Residential Roofing
Residential Cedar Roofing
Natural Wood Shake Roofing
Cedar Shake Residential Roofing in Chicagoland, Northshore, IL
SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Chicago and its surrounding Chicagoland suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Barrington, Long Grove, and Lake Forest roofing contractor with plenty of experience with Natural Cedar Shake Roof replacement, installation. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of virtually every type of new residential roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service and exceptional results are the "SMART" roofing difference. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at 847.797.0404 to learn more about Natural Cedar Shake Roof, email us for your residential cedar roof replacement needs.
Natural Wood Cedar Shake Roofs
Natural Wood shakes and wood shingles are manufactured from western red cedar, cypress, pine and redwood trees. Shakes are split from logs and reshaped by manufacturers for commercial use. They are thicker at the butt end than shingles; generally one or both surfaces are split to obtain a textured effect. A split and resawn shake has a split face and sawn back. A taper sawn shake has a natural taper and is sawn on both sides. Wood shingles are sawn on both sides and have an even taper and uniform thickness. When applied to shingles, the industry terms "Perfection" and "Royal" mean 18 inch and 24 inch lengths, respectively.
Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are also available pressure treated with fire retardants and chemical preservatives for increased fire resistance and to prevent premature rot and decay in some climates.
The Eco-Smart Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Solution
More than ever, homeowners today want a house that is ecologically efficient and does not harm the environment in any way. Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing uses recycled material to create a beautiful and durable roof that itself is fully recyclable. An eco-friendly solution avoids depleting natural resources such as quarries for slate or lumber for wood.
Selecting the right roof is always a concern when having to replace your existing roof. With synthetic materials the main issue is the look of the finished roof. Many people worry that composite roofing materials will end up looking like plastic and will be very easy to spot as synthetic. With variable widths of cedar pieces, variable thickness, wood grain texture, and a beautiful selection of colors, synthetic shake looks like the real deal. The color choices, and even the option for custom colors, ensure that your roof will look like a real aged cedar shake roof. With a natural Class A and optional class C fire rating, 50 year limited warranty, and a Class 4 impact rating, this synthetic cedar shake roof will last much longer than a regular cedar shake roof and withstand all the elements.
Learn more about Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing
What Our Clients Are Saying
Marlene and Dennis: My wife and I had the pleasure of having our flat roof replaced by Smart Roofing (847-797-0404) and their staff and crew in 2021. My wife and I are not related to anyone at Smart Roofing. This is an objective review. Mike, Smart roof scheduler, suggested the best insulation for the flat roof in order to stop the heat from escaping through the roof and to insulate the room below. Mike took his time to suggest and […]
We had the BEST experience with SMART Roofing. Our new roof was installed a year ago. Mike W. did an outstanding job from scheduling our roof installation, to helping us pick the color of the shingles, coordinating the roofing crew, making sure our neighbors weren’t inconvenienced during the project, being on site regularly, and answering all our questions. Mike W. made this a GREAT experience. Mike W. is so kind, helpful, trustworthy, knowledgeable and was always available to talk to […]
We used Smart Roofing to replace our roof and repair some other damage to the roof structure. They replaced the asphalt roof and plywood decking on the entire house and garage and did a fantastic job. Pete was knowledgeable about the project, understanding our needs, and quick to respond to any questions we had about the process. He also handled communication to our insurance to make sure proper forms were filled out to ensure our coverage and repair was correct. […]
We’ve used Smart Roofing on two instances for a roof replacement and a full siding replacement on our house. For both, the planning and estimate process was very detailed and honest, and the work was done conscientiously. They were transparent about unexpected issues, and I definitely got the impression that their top priority was to get the job done right (rather than just quickly). It’s been 5 years since our roof was installed, and 1 year since the siding, and […]
