FAMILY-OWNED · SINCE 1979 MADISON, WI · CENTERVILLE, IA LIC. DC-080900045
24/7 STORM LINE (608) 909-9109
- Cedar Shake Roofing · Wisconsin

Cedar shake roofing in Wisconsin, installed to last.

Authentic Western Red Cedar shake and shingle - real wood, real character, and natural insulation. Done right, with the ventilation, fasteners and detailing that get a cedar roof to 30–50 years in Wisconsin. Honest upkeep guidance included.

4.9 on 200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews·Western Red Cedar·Shake & shingle
CedarReal
Wood
Cedar shake roof before and after in Wisconsin
New cedar shake roof before and after in Wisconsin
★★★★★ 4.9200+ GOOGLE REVIEWSRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
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    GAF Master EliteTop 2% nationwide
    FORTIFIED1 of 4 in WI
    BBB A+10+ regions
    InterNACHI100% staff certified
    4.9 / 5200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
    Why cedar

    Real wood, real character, real upkeep.

    Nothing imitates the depth and warmth of a natural cedar roof - and we’ll be straight with you about what it takes to keep it that way.

    Natural beauty that ages well

    Authentic Western Red Cedar has a depth no printed shingle matches, and it weathers to a classic silver-grey patina that only looks better with time.

    Insulation & wind performance

    Real wood is a natural insulator that helps in Wisconsin winters, and a correctly installed cedar roof stands up to wind and weather for decades.

    Honest about the upkeep

    Cedar rewards a little care: periodic cleaning, moss and algae control, and the right ventilation. We’ll tell you exactly what to expect - no surprises.

    Shake or shingle

    Rugged split, or refined sawn.

    Both are Western Red Cedar - the difference is how they’re made and the look they give your home. We bring samples so you can see both.

    Cedar shake

    Rugged & dimensional Split from the log, so it’s thicker with deep shadow lines and a rugged, hand-hewn texture. The bold, rustic look most people picture when they think “cedar roof.”

    Cedar shingle

    Smooth & refined Sawn rather than split, so it’s thinner, smoother and more uniform - a cleaner, more tailored look that suits classic and cottage-style homes.

    Want the cedar look with far less maintenance? See composite cedar shake (DaVinci / Brava) →

    Cedar roof cost

    What a cedar roof costs in Wisconsin.

    Cedar is a premium, natural roof - roughly double asphalt, but with a look nothing else delivers. Your written estimate is free and exact.

    Cedar shingle (sawn)

    $7–$11per sq ft installedThe smooth, uniform, more refined look - the entry point into a natural cedar roof.

    ★ Most requested

    Cedar shake (split)

    $9–$14per sq ft installedThicker, hand-split shakes with deep shadow lines - the classic rugged cedar-roof look.

    Fire-treated / premium

    $11–$16per sq ft installedClass B or A fire-retardant-treated cedar and premium grades for the most demanding homes.

    A typical Wisconsin home runs roughly $18,000–$30,000 depending on shake vs shingle, grade and treatment - the written estimate governs. Financing available from a low monthly payment (on approved credit). See the full roofing cost guide →

    Compare your options

    Cedar vs. composite vs. asphalt.

    If you love the wood look, there are three honest paths - here’s how they weigh out on look, upkeep and cost.

     
    Real cedar
    Composite
    Asphalt
    Look
    Authentic wood
    Molded from real shake
    Wood-look designer
    Lifespan
    30–50 yrs (with upkeep)
    40–50 yrs
    25–50 yrs
    Maintenance
    Cleaning & moss control
    Minimal
    Minimal
    Fire (as installed)
    Class C (B/A treated)
    Class A
    Class A / good
    Upfront cost
    Premium
    Premium
    Lower
    Best for
    Purist natural look
    Look, less upkeep
    Budget / value

    Love the look, unsure about upkeep? Composite cedar shake →  ·  Want the value option? GAF designer shingles →

    The honest case

    The honest case for, and against, cedar.

    We’d rather you love your roof for decades than regret it in a year. Here’s the straight version.

    Cedar is worth it when…
    Consider an alternative when…
    BGC Earned, not claimed

    The installer matters more than the wood.

    A cedar roof lives or dies on ventilation, fasteners and detailing - get those wrong and even the best wood rots early. Buckshot is a GAF Master Elite and FORTIFIED-trained contractor, family-owned since 1979, and every cedar project ends with your workmanship coverage documented in writing.

    GAF Master EliteTop 2% of US roofers
    FORTIFIED Trained1 of 4 in Wisconsin
    BBB A+ Accredited10+ regions
    Licensed & InsuredWI DC-080900045
    How we do it

    A cedar roof is a system, not just the shakes.

    What’s under and around the cedar is what makes it last. Here’s how a Buckshot cedar roof goes on.

