Cedar Shake Roofing in Clarksville, TN

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 $3,000 a year for insurance on a cedar

roof versus $1,500 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

re retardant. Without maintenance, they rot in 15 years. A full treatment costs $1,500 to

$3,000.

Cost. Cedar shake roofing runs $15,000 to $25,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home. More than

asphalt, less than tile. Synthetic cedar is similar in price but lower maintenance.

Repair di culty. 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.

1. Underlayment. Heavy-duty synthetic underlayment (two layers). Ice shield in valleys,

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

1. Starter course. Shakes installed along the eaves with the butt edge overhanging the drip

edge. We use stainless steel nails to prevent rust.

Why Cedar Shake Roofing Is Still Worth It in Clarksville, TN

1. Shake installation. Each shake is nailed individually with two nails (stainless steel).

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: $14,000 to $22,000 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 $1,000 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.