We highly recommend Smart Roofing! We met Pete as he was replacing roofs on two of our neighbors’ houses. They had storm & hail damage. We asked him to inspect ours and sure enough, we also had damage. Pete worked with the insurance adjusters and we wound up with a new roof completely covered by insurance. From the beginning, Pete was pleasant and professional. He was extremely helpful and patient as he brought shingle samples. Owning a mansard roof made […]
Our experience with Smart Roofing was exceptional from start to finish. We had gotten 4 proposals for the complete tear-off that needed to be done on our roof. Pete represented his company with knowledge, honesty and no ridiculous sales pitch – a huge plus for me. Pete was easy to work with and their price was reasonable. We were also in an insurance ‘time crunch’ for completion, and Pete made sure that the work would be completed in a timely […]
We used Smart Roofing to replace our roof and repair some other damage to the roof structure. They replaced the asphalt roof and plywood decking on the entire house and garage and did a fantastic job. Pete was knowledgeable about the project, understanding our needs, and quick to respond to any questions we had about the process. He also handled communication to our insurance to make sure proper forms were filled out to ensure our coverage and repair was correct. […]
Pete and his Smart Roofing team are truly amazing!! From the time the insurance adjuster did their assessment, all the way through to the completion of the roof and siding project…the Smart Roofing team were true professionals! Not only were Pete and his team reliable, diligent and thorough workers, but they were a significant resource in helping us pick-out different designs and colors. And they even referred us to a great garage company who installed a new door for us. […]
Great company to work with. My fiancée and I used Smart Roofing during our home inspection a couple months ago. The house we purchased has a concrete tile roof and we wanted to be confident there were no pre-existing concerns. Mike from Smart Roofing stopped by in under a day’s notice and completed the inspection. Along the way, he provided valuable insight on the roof and what we should expect as new homeowners with a tile roof. Just this past […]
We want you to know that we are very pleased with the quality of service Smart Roofing, Inc. provides. The Smart Roofing, Inc. team has provided several family members with new roof systems and service on their residential roofs in Park Ridge for over 15 years. We have also had quality roofing and service completed on commercial roofs in Park Ridge and Elk Grove. We appreciate the responsiveness of the Smart Roofing, Inc. team and the impeccable service. We have […]
We had an excellent experience with Smart Roofing. Beforehand and during the work, they were able to answer any questions that we had. Both the roof and gutters look great. The guys who did the work also cleaned up everything. All my patio furniture and pots were neatly put back in place and the rubbish was all disposed of in the dumpster they brought. I most definitely would recommend Smart Roofing.
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Stan and his team for the work they have done on my roof. I live in Chicago in a bungalow. The company responded right away to solve my problem and they did an excellent job quickly and efficiently. They use the newest technology and they are professional, efficient and knowledgeable. I would happily recommend them as a trustworthy and sensibly priced roofing company.
Smart Roofing is the BEST. Their honesty saved me thousands of dollars in un-necessary skylight replacements and the custom exterior trim work they did is amazing. An absolute pleasure to work with.
Pete was super easy to work with! All paperwork was delivered on time and as per discussion, he was incredibly responsive to questions, and the work was completed on time for the agreed upon amount. Checked all the right boxes for me
Smart Roofing has deep domain expertise in the repair of a Ludowici Tile Roof. These guys really know their stuff. Very skilled. The GO TO company in metro Chicago for Ludowici Roof Tile.
Smart Roofing, Thank you for walking us through the roof replacement and the insurance process. Great customer services and I would 100% recommend them to friends and neighbors. GReat job and Thank you!
All levels of communication were outstanding as well as working with MIKE STRUGALA and his crew!!!!!They were punctual,efficient,neat, quality driven and above all informative!!!!!YES—-I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM!!!!!!
First and foremost, Stan is a very honest person; his tradesmen are well trained and execute quality work; work is performed on schedule; and pricing is fair. They installed new slate tile roof, copper gutters, and standing seam copper roofing for my home. Overall, great value and no-hassle experience. I strongly recommend Smart Roofing.
Effective air Glenview, We have worked with Smart roofing for over 20 years, They installed a new roof at my home, I refer them at least once a month to my customers, Because they have excellent service, Excellent warrantee, They are worth the price.