    Inspection, samples & ventilation plan - we assess the roof and attic and plan the ventilation cedar needs to breathe - the #1 thing that prevents early rot.
    Breathable underlayment & battens - the right underlayment (and battens where called for) so air moves under the cedar and it dries between rains.
    Stainless fasteners & correct exposure - corrosion-resistant stainless or hot-dipped fasteners and the proper grade and exposure sized to your roof.
    Treatments, detailing & walkthrough - optional fire-retardant treatment, clean flashing and ridge detail, a magnetic-nail sweep, and your coverage in writing.
    - Homeowners trust us

    4.9 stars, pulled straight from Google.

    Google reviews logoRating starRating starRating starRating starRating star  4.9 / 5 · 200+ verified reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews
    Posted on Google Google
    Joy I profile picture
    Joy I
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    When the big storms came through the Madison-area in April 2026, I immediately started looking for a reputable roofer—who also understood the importance of weather-resistant materials that can withstand hail and wind. It didn’t take me long to find Brad from BCG. We had damage that needed to be repaired before the next round of storms came through later that day and Brad had a crew out within hours. Our neighbors also had damage, and when their roofing company didn’t show up, Brad and his crew also took on fixing their damage on the spot. The contracting process was done over email and we were able to clearly understand all of the options available to us. On the day of install, the crew was efficient and fast with their work. But also, mistakes can happen. And what matters to us is not that there’s perfection (because that’s not realistic), but how a contractor deals with a mistake. As they were taking down the tarps when they were finished with the roof, one of our lights next to the garage broke. Brad helped find a replacement online and had it shipped directly to our house! Such great service! All in all, we were very happy with Brad and the service we received from him and BCG. We’ve since recommended their services to several of our friends and neighbors who also had storm damage. While I hope we won’t have to do that again for a long time, we would work with BCG again in a heartbeat!
    Posted on Google Google
    Shelly Ziegler profile picture
    Shelly Ziegler
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    I am extremely pleased with the service Matt Walmer from Buckshot General Contracting (BGC) provided for me during the hailstorm damage in Madison in April. I had just switched insurance companies one year ago and was worried about how much they would cover. Matt assured me everything would be taken care of and had nothing to worry about. True to his word he immediately answered phone calls during off hours even when he was with daughter at volleyball and answering texts in seconds Matt met up with assessor and arrived 20 minutes early. During roof replacement he stopped in 3 times to check the progress and next day he came back to do a walk around to make sure the cleanup was to his standards. I have been so blessed to work with Matt at BGC as my contractor as everything went so smoothly. No problems with my insurance company and I was the first one on my block to get my roof done. I also was telling Matt about some of my neighbors having problems with their insurance and he was willing to look at their paperwork and giving them advice on how to deal with them. I can proudly say I announced to them how good Matt was and gave them his card. Thank you so much Matt for your excellent service and being a great representative for Buckshot General Contracting. These days days it’s hard to find a business that is 100% committed to making sure the customer is their #1 concern. Going to be doing more work and sticking with them as I know it will be top quality.
    Posted on Google Google
    Amy Stephens profile picture
    Amy Stephens
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    We contacted BGC after storm damage and had them completely re-roof and re-side our house, garage, and shed. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish. They were easy to work with, handled all the details, and made what could have been a stressful situation completely worry-free. Our contact, Jayce Kirkland, was outstanding. His professionalism, communication, and courteous demeanor were truly a breath of fresh air. He took care of everything for us and made sure the project stayed on track every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with the experience and have and would highly recommend BGC to anyone needing roofing or siding work!
    Posted on Google Google
    Rob Anast profile picture
    Rob Anast
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Very customer focused company. Replaced my roof and siding after hail and wind damage 6 years ago. Second hail and damage storm this year and they are my vendor of choice again. In process now to replace my roof and siding.
    Posted on Google Google
    paolo masone profile picture
    paolo masone
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Brad gave me a good price and the roof looks great! The roof was replaced in one day.
    Posted on Google Google
    Doug Cooper profile picture
    Doug Cooper
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    They did an excellent job! Fast, efficient and did a great job cleaning up.
    Posted on Google Google
    christos karampetsos profile picture
    christos karampetsos
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    My family member needed a roof replacement after the recent storm in Madison , Chad came out to inspect the roof and went over the options with us. Full roof replacement and the new roof looks GREAT, they were done with in 2 days and left no mess behind which was very thankful for. Thanks !!
    Posted on Google Google
    Jason Montez profile picture
    Jason Montez
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    *update* number 2 I have been through about 4 different people now to get my issue fixed. They came and fixed the side that was leaking. The contractor that came out confirmed the siding wasnt installed properly and put in some flashing to fix the issue. Since it wasnt installed right i wanted the rest of the house done to prevent other issues and the company agreed to do that. Still not done and now im dealing with yet another person who has not contacted me to resolve my issue. Told them when this job was completed i wanted a new patio door as well to get the last year of the energy credit. Crickets. I have been very patient, but am beyond frustrated at this point. *update* After posting i was contacted regarding my review. Turns out the reason i wasn’t contacted was because my salesman is no longer with the company and never responded to tell me that when i called him (his number was still correct at the time of the call). I had a rep come to my home and immediately discuss solutions to the issue. Everything was done properly on my home, its just one of those things no one could foresee. I am beyond happy with the speed things are moving once i was contacted. Already making plans for additional work needed next season. Had windows and siding done. The windows crew was fantastic. Personable as well as professional. Siding crew was also great. My issue comes with the after care. My basement was leaking during rains. It also leaked running the sprinkler for new grass. Contacted my salesman and never heard back. Been probably a month? Had a contractor friend of mine come look and the issue was the siding wasnt ran low enough (or a piece of flashing would have worked as well) to stop water from coming through the basement from under the sill plate. Id have even paid to have it corrected, but no call. My issue is a simple one, but the aftercare deserves a one. The total score is because their crews were great. The people in admin simply need to be better. I had to remove foam that was trafficking water in and will be using flex seal to create a barrier since no call was made back. Update as of april, 2026. After some frustrating back and forth one of their contractors came our and looked at my situation late summer of 2025. Confirmed the siding wasnt done properly and installed flashing where the leak was and i haven’t had an issue since. Despite the numerous tornados weve had. With that said, Fall of 2025 i told them (after being informed the siding wasn’t done properly by their guy) i told them while the basement no longer seems to leak, i want the rest of the house covered with that flashing incase their are other problems. i dont want to refinish my basement to discover issues. The “salesman” essentially accused me of only wanting free things and after him explaining to me how awesome he was and that i was wrong, i stopped the phone call. The subcontractors they hire are overall solid, but some of the staff have made the company unusable for me. Just be cautious if you use them. Communication is great… until they get your money.
    - Frequently asked

