Cedar shingle & shake roofing: timeless beauty and natural durability

Premium cedar shake roofing crafted for natural beauty, long-lasting performance, and dependable protection for homes throughout DuPage County and surrounding communities.

Cedar roofing is a premium choice for homeowners who want a roofing system that combines distinctive architectural appeal with proven performance. Because cedar shakes and shingles are crafted from natural wood, proper installation and replacement require experience, precision, and a deep understanding of how the material performs over time. At VIS Exteriors, we install cedar roofing systems using proven methods that protect the natural character of the material while ensuring long-term durability.

Beyond aesthetics, cedar roofing is valued for its natural insulating qualities and long-term resilience. However, these benefits depend heavily on correct installation, ventilation, and detailing. Our team focuses on every stage of the process – from removing old roofing materials to installing cedar shakes and shingles properly – so the finished roof performs well in changing weather conditions while maintaining its strength and visual appeal for decades.

For homeowners considering a natural wood roofing system, working with an experienced contractor is just as important as choosing the material itself. VIS Exteriors provides professional cedar shake and shingle roof installation and replacement services designed to deliver lasting protection, reliable performance, and the timeless beauty cedar roofing is known for.

CRAFTED. NATURAL. BUILT TO LAST.

High-quality cedar shake and shingle roofing services

Cedar shake and cedar shingle roofing offer a timeless look, natural durability, and long-lasting performance when installed correctly. These roofing systems require craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is why choosing an experienced contractor is essential. At VIS Exteriors, we bring years of hands-on experience working with cedar roofing systems and understand the proper installation methods that help them perform and age beautifully.

Our goal is to help homeowners make confident decisions about their roofing investment. Over the years, we’ve worked with a wide variety of roof types and home styles, giving us the knowledge needed to recommend the right cedar solution for each property. Whether you are planning a new installation or replacing an aging roof, we help you choose the right materials and schedule the project at a time that works best for you.

Choosing cedar roofing is about more than appearance – it’s about long-term performance. Cedar shakes and shingles require proper ventilation, precise installation, and expert handling to ensure they last for decades. Working with a trusted roofing professional ensures the natural beauty and durability of cedar are fully protected.

We handle a wide variety of asphalt shingle roofing services, including:

• Cedar roof inspection
• Full cedar shake and shingle roof replacement
• New cedar roof installation
• Hail and storm damage roof inspection and repair
• Financing for shingle roofing projects

With more than 25 years in business and thousands of completed projects, VIS Exteriors has built a reputation for clean, careful, and detail-focused workmanship. Homeowners often describe our team as professional, respectful, and attentive throughout the entire roofing process. Our commitment to precision and communication is what allows us to consistently deliver results that meet – and often exceed – expectations.

In addition to providing free estimates, we make sure every proposal is clear and accurate. Our pricing is honest and transparent, so you always know what you’re paying for without hidden costs or surprises.

Cedar roofing is not only visually striking but also naturally resistant to insects and harsh weather when properly maintained. Its unique texture adds warmth and character that complements a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional to modern homes. When installed by experienced professionals, cedar roofs can deliver exceptional longevity and strong curb appeal.

Our crew takes pride in maintaining a clean, organized jobsite and protecting your home and landscaping throughout the entire project. From preparation to final cleanup, we focus on craftsmanship, safety, and attention to detail – because our goal is to provide cedar roofing services that homeowners can rely on for decades.

Benefits of cedar shake roofing

The most common reason to choose cedar roofing is having that certain look, that is unmatched by other roofing materials. However, there is much more to cedar than just its looks.

Here are the top benefits of cedar shake roofing:

