Cedar SHAKE ROOFING FOR NASSAU: SINCE 2000
NASSAU COUNTY CEDAR SHAKE ROOFING
Express Way CEDAR SHAKES
Cedar shake siding offers a timeless, rugged aesthetic that has defined high-end coastal and rustic architecture for centuries. Unlike uniform shingles, shakes are primarily characterized by their heavy texture and irregular thickness, which create deep shadow lines and a one-of-a-kind “hand-hewn” look.
The specific appearance of your siding depends largely on how the wood is cut:
Hand-Split and Resawn: These shakes are split by hand on the face for a rough, natural texture but are sawn smooth on the back to sit flat against the wall.
Tapersawn: These are sawn on both sides, offering a more tailored look than hand-split shakes while remaining much thicker than standard shingles.
Tapersplit: Produced entirely by hand with a mallet and froe, these premium shakes are prized for their 100% edge-grain quality and superior durability.
A professional installation is the most critical factor in the longevity of cedar shakes. Key best practices include:
Stainless Steel Fasteners: Standard galvanized nails can react with cedar’s natural tannins, leading to permanent black streaks. Stainless steel ring-shank nails are mandatory for a clean, rust-free finish.
Moisture Management: Experts recommend using a rainscreen system or a breathable matrix behind the shakes. This creates an air gap that allows moisture to escape, preventing the wood from rotting from the inside out.
Staggered Joints: To ensure a watertight barrier, joints between shakes must be offset by at least 1.5 inches from the courses above and below.
NASSAU COUNTY'S EXPERT CEDAR ARTISANS
NASSAU CEDAR SHAKE ROOFING
The unmatched beauty of cedar siding lies in its organic warmth and “living” aesthetic. Each plank or shake features a unique tapestry of intricate grain patterns, tight knots, and a rich spectrum of hues—ranging from pale ambers to deep, chocolatey siennas. This natural variation creates a multi-dimensional facade that synthetic materials simply cannot replicate.
Whether you opt for a clear stain to highlight its vibrant, high-end glow or allow it to weather into a coastal, silvery-gray patina, cedar exudes a sense of prestige. It grounds a home in nature, offering a timeless elegance that feels both rugged and sophisticated.When properly maintained, cedar shake siding can last 30 to 50 years. While it requires a higher upfront investment and periodic treatments—such as reapplying UV-resistant stains every 3–5 years—it adds significant resale value. For homeowners who prefer a low-maintenance approach, untreated cedar will gracefully weather into a sophisticated silvery-gray patina, though periodic cleaning is still necessary to prevent moss and algae buildup.