    Cedar roofing questions, answered.

    A cedar roof typically lasts 30–50 years when it’s installed correctly and maintained. Proper ventilation and periodic upkeep are what get you to the top of that range.

    Shakes are split from the log, so they’re thicker and more rugged with deeper shadow lines. Shingles are sawn, so they’re thinner, smoother and more uniform. Both are Western Red Cedar - it comes down to the look you want.

    Untreated cedar carries a Class C fire rating. We can install fire-retardant-treated cedar that reaches Class B or even Class A, paired with correct detailing - so you can have the wood look with better fire performance.

    Periodic cleaning, moss and algae control, and regular inspections. Cedar is a premium natural roof that rewards a little care with decades of character. Prefer the look with less upkeep? See composite cedar shake.

    Often it can be repaired if the base structure and decking are sound. We’ll tell you honestly whether a targeted repair or a full re-roof is the right call after a free inspection.

    Cedar is premium, running roughly $7–$16 per sq ft installed. A typical home lands around $18,000–$30,000 depending on shake vs shingle, grade and fire treatment. Your written estimate is free. See the cost guide →

    - Where we work

    Cedar roofing across southern Wisconsin.

    Two offices - our Madison, WI headquarters and our Brodhead, WI office - serving homeowners across Dane & Milwaukee counties and into southern Iowa. Check your area →

    ● Wisconsin · Headquarters

    Madison, WI Office

    621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5
    Madison, WI 53704

    Mon–Sat 8AM–5PM · 24/7 Storm Line

    ● Wisconsin · Brodhead Office

    Brodhead, WI Office

    17312 W Hafeman Rd
    Brodhead, WI 53520

    Mon–Sat 8AM–5PM · 24/7 Storm Line

    Popular service areas
    Free estimate · samples to your door · WI & IA

    See cedar on your home.

    Free inspection, physical cedar shake and shingle samples brought to your home, an honest recommendation (including the upkeep), and a written line-item estimate. Family-owned since 1979, across Wisconsin and Iowa.

    SAMPLES TO YOUR DOOR

    Get your free cedar roof estimate

    Same form, wherever you are on the page.

    ★★★★★ 4.9/5 on Google reviews logo 200+ Google reviewsRead our Google reviewsSee our BBB profileRead our GuildQuality reviewsRead our Yelp reviews

    Crew available todayFreeInspection1 dayMost installsDeductible onlyOn covered claims4.9 / 5200+ Google reviews

    ●  From the crew that writes the guides

    Done reading? Let us look for you.

    The guides tell you what to check from the ground. We get on the ladder, photograph every facet, and tell you straight: a claim, a repair, or nothing to worry about.

    Free roof inspection

    Three fields. Twenty minutes on site. Zero cost, zero obligation.

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