Smart Roofing just finished installing a new roof and gutters on our home in the edgebrook area of Chicago. Pete and his crew were amazing to work with. I started talking with Pete a year before we did the roof and he was always responsive and attentive to our needs and concerns. It was not a straightforward job as we had some issues we needed to address. Pete was nothing but patient while answering all the questions and concerns we […]
I’m incredibly pleased with the new roof I received from Smart Roofing. Mike W. was fantastic to work with and was immediately responsive to all my questions and/or concerns. Mike’s crew not only installed a new roof for me, but also new gutters, gutter guards and additional soffit vents. The work was professionally done and everything looks great! I’ll have no issues with a roof for many years to come! I would recommend Smart Roofing to anyone who needs a […]
Our house was re-roofed by Smart Roofing, Inc. Our property is very difficult to work with due to extensive landscaping and mature trees close to the house, requiring material movement and disposal using wheel barrels and a lot of manual labor. We were happy to work with Pete on the quotation during which he was very careful to match the quality level of the entire roofing system to the one we had installed originally. Pete also worked to coordinate everything […]
I wanted to say thank you to you both and to all of your hard-working guys who so skillfully replaced our roof and did the copper work. Wow! Talented and thoughtful guys – so nice to see the cleanup at the end of each day of work and to have such great communication about hours and where we needed to park and at what times, rain days, etc. Truly a great experience as far as we are concerned and we […]
“Thank you for patiently answering all of our questions, making excellent suggestions, and for taking care to make sure we were happy with all of our decisions. We really appreciate that you were available each day and that you personally supervised critical elements of the job. It was a true pleasure working with you. Everything turned out beautifully. From beginning to end, our experience was beyond our expectations.”
Cedar Roofing FAQs
What are the benefits of DaVinci Shake roofing over natural cedar shake?
Durability: DaVinci Shake resists splitting, curling, and cracking, unlike natural cedar.
Weather Resistance: It withstands severe weather, including hail, high winds (up to 110 mph or higher), and freeze-thaw cycles.
Low Maintenance: No need for frequent treatments, staining, or replacement of broken tiles.
Longevity: A lifespan of up to 50 years, compared to the shorter lifespan of natural wood.
Aesthetic Variety: Available in various colors and blends, offering design flexibility.
Eco-Friendly: Made with recyclable materials and reduces the need for tree harvesting.
Read More FAQs»
At SMART Roofing, Inc. we believe in being a responsible and environmentally friendly company. Therefore, we recycle all of our asphalt-based roofing debris. The recycled asphalt is then used in creating new roads.
Featured Cedar Roofing Projects in Chicago's North Shore by Smart Roofing, Inc.
Cedar Roof Replacement in South Barrington
Natural cedar shake roofs continue to be a sought-after choice in South Barrington and the surrounding Barrington area, offering a timeless appearance and natural durability. While some homeowners are opting for composite shake alternatives that require less maintenance, many still appreciate the authentic beauty and performance of a natural cedar shake roof. Cedar’s natural oils provide insulation and its ability to swell up when wet enhances waterproofing by closing gaps. With proper maintenance, a cedar roof replacement can last for decades, adding character and charm to Barrington homes while maintaining excellent protection against the elements.
We take pride in advising homeowners on the best options for roof replacement with natural cedar shake or synthetic shake to ensure they choose the best solution for their home. For this cedar roof replacement in South Barrington, the homeowner chose to stay with natural cedar shake for its traditional aesthetic and proven reliability. To further add to the durability of the roof, we installed new copper valleys for proper drainage and durability in high water-flow areas, and new copper flashings for additional long-term waterproofing. This project also involved skylight replacement, which tie the entire roof and home together.
As many homes in the Barrington area approach the 20- to 30-year mark, replacing aging cedar roofs is becoming a priority for homeowners looking to maintain both curb appeal and long-term performance. Whether homeowners decide on cedar shake in Barrington or composite shake in South Barring, we make sure that every installation is done with expert craftsmanship for a roof that stands the test of time.
SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Barrington, South Barrington, North Barrington, Barrington Hills, Lake Barrington and its surrounding suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Barrington Roofing Contractor with plenty of experience with cedar shake roofs, Brava composite shake roofs, and DaVinci synthetic shake roofs. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of virtually every type of new residential roof and commercial roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service, and exceptional results are the “SMART” roofing difference. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, to learn more, or email us for your residential or commercial roofing needs.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement in Glencoe
Natural cedar roofs are some of the most durable roofs possible, at least in the first several years of their lifespan. That quickly changes as the cedar starts to age, wear out, and slowly disintegrate. While cedar roof replacements are very popular, there is noticeable trend of homeowner who replace their old cedar shake roofs with composite products to increase the roof's life expectancy and appearance.
The main culprit behind the slow move away from natural cedar shake is the change in the Chicagoland climate, particularly the north shore area. Cedar shake roofs in the Glencoe, Northfield, Wilmette, and Winnetka area are aging faster than before due to the increased swings in temperature between summer and winter, and the increased moisture. Both of these affect the natural abilities of cedar to seal, since cedar roofs are natural and go through cycles of absorbing water and drying out. When cedar shake roofs stay wet for longer periods of time, they begin to wear out faster and in many cases grow moss, which damages the shake even more. This is not the case with composite shake alternatives, such as Brava Shake or DaVinci Shake. Composite materials never absorb water and are much more impervious to the temperature changes. Natural cedar shake also gets thinner with age as running water slowly wears away at the natural wood. Composite alternatives also do not run into this issue, allowing them to last much longer than natural cedar.
