# Cedar Shake Roofing on the North Shore Natural wood roofing. Free estimates. No pressure. ## Established Excellence In late autumn, when the leaves come down and you finally see the full roofline, a worn cedar shake roof is hard to ignore. HX Home Solutions installs [cedar shake and shingle roofing](https://www.hxhome.solutions/roofing) for North Shore homes with a **family-owned approach we have used since 1950**. We’re proud to offer free, no-pressure estimates and crews that stay on the job through completion. Whether you’re replacing an aging wood roof in Lake Forest or researching whether cedar makes sense for your property, this page gives you the numbers and the process before starting your project. - 75 Years in Business - 1,000+ Stone Veneer Projects Completed - Limited Lifetime Warranty - Over 50,000 sq. ft. of Stone Veneer Repaired ## Why Cedar Shake Roofing on the North Shore? ### Durability When properly installed, cedar shake roofing **lasts 30 years or more with routine maintenance**. Cedar is a naturally dense wood with good impact resistance, and when individual shakes split or age unevenly, selective replacement extends the overall roof life without a full tear-off. Top-grade #1 Blue Label cedar, properly installed and maintained, often reaches 40 years on protected rooflines. ### Climate Fit Cedar’s natural insulating properties and stability help it stand up well to the repeated freezing and thawing that North Shore homes experience each winter. Its **open cellular structure allows moisture to escape** rather than trap and rot the deck, provided the installation includes the right breathable underlayment and ridge ventilation that North Shore winters require. Moisture management is the part that separates a cedar roof that lasts from one that fails early. ### Low Noise Cedar provides **noticeably quieter interiors during heavy rain than metal roofing**. The wood mass and irregular shake surface absorb rain and hail sound rather than amplifying it. On a North Shore property where summer storms come in fast off the lake, that acoustic difference is real. ### Natural Aesthetics **No manufactured material fully replicates the grain variation**, shadow depth, and natural weathering of real cedar. On older North Shore homes, particularly Tudor revival and craftsman styles in Highland Park and Winnetka, cedar is often the material the original architect specified. Matching it with a replacement isn’t just a preference; it’s the right call to maintain the neighborhood’s character. ### Insulation Value Cedar provides **roughly twice the insulating value of asphalt shingles**at the same thickness. In older Lake County homes with limited attic insulation, a cedar roof can help improve the home’s overall thermal performance without opening up interior walls or ceilings. ### Long-Term Value Cedar carries a higher upfront cost than asphalt but a**lower cost per year of service when the full lifespan is accounted for**. For North Shore homeowners planning to hold their property long-term, the premium over asphalt often works out on a per-decade basis. For homes where the roof is part of the signature look, cedar helps maintain architectural character that buyers and appraisers often recognize. ## Cedar Roofing Options We Install Cedar roofing comes in two main profiles and multiple grades. Here’s how we approach material selection for North Shore homes. ### Cedar Shakes (Hand-Split or Sawn) Cedar shakes have a **thicker, irregular profile with a more textured surface**. Hand-split shakes emphasize the natural grain and shadow lines that give craftsman and cottage-style homes their character. Proper spacing is especially important with cedar shakes, allowing water to drain efficiently and helping prevent moisture from collecting where the shakes overlap. ### Cedar Shingles (Sawn) Cedar shingles are **sawn on both sides for a uniform taper and cleaner surface**. They install with tighter butt lines and work well on homes where a refined, traditional appearance is preferred. Shingles are also common on historically sensitive properties where HOA or village guidelines require a specific visual character. ### Grade Selection: #1 Blue Label vs. #2 Red Label We use industry-standard cedar grading on every project. #1 Blue Label is**all-heartwood, all-clear, and edge-grain**: the highest-grade cedar available and the correct choice for a full replacement on the North Shore, where longevity matters. #2 Red Label is a solid mid-grade option for budget-sensitive projects or partial repairs where matching existing material takes priority over a full upgrade. ## Cedar Shake Roof Cost on the North Shore Cedar is a premium roofing material, and the pricing reflects that. Full replacement in the Chicago area runs **$6 to $10 per square foot installed at the standard end**, based on Chicago-area market data from 2025 to 2026, with complex or premium-grade work reaching $18 to $20 per square foot in Illinois. Below, the table outlines where different scenarios land. Scenario Installed Cost Range Notes Source Per sq ft, Chicago area (standard) $6.00 to $10.00 Full replacement, labor and material Chicago-area market data 2025 to 2026 Per sq ft, IL premium end $12.00 to $20.00 Complex roofs, premium-grade cedar Illinois market data 2025 to 2026 Per sq ft, moderately complex IL