• Beauty. A variety of color selection, including amber, red, gold and brown tones, and hand-cut shakes create a natural look for your home that is easy to match with the aesthetics of any home. If cedar is left to age without reapplying protective finishes every few years, it ages ellegantly, shifting to a silver-gray color.
• Long lasting and durable. Cedar is naturally resistant to bugs because of the oils it contains, and can withstand tough weather conditions. It does need some extra care before the cold winter months, but when properly maintained, cedar shakes can protect your home for up to 30-50 years.
• Energy efficiency. Cedar is a natural insulator, keeping the warm air inside of your home during cold days, and not letting the hot air in during the summer. In fact, cedar shake roofing can provide as much as 2 times more insulation than asphalt shingles, and help you save on your heating and cooling expenses considerably.
• Stability. Being a low density material, cedar lies flat and stays straight even during humid conditions. When installed properly, it’s also able to withstand hurricane winds with minimal loss of shakes.
• Sustainability. Wood used to produced cedar shake roofing is harvested from forests, planted for this purpose precisely. Being a natural renewable source, cedar is completely biodegradable and is processed in an environmentally friendly way to ensure as little impact to the atmosphere as possible.
• Cedar roofs catch the eye with their natural warmth and ambience. While other materials try to copy this unique look, nothing quite matches its beauty. The natural oils that cedar contains keep it durable and resistant to bugs, and when maintained properly, this type of roofing provides excellent protection and insulation for 25-30 years.

Wood roofing material specifications

• Grades. There are three grades of cedar siding: premium, number 1 and number 2. Premium grade shakes are made from the very best wood, they are 100% clear. Number 1 grade shakes are clear heartwood, and cut from lower quality wood than premium grade. Number 2 grade shakes are cut from lower quality wood, contain more flat grains and usually have some defects, such as knots, blowouts, bark and so on. This grade is mostly used on barns and sheds, since their durability, weather resistance and insulation is much lower than that of higher grades.
• Fire resistance: There are 4 fire resistance classes, A, B, C and non fire rated. Class A is the most resistant to fire while non fire rated class is the least resistant.
• Length. Cedar shakes are either 18” or 24” long.
• Types. Hand-split resawn shakes, tapersawn shakes, and tapersplit shakes are the types available on the market. Tapersplit shakes are split by hand on the both sides of the piece, and this method is mostly used for the highest quality wood. Tapersawn shakes are cut with a saw from lower quality materials, and hand-split resawn is a combination of both of the previously mentioned methods.

All of this sounds complicated, there is no need to worry. Cedar roofing experts at VIS Exteriors are ready to help you select the right materials for your project. Simply schedule your free inspection with us and we will be on our way to assist you.

Cedar shake roofing maintenance

A shingle shake roof that has been installed and maintained properly lasts for up to 30 years under favorable conditions. If you have a wood roof or plan on installing shakes, we recommend that you take these tips into account to extend the life of your roof:

• Check your roof regularly. We recommend to have a professional inspect your cedar shakes at least once a year. On top of that, you should check it yourself after storms and high winds have passed your area to see if any shakes are missing or if any visible damage is present.
• Use cedar-specific cleaning products and reapply the protective finish every few years. This will add resilience to your roofing and enhance its appearance. Make sure that you use fire resistant finish that is designed to withstand the weather extremes, common to Illinois. It’s best to ask your contractor about the application process, though, as they will guide you through it and give advice on how to take care of your beautiful roofing.
• Make sure there is no moss, mold or lichen growth present. It’s very important to keep any organic growth from occurring on your roofing, as it traps moisture inside the cedar materials and can damage your roofing over time, causing leaks.
• Clean the gutters regularly and remove leafs, fir needles and any other debris that gets trapped in the valley of the roof. This ensures that there is no blockage and rainwater can be diverted from your roof efficiently.
• Ensure proper attic ventilation. This is very important in extending the life of your roofing, heat and moisture can accumulate in the attic and lead to rot and deterioration.
• Trust your cedar shakes to roofing experts only. Cedar roofing requires specific knowledge and certain tools to be completed to the highest standards. Make sure that your roofing contractor is experienced with cedar and has the proper equipment to install the materials reliably.

It’s impossible to prevent normal wear and tear, but if you follow these steps, you will vastly extend the life of your roofing and will enjoy its natural beauty for years to come.

Choose experienced cedar shingle and shake roofers in DuPage County and nearby neighborhoods

VIS Exteriors is an honest and hardworking local roofing company, in business since 2001. During our years of service we have completed over 4,000 successful projects and enjoy every moment of working in the exterior renovation business. Our meticulous work is appreciated by our customers and our experienced roofers complete each project to the highest of standards.

REUSABLE MODULE

We serve DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County and Will County and have a wide service range, including not only roofing, but also siding,  window replacement, gutters installation and hail and wind damage inspection services.