Despite these shortcomings, cedar roof replacements in Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northfield are on the rise, and some homeowners are still replacing old cedar with new natural cedar shake. While there are issues with cedar roofs, there are also a myriad of benefits. New natural cedar shake roofs are beautiful for one. New cedar is also very good at providing an insulating barrier due to the natural oils that are present in the cedar itself. Since natural wood can swell when wet, cedar roofs provide additional waterproofing during rains, closing any possible gaps in the roof, whether the cedar is old or new.
We at Smart Roofing always believe in helping homeowners choose the right material for their roof. In many cases, a natural cedar shake roof will perform well for the expected life span of 20-30 years, and homeowners are more than happy knowing they have a natural product on their roof that will last for decades. That was the decision this homeowner made when performed this cedar shake roof replacement in Glencoe. The appearance of new cedar, combined with new copper valleys fabricated in our own sheet metal shop, plus the benefits of natural cedar, and the expected life span convinced this homeowner to choose natural over composite. The end result is a gorgeous roof that will last for a long time without any worries, providing a sophisticated aesthetic and exceptional waterproofing.
We also recommend that all homeowners, not just ones in the North Shore area, have their cedar roofs inspected often if they are over 20 years old. This proactive approach can prevent unnecessary headaches if the cedar roof is aging. We have performed numerous cedar shake roof replacements in Northfield, Winnetka, and Glencoe in the last few years, as many of the homes were built 20-30 years ago, and the cedar shake roofs in Winnetka, Glencoe, and Northfield are nearing the end of their lifespan. Whether homeowners decide to proceed with replacement of natural cedar shake in the North Shore area and choose composite shake or natural shake, we make sure they get the best roof they can.
SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield and its surrounding suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Glencoe Roofing Contractor with plenty of experience with cedar shake roofs. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of virtually every type of new residential roof and commercial roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service, and exceptional results are the “SMART” roofing difference. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, to learn more, or email us for your residential or commercial roofing needs.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement in Palatine
A new cedar shake roof is probably one of the most eye catching roofs there are. With the golden hues of fresh cedar reflecting the sun's rays, everyone passing your home will notice the new wood shake roof. That was exactly what the homeowner wanted, and what Smart Roofing Inc. delivered.
Installing a new cedar shake roof like this one in Palatine is always exciting, but can also be a little stressful for a homeowner. A roofer needs to have experience with cedar shake roofs, and Smart Roofing has 25+ years of experience in the business. We have done hundreds of cedar shake roofs, and this one was done with medium hand-split cedar shakes. The experience comes in when selecting the grade of shakes, to make sure the roof lasts as long as possible. You have to trust your roofer to have the necessary knowledge not only in installation, but choosing the correct cedar shakes. Improper grain direction made from sub-par cedar cuts will cause the individual cedar shakes to curl and lift up. This can in turn lead to leaks and further roof damage. With our experience of replacing cedar shake roofs, we know exactly which cuts to choose and how to properly install them. This roof in Palatine is a perfect example of a beautiful roof that will last for decades.
SMART Roofing, Inc. is a full-service roofing contractor serving Palatine and its surrounding suburbs. Select SMART Roofing, Inc. as your Palatine Roofing Contractor with plenty of experience with cedar shake roofs. From roof assessments and repairs to installations of virtually every type of new residential roof and commercial roof, our commitment to excellence, stellar customer service and exceptional results are the “SMART” roofing difference. Contact the roofing experts at SMART Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, to learn more, or email us for your residential or commercial roofing needs.
Featured Cedar Shake Residential Roof - Glencoe, Illinois
Smart Roofing, Inc. is proud to share this beautiful Western Red Cedar Shake roof installation in Glencoe, Illinois. This residential roof features Certi-Guard® cedar shakes made from Western Red Cedar.
Cedar shakes are a highly durable roofing material. They hold up well during periods of heavy rain and snow and are impervious to bugs. Since cedar is a breathable material, it also helps preserve the structural integrity of the home by preventing condensation issues. This cedar shake roof installation features premium cedar shakes that have been pressure-impregnated with fire-retardant polymers to provide permanent fire protection. These products carry the label Certi-Guard® and has met C fire testing standards.