roof Around $18.00 Moderately complex pitch and detail Illinois 2026 data Full replacement, 1,000 sq ft roof $17,410 to $20,620 National average range National benchmark data Full replacement, Chicago market $19,241 to $36,507 Varies by complexity, grade, and access Chicago market data ### What Affects Your Cedar Roof Price? **Cedar grade is the biggest variable** in the range above. #1 Blue Label all-heartwood costs significantly more per square than #2 Red Label, and the difference adds up on a typical North Shore home. Roof complexity is next: steep pitches, multiple valleys, dormers, and heavy flashings around chimneys all increase labor. Tear-off of existing cedar or asphalt adds cost, and disposal is more involved with wood material. We assess property access during the estimate, including mature trees, dense landscaping, and narrow driveways, so we can plan the project and protect your property. HX Home Solutions provides free on-site estimates with no obligation. We offer financing for qualified homeowners, and we help clients through the insurance process when storm damage is part of the picture. Read our [roof replacement cost guide](https://www.hxhome.solutions/blog/roof-replacement-cost) for a broader breakdown of factors that drive roofing prices. ## Cedar vs. Composite Shake Roofing Composite and synthetic shake products have improved significantly and have come up in almost every cedar conversation on the North Shore. The honest answer is that neither is universally better: **cedar wins on authenticity and historic accuracy**; composite wins on longevity and maintenance ease. Here’s how the two compare on the factors most homeowners ask about. Factor Natural Cedar Composite / Synthetic Shake Notes **Lifespan** 30 years or more with maintenance 40 to 50 years low-maintenance Industry reference data **Installed Cost** Higher upfront ($6 to $20/sq ft IL) More cost-effective upfront Cost data, IL market **Maintenance** Periodic cleaning, selective repair Minimal: no staining, no sealing Industry standard **Appearance** Authentic grain variation and natural weathering Consistent look, limited grain depth Visual comparison **Noise (Rain/Hail)** Quiet: wood mass absorbs sound Similar; varies by product thickness Installer experience **Fire Rating** Class C untreated; Class A with treatment Class A on most composite products Check local code requirements **Historic Compatibility** Original specification material for older homes Accepted in many but not all HOA and village guidelines Verify with local authority If composite shake is on your list, our [composite roofing page](https://www.hxhome.solutions/roofing/composite) covers the specific products we install and what they look like on North Shore homes. ## North Shore Cedar Roofing, Family-Owned Since 1950 HX Home Solutions has installed exterior systems on the North Shore**since 1950**. Installing cedar shakes and shingles is more involved than installing standard asphalt roofing. It requires the right underlayment for changing moisture conditions, proper fastener placement to help reduce splitting, and carefully constructed ridge and hip details designed for the wind exposure common near the lake. Our crews handle cedar installations with the same team from start to cleanup. That continuity shows in the finished product. Homeowners in Highland Park, Northbrook, and Glenview rate us **4.9 stars across 179 Google reviews.** Our team is small by design, and you talk to the same people from estimate to final cleanup. ## Our Cedar Roofing Process Here is how a cedar installation goes from first visit to final sweep. ### Step 1: On-Site Consultation We visit the property, inspect the condition of the existing roof deck and flashing, and give you a detailed written estimate. For cedar work we also assess ventilation and drainage because both directly affect how long the new cedar will perform. No sales script, and no pressure. ### Step 2: Material Selection We help you choose a shake or shingle profile and the right cedar grade for your budget and roofline. We can bring samples and reference photos from comparable North Shore projects so you can see how each option ages and weathers in this climate. ### Step 3: Deck and Underlayment Prep Cedar requires a **breathable underlayment system, not the standard felt used under asphalt**. We prepare the deck with proper skip sheeting or solid sheathing depending on the shake profile, and address any soft spots or damaged decking before the new material goes down. This prep determines whether the cedar lasts. ### Step 4: Cedar Installation Shakes or shingles are installed to manufacturer specifications, with proper exposure spacing and stainless-steel or hot-dip galvanized fasteners that won’t react with the cedar over time. Ridge caps, hip runs, and flashing are finished the same day. We can complete most North Shore cedar replacements in **two to three days depending on roof complexity**. ### Step 5: Final Walkthrough and Inspection We walk the job with you when it is done. You review the ridge work, flashings, and any areas you want to look at closely. Cleanup includes magnetic sweeps of the yard and driveway for loose fasteners, and all tear-off debris is removed the same day. ### Step 6: Maintenance Guidance and Ongoing Support We provide guidance on the maintenance