Cedar Shake Roofing in Clarksville, TN

Cedar shake roofing is beautiful. Natural wood. Rustic appearance. It was common on older homes in Clarksville, especially in the historic district near downtown and along the Red River.

Today, it is rare. Fire concerns and maintenance requirements have made it less popular. But some homeowners still love the look. We have replaced many cedar roofs with synthetic cedar that looks identical but requires no maintenance.

We have installed and repaired cedar shake roofs in Clarksville. They are beautiful but highmaintenance. Synthetic alternatives are now much better. We have replaced cedar roofs on homes o Fort Campbell Blvd where the original shakes were from the 1970s and were completely rotten.

This article covers cedar shake roofing in Clarksville. The pros. The cons. The cost. And modern alternatives. Call (931) 666-1469 for a free consultation.

### Cedar Shake Roofing Pros and Cons for Clarksville Homes

Pros first.

Insulation. Wood is a natural insulator. A cedar shake roof can lower energy bills slightly. The air gap between shakes also helps. In Clarksville's summer, that small benefit matters.

Longevity. With proper maintenance, cedar shakes last 20 to 30 years. That is longer than asphalt. Without maintenance, they rot in 15 years.

Eco-friendly. Cedar is renewable. It biodegrades at end of life. It has a lower carbon footprint than asphalt or metal.

Now the cons.

Fire risk. Cedar shakes are combustible. In dry conditions, a spark can ignite them. Fire retardants are available but add cost. Some insurance companies charge higher premiums (50-100% more) or refuse to insure cedar roofs. In Clarksville, where summer droughts happen,

Cedar Shake Roofing: Cost, Lifespan, and What to Expect in Clarksville

this is a real concern. We have seen homeowners pay is project-dependent — contact us for a free estimate a year for insurance on a cedar roof versus varies depending on materials and labor for asphalt.

Maintenance. Cedar shakes need regular treatment. Every 3-5 years, they need a fungicide to prevent moss and rot. Clarksville's humidity promotes moss. Every 5-10 years, they need a fire retardant. Without maintenance, they rot in 15 years. A full treatment costs depends on your specific roof to varies based on scope and materials.

Cost. Cedar shake roofing runs varies by project size and complexity to is project-dependent — contact us for a free estimate for a 2,000 sq ft home. More than asphalt, less than tile. Synthetic cedar is similar in price but lower maintenance.

Repair difficulty. Matching old cedar shakes is hard. The wood ages and changes color.

Repairs are visible. Also, shakes are often discontinued. We have seen homeowners unable to nd matching shakes for a roof that was 20 years old.

Synthetic alternatives. Synthetic cedar shakes (polymer) look like wood but are reresistant, rot-resistant, and lower maintenance. We recommend them over real wood. Brands like Brava and CeDUR offer 50-year warranties.

Fort Campbell families, real cedar shake is rare on base housing. Synthetic shakes may be allowed. Check with the housing office.

### How We Install Cedar Shake Roofing (Step by Step)

1. Tear-o . Remove old shingles. Inspect decking. Replace rotted wood. The decking must

be solid. For a 2,000 sq ft home, tear-o takes one full day. We use tarps to catch debris.

eaves, and around penetrations. We use ice shield 8 feet up from eaves. Cost included.

edge. We use stainless steel nails to prevent rust.

Shakes are spaced 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart to allow for expansion. This takes time. A crew of 4 can install about 300 sq ft per hour.

Appearance. Cedar shakes have a natural, rustic look that cannot be replicated by asphalt.

They add character and curb appeal. In a historic district, they may be required. Homes near Austin Peay State University with cedar roofs stand out.

1. Treatment. Fire retardant and fungicide applied. This must be done after installation and

every 3-5 years. We can apply the first treatment. You will need to schedule subsequent treatments.

1. Cleanup. Wood debris and nails. We magnet and sweep. We also check for any loose

shakes.

We prefer synthetic cedar shakes (Brava, CeDUR, EcoStar). They look the same but require no maintenance and are re-resistant. Cost is similar: varies depending on materials and labor to depends on your specific roof for a 2,000 sq ft home.

### Why Hire Clarksville Roofing Co for Cedar Shake?

We have experience with real and synthetic cedar. We can advise you on which makes sense for your home and budget. We also work with insurance companies. We can help you understand the re risk and premium implications. We have helped homeowners switch from real cedar to synthetic and save varies based on scope and materials per year on insurance.

For Fort Campbell families, synthetic cedar is a better choice. Real wood may not meet base re codes. We have installed synthetic cedar on o -base homes near the base.

### Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Flashing. Copper or metal flashings. Copper is best because it does not stain cedar. We

fabricate on site.