Another benefit of a cedar shake roof is that it is highly energy efficient. Testing has demonstrated that a cedar shake roof can keep an attic 28°F cooler during the hot summer months; and because the cell structure of wood makes it a natural insulator, the home will be kept warmer during the cold winter months. One of the main reasons so many people fall in love with cedar shake roofs is their unique look. No two cedar roofs look the same, so this is an ideal material if you want to add major curb appeal to your home. (excerpts from roofcalc.org)
If you are ready for a new roof, contact Smart Roofing, Inc. at (847) 797-0404, or email us at contactus@smartroofers.com for your ALL of your residential or commercial roofing needs.
Cedar Roofing Blog / News by Smart Roofing, Inc.
Cedar Shake Roofs in the Chicagoland Climate
Cedar shakes are some of the more durable and visually appealing roof coverings. At least that was the case before architectural shingles and synthetic cedar shakes were introduced, with an expected lifespan the same, or in many cases longer than cedar shake. The main reason behind this is the Chicagoland climate, and the various weather extremes and high humidity.
As with any wood when it gets wet, it needs ample time and air quality to dry out, otherwise it can start rotting. While cedar is very resistant to moisture, cedar shake roofing still tends to stay wet longer than preferred, which leads to premature failure of cedar shake roofs. We have seen this happen time and time again. Even with proper installation, which includes using the correct stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust issues, proper felt and cedar breather underlayments to promote the drying process, and correct spacing for the cedar shakes themselves, many cedar roofs will only last about 20-30 years. With no manufacturer warranty due to being a natural product, this falls short of the recent roof life expectancy standard. The amount of rain, snow, and humidity are the main culprits. Since many of our Chicago summer days can stay above 80% humidity, when combined with a few rainy days, cedar shakes can stay wet for weeks on end. While the top of the cedar shake may appear dry, the core and underside of the cedar shake is often wet. Take into account the cloud coverage, and some days where we get no sunlight at all, and you have everything to need to make you cedar shake roof rot.
This takes us to the next point, the cost of cedar shake roofing as compared to longer lasting, or less expensive alternatives. The biggest competitor with cedar shake roofs are good old asphalt shingles, but with a new profile. While the old 3-tab shingles did not expect to look as nice or last as long as cedar shake roofs, new architectural shingles definitely will do both. With a thicker shingle, an expected lifespan of 30 years, and a manufacturer warranty, shingles are a great option. No matter the amount of rain, snow, sun, or humidity, asphalt shingles will never rot or decay due to being wet. Asphalt does not absorb moisture, and the fiberglass mat that compromises new architectural shingles adds an extra layer of durability. With an additional layer, these architectural shingles have more definition to match the depth of cedar shake, and many homeowners are finding that they are great substitutes for their old cedar shake roofs that need to be replaced. With a cost that is much lower, a new shingle roof is a very good alternative when looking at a cedar shake roof replacement.
The other option when replacing an aging cedar roof, and one that is gaining a lot of popularity, are synthetic cedar shakes. From very popular manufacturers such as Brava and DaVinci, these products are top of the line. With a variety of color choices, you can be sure that your new synthetic roof will look just like the real cedar shake, at different points of the aging color cycle. Textures that match real cedar shake, and variable synthetic cedar shake sizes also ensure that your new roof will look exactly like cedar shake, while lasting much much longer. When people hear synthetic, they assume these products are cheap plastic that will fall apart due to the heat or cold. That could not be further from the truth. Synthetic cedar shakes are most often made from composite roofing materials that will last upwards of 50 years, and the manufacturers of these products provide a 50-year warranty to back up their claim. Since composite materials do not absorb water or moisture, there is no worry of these roofing shakes rotting. Having the colors blended into the composite material also guarantees that your new synthetic roof will look just as good in the first year, as it will on year 50. With a price point very similar to many real cedar shakes, synthetic cedar shake roofs are taking over, and rightfully so.
As with any house changing decision, we encourage all homeowners to do their own research, and find what works best for them and their home. If you would like us to inspect your roof, provide an estimate, or have any questions regarding cedar shake roofs, shingle roofs, or synthetic roofs, feel free to contact the roofing experts at Smart Roofing Inc. at (847) 797-0404 or email us at contactus@smartroofers.com