schedule that keeps your cedar roof performing for its full lifespan: when to clean moss and debris, when to consider a surface treatment, and what to watch for after major storms. If something comes up after the job is done, we are reachable. ## Cedar Roofing Across the North Shore HX Home Solutions installs cedar shake and shingle roofing throughout Lake County and the North Shore suburbs. Find local context and project experience for your area below. ### Location Pages - Roofing Contractor in Wilmette - Roofing Contractor in Glenview - Roofing Contractor in Libertyville We also install cedar roofing in Highland Park, Winnetka, and Lake Forest. Contact us for project experience and references in those areas. ### Related Roofing Services - Composite Shake Roofing on the North Shore - Slate Roofing on the North Shore Ready to Upgrade Your North Shore Home with Cedar? Get your free cedar roofing estimate from a trusted North Shore contractor today. [Get Your Free Estimate](https://www.hxhome.solutions/contact-us) ## Explore Our Featured Projects ### [Architectural Stone and Hardie Shingles Elevate Kildeer Home](https://www.hxhome.solutions/projects/fiber-cement-siding-stone-veneer-kildeer) Our Kildeer project showcases James Hardie staggered edge shingles with complementary stone veneer for exterior transformation. Get a free quote! Stone Veneer · Kildeer, IL 60047 ### [Preserving History: Algonquin Fiber Cement Replacement](https://www.hxhome.solutions/projects/fiber-cement-siding-replacement-algonquin) See our James Hardie historic home renovation project with period-accurate siding installation that honors original architecture with modern durability. Fiber Cement · Algonquin, IL [All Projects](https://www.hxhome.solutions/projects) ## Savings and Customer Care ### Free Estimates Every cedar project starts with a **free on-site visit**. We inspect the existing roof, take measurements, and put together a written estimate covering material grade, profile, and the full scope of prep work before you commit to anything. There’s no charge and no follow-up pressure. ### Financing Options Cedar is a significant investment and we understand that. We offer [**financing for qualified homeowners**](https://www.hxhome.solutions/financing), so the cost doesn’t have to be a stressor. Ask about current plans when you schedule your estimate. ### Insurance Claim Assistance If wind, hail, or storm damage has affected your cedar roof, we help you through the insurance claim process. We document damage, work with your adjuster on scope, and ensure the claim covers what the job actually requires. This is available to all our roofing customers **at no additional charge**. See our guide on [insurance coverage for roof replacement](https://www.hxhome.solutions/blog/insurance-coverage-roof-replacement) for more detail. [Need an Insurance Claim Assistance?](https://www.hxhome.solutions/contact-us) [View All Offers](https://www.hxhome.solutions/offers) ## Customer Reviews ## Cedar Roofing FAQ ### How long does a cedar shake roof last on the North Shore? A properly installed cedar shake roof lasts **30 years or more with routine maintenance**. The actual lifespan depends on cedar grade, installation quality, ventilation, and how consistently the roof is cleared of moss and debris in North Shore winters. Top-grade #1 Blue Label cedar, properly installed and maintained, often reaches 40 years on protected rooflines. ### Does cedar roofing need regular maintenance? **Yes.** Cedar needs more active maintenance than asphalt or composite. Every three to five years, the roof should be cleaned of moss and debris, and individual split or damaged shakes should be replaced before moisture reaches the deck. Some homeowners apply a wood preservative or fire-retardant treatment on a similar schedule. When we hand over your project, we’ll provide a maintenance timeline so you know exactly what to plan for. ### Will you protect my landscaping during a cedar tear-off? **Yes.** We use tarps that go over shrubs, flower beds, and anything below the roofline before work begins. Cedar tear-off generates more debris than asphalt because of the wood volume, so we are deliberate about containment. Magnetic rollers sweep the yard and driveway before we leave each day, and all material is removed the same day it comes off. ### Do I need a permit for a cedar roof replacement? Permit requirements vary by municipality on the North Shore. Winnetka, Highland Park, and Lake Forest each have their own rules, and some villages require permits for full replacements and have material approval processes for historic districts. **We pull permits where required** and factor the timeline and cost into the project plan from the start. ### Can cedar be installed on a low-slope roof? Cedar shake and shingle installation has minimum pitch requirements. Shakes generally require a **4:12 pitch or steeper**. Below that threshold, the drainage path isn’t adequate for wood material, and moisture trapping becomes a problem. If your roofline has sections below 4:12, we will discuss the options at the estimate: cedar on the eligible sections and a compatible alternative on the low-slope areas. ## Start Your Home Transformation Today --- HX Home Solutions — [https://www.hxhome.solutions/roofing/cedar](https://www.hxhome.solutions/roofing/cedar)