their own specifications and warranties.
A few practical things to keep in mind once you’ve narrowed down a contractor:
- Ask to see photos of past cedar projects that are at least a few years old, not just fresh installs, since that’s when workmanship becomes easier to evaluate.
- Get the warranty terms in writing before work begins. Review coverage, exclusions, duration, transferability, and who is responsible for repairs, and confirm what applies to materials versus labor.
- If a natural wood look matters to you and you’re prepared for the maintenance, cedar is a strong option. If low upkeep is the priority, a premium synthetic alternative may be worth considering, and that’s a conversation worth having before you decide.
If you’re ready to talk through options for your roof, Schedule a Free Consultation with Liberty Restoration Group to discuss your goals and the next appropriate step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does cedar shake roofing cost per square foot in Chicagoland?
Pricing varies by cedar grade, roof complexity, access, and labor, and cedar generally costs more than asphalt because of material and installation demands. Getting a few detailed local estimates is the most reliable way to understand what your roof will involve.
2. How long does cedar shake roofing last in a Midwest climate?
Roof life varies with product grade, installation quality, exposure, ventilation, maintenance, and climate. Cedar shake is often cited as lasting roughly 25 to 30 years, but that is a general range, not a guarantee. Freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and moisture management can all affect the outcome.
3. Does cedar shake roofing need to be treated or sealed regularly?
Periodic cleaning and, in some cases, treatment can help manage moss growth and weathering. The right schedule depends on tree coverage, sun exposure, the specific cedar product, and local conditions, so it’s worth asking your contractor for a maintenance plan that fits your roof.
4. Is cedar shake roofing allowed under fire codes in Illinois?
Fire-rating and treatment requirements vary by jurisdiction and roofing assembly. Confirm local code requirements and the selected cedar system specifications with your municipality and your contractor before work begins.
5. What’s the difference between cedar shake and cedar shingles?
Shakes are typically split from logs and have a thicker, more textured look, while shingles are sawn and have a smoother, more uniform appearance. The two are installed and priced differently, so it’s worth confirming which one your project calls for.