Cedar shake roofing, installed to last.
A cedar roof is one of the most striking choices a home can wear, and one of the least forgiving to install wrong. Buckshot installs and repairs cedar shake and wood shingle roofs across Wisconsin and Iowa with our own crews, careful ventilation detailing, and an honest assessment before any work starts.
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Real wood, real character, real upkeep.
Cedar roofing comes in two forms. Shakes are split from the log, so they're thicker with a rugged, hand-hewn texture. Shingles are sawn, so they're thinner, smoother, and more uniform. Both are most often Western Red Cedar, prized for its natural resistance to rot and insects.
Homeowners choose cedar for one reason above all: the look. Nothing else weathers to that silver-grey patina or frames a historic, lakeside, or high-end home quite the same way. It also insulates better than asphalt and stands up well to wind.
A cedar roof is a system, not just the shakes.
Cedar fails early when it can't breathe. The difference between a roof that lasts decades and one that rots in a few seasons is what goes under the wood, and the crew that details it.
We install the full system: a ventilated base so the underside of the cedar can dry, a quality underlayment, stainless or hot-dipped fasteners that won't streak or corrode, and proper flashing at every valley, chimney, and wall. We size the grade and exposure to your roof, not a one-size spec.
The honest case for, and against, cedar.
Cedar is beautiful and it is a commitment. We'd rather you know both sides before you spend, so here's the straight version.
Why homeowners choose it
- Curb appeal nothing else matches. A natural, premium look that ages into a silver-grey patina.
- Long life. 30 to 50 years when it's installed and maintained correctly.
- Better insulation than asphalt, which can help with comfort and energy.
- Wind and impact resilience when properly fastened and detailed.
- Adds value on historic, lakeside, and high-end homes where the look fits.
What to plan for
- Higher cost than asphalt, both in material and labor.
- Maintenance. Periodic cleaning and moss or algae control, especially on shaded or damp sides.
- Fire rating. Untreated cedar is typically Class C; treated cedar can reach Class B or A. Check local code and your HOA.
- Ventilation matters. A poorly ventilated cedar roof rots from underneath.
- Installer matters more than the wood. Most early cedar failures are install failures.
From inspection to final walkthrough.
One Buckshot project manager owns your job start to finish. No handoffs, no call center, no surprises.
Free inspection
We assess the roof, decking, and ventilation, then give you a written report, no sales pressure.
Itemized estimate
A clear, line-by-line estimate with the grade, exposure, and system spec laid out before you commit.
Material & permits
We help you choose shake or shingle and grade, then pull the permits your project needs.
Installation
Our own crew installs the full system with tarps, magnetic nail sweeps, and a tidy job site.
Walkthrough
We walk the finished roof with you and don't leave until it meets the family's standard.
Warranty in writing
You get our workmanship warranty in writing, plus care guidance to get the most life from the roof.
Love the look, not sure about the upkeep?
Cedar is the real thing, but it isn't the only way to get that look. Here's an honest side by side.
| Cedar shake / shingle | GAF asphalt (Master Elite) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30 to 50 yrs with upkeep | 25 to 50 yrs, low upkeep |
| Look | Natural, rustic, premium | Wide range, including wood-look designer shingles |
| Maintenance | Periodic cleaning, moss control | Minimal |
| Cost | Premium | Lower, strong value |
| Best warranty | Material plus our workmanship | Up to 50-yr GAF System Plus, Master Elite only |
| Best for | Historic, lakeside, premium curb appeal | Most homes, best warranty value |
Want the warmth of wood without the maintenance? As GAF Master Elite installers, we also build designer asphalt roofs like Camelot II that read like wood from the street, at a lower cost and with far less upkeep. A typical asphalt replacement runs $8,500 to $18,000, with a typical 1,800 sq ft home on GAF Timberline HDZ landing around $12,000 to $15,000.
Compare GAF asphalt shingles →A family name on every cedar roof we touch.
Cedar punishes shortcuts and rewards craftsmanship. That's exactly the kind of work a family company built since 1979 is set up to do.
Rated 4.9 stars across 80 reviews.
A few words from Wisconsin homeowners. Read the rest on our reviews page.
"Roof done less than a day, great work."
"Very good workmanship in my opinion."
"I paid my deductible and Buckshot worked with the insurance."
Q.01How long does a cedar shake roof last?+
Q.02What's the difference between shakes and shingles?+
Q.03Is a cedar roof fire-safe?+
Q.04How much maintenance does cedar need?+
Q.05Can you repair my cedar roof instead of replacing it?+
Q.06What if I want the cedar look without the upkeep?+
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Get an honest read on your cedar roof.
Whether you want a new cedar roof, a repair, or a wood-look alternative, start with a free, no-pressure inspection and a written report from a family crew that's been roofing since 1979. We respond within 2 hours.
Buckshot General Contracting, family-owned since 1979. Headquartered at 621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5, Madison, WI 53704, with a field office in Centerville, IA. Licensed in 24 states. WI Lic. DC-080900045. GAF Master Elite and BBB A+ accredited. Cedar roofing lifespan, fire ratings, and maintenance vary by species, grade, climate, and local code; figures are general guidance, not a guarantee. Pricing examples are typical ranges, not quotes. Credentials and licensing current as of publication.