Cedar shake roofing in Madison, WI, 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. Honest upkeep guidance included.
Wood
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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) →
What a cedar roof costs in Madison.
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.
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 Madison 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 →
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.
Love the look, unsure about upkeep? Composite cedar shake → · Want the value option? GAF designer shingles →
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.
- You want authentic natural wood and its character
- You’ll keep up with light periodic maintenance
- You value natural insulation and a premium, high-end look
- Your home or neighborhood suits a classic wood roof
- You want a truly no-maintenance roof (composite or asphalt)
- You’re budget-focused - asphalt costs about half
- You want the simplest Class A fire rating with no treatment
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.
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.
4.9 stars, pulled straight from Google.
4.9 / 5 · 200+ verified reviews“Roof done in less than a day – great work.”
“Very good workmanship in my opinion. The crew was professional start to finish.”
“I paid my deductible and Buckshot worked with the insurance the whole way. Easy and honest.”
Janesville, WI · Google · 2024Cedar roofing questions, answered.
How long does a cedar roof last?
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.
Cedar shakes vs. cedar shingles - what’s the difference?
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.
Is a cedar roof a fire risk?
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.
How much maintenance does a cedar roof need?
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.
Can a cedar roof be repaired, or does it need replacing?
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.
How much does a cedar roof cost?
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 →
Cedar roofing across Wisconsin & Iowa.
Two offices – our Madison, WI headquarters and our Centerville, IA field office – serving homeowners across Dane & Milwaukee counties and southern Iowa. Check your area →
Madison, WI Office
621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5
Madison, WI 53704
Mon–Sat 8AM–5PM · 24/7 Storm Line
Centerville, IA Office
20120 IA-2
Centerville, IA 52544
Mon–Sat 8AM–5PM · 24/7 Storm Line
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.
- FREE ESTIMATE
- SAMPLES TO YOUR DOOR
- WESTERN RED CEDAR
- FINANCING
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