(343) 321-0218
info@burnhambrothers.com
Ottawa, ON
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Cedar Shake & Shingle Damage? Restore Your Roof's Beauty & Protection

Cedar roofs are stunning, but they require expert care. Cracked, split, and missing shakes need specialized repair to maintain both protection and appearance. Trust Burnham Brothers' 35 years of cedar roof expertise.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
/ The Cedar Challenge

Cracked Cedar Shakes Don't Just Look Bad—They Allow Water In

Cedar roofs are beautiful. There's nothing else quite like them. But that beauty comes at a cost: cedar is a natural material that needs attention.

Here's what homeowners often don't realize: those stunning cedar shakes are also doing the hard work of keeping water out of your home. The moment they crack or split, water starts getting in.

What happens:

  • A crack starts small and invisible from the ground
  • Winter freeze-thaw cycles widen the crack
  • Water seeps under and between shakes
  • Inside, it soaks insulation and rots wood
  • By spring, you have a major leak you can see from your ceiling

Plus the aesthetic loss: A beautiful cedar roof with damage starts looking neglected and loses its curb appeal fast.

In Ottawa, this happens even faster:

  • Our freeze-thaw cycles split cedar shakes faster than in milder climates
  • Heavy wet snow stresses aging shakes
  • UV damage combined with moisture creates the perfect conditions for rot
  • Road salt spray accelerates deterioration

The good news: Cedar roofs can last 40-60+ years if maintained. Small repairs done right can keep your roof beautiful and protective for decades.

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Cracked Cedar Shakes

Cedar Roof Problems We Fix in Ottawa

Cracked/Split Shakes

Looks like: Visible splits down the length of shake

Why it happens: Freeze-thaw cycling, age, moisture, UV

HIGH

Missing Shakes

Looks like: Empty spots exposing roof deck

Why it happens: High winds, age, poor fastening, storm damage

CRITICAL

Cupped or Curled Shakes

Looks like: Shakes curl at edges or cup in center

Why it happens: Moisture imbalance, sun exposure, age

MEDIUM-HIGH

Shakes Sinking Into Roof

Looks like: Individual shakes sit lower than neighbors

Why it happens: Rot or decay in shake material

CRITICAL

Wood Rot or Decay

Looks like: Soft wood, visible discoloration, holes

Why it happens: Moisture trapped in wood, poor ventilation, age

CRITICAL

Nail Rot/Fastener Issues

Looks like: Shakes loose or tilting, fasteners visible/rusted

Why it happens: Moisture around fasteners, age, freeze-thaw

HIGH

Moss/Algae Growth

Looks like: Green growth visible on shakes

Why it happens: Moisture, shade, age

MEDIUM

Weathered or Grayed Shakes

Looks like: Shakes look bleached or grayish

Why it happens: UV exposure, natural aging (15-20 years)

MEDIUM

How to Spot Cedar Roof Damage Before It Becomes a Problem

On the Roof Surface

  • Visible cracks or splits in shakes
  • Missing shakes with exposed roof deck
  • Shakes that are cupped or curled
  • Shakes that appear to be sinking or misaligned
  • Soft or decayed-looking wood visible
  • Visible moss, algae, or lichen growth
  • Shakes that look significantly grayed or weathered
  • Visible fasteners (nails) showing through shakes
  • Shakes that are loose or move when touched

Around Flashing

  • Gaps where flashing meets chimneys or vents
  • Rust or discoloration on flashing
  • Water stains below flashing
  • Separated or lifted flashing

In the Attic

  • Water stains or wet wood
  • Soft or rotted roof framing
  • Mold or mildew smell
  • Daylight visible through roof boards

Inside Your Home

  • Water stains on ceilings or upper walls
  • Peeling paint near roofline
  • Soft spots in drywall
  • Musty smell in upper rooms

After a Storm

  • Broken shakes or missing pieces
  • Debris scattered around property
  • New water entry into home

Our Expert Cedar Shake & Shingle Repair Process

1

Detailed Inspection

Cedar roofs have unique challenges. We inspect which shakes are cracked, split, or missing; the condition of underlying shakes and deck; any signs of rot or decay in the roof structure; flashing condition and potential water entry points; overall roof age and remaining lifespan; and attic ventilation and moisture conditions.

2

Shake-by-Shake Assessment

Unlike asphalt shingles, not all cedar shake problems require replacement. Sometimes a crack just needs sealing. Sometimes a shake is failing and needs removal. We assess each damaged shake individually.

3

Clear Quote

Your estimate specifies which shakes will be removed and replaced; which shakes might be sealed or stabilized; whether underlying deck repair is needed; material sourcing (we match your original shakes' size and grade); labor involved; timeline; and any flashing repairs or additional work.

4

Careful Removal & Deck Inspection

If a shake needs replacement, we carefully remove the old shake without damaging neighboring shakes or the underlying deck. Careless removal can cause additional damage that costs thousands. Once a shake is removed, we inspect the underlying roof deck. If we find rot or decay, we address it. A solid deck is essential for the new shake's longevity.

5

New Shake Installation

We install new cedar shakes that match your original shakes (or are as close as possible), are properly fastened with stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails, are installed to allow for expansion/contraction, overlap correctly with neighbors, and are sealed with products appropriate for cedar.

6

Flashing & Quality Check

All roof penetrations get sealed properly. Flashing is where most cedar roof leaks occur. We inspect every repair, ensure drainage is correct, and clean up completely. <strong>Timeline: Cedar shake repairs typically take 1-3 days depending on the number of shakes involved.</strong>

Matching Your Original Cedar Shakes

One challenge with cedar roof repair: finding replacement shakes that match your original.

If Your Roof Is Newer (Under 15 Years)

We can often source exact matches or very close replacements from the original manufacturer or standard suppliers.

If Your Roof Is 20-30+ Years Old

Cedar shake specifications have changed over decades. We may not find exact matches, but we find the closest possible replacement. New shakes will weather to match over 12-18 months.

If Your Roof Uses Premium or Custom Shakes

Some cedar roofs use hand-split or premium shakes. We source these from specialty suppliers to maintain your roof's character.

What Matters

We consider shake length (usually 16", 18", or 24"), shake thickness, grade and quality of cedar, and whether shakes are machine-split or hand-split.

Our Commitment

We'll source the best match possible for your roof. If exact matching isn't available, we'll explain the options and costs.

Why Ottawa's Climate Is Harsh on Cedar Roofs

Freeze-Thaw Cycles Split Cedar

Cedar expands and contracts with temperature and moisture. Ottawa's 50+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter create extreme stress. Water gets into shakes, freezes, expands, and splits the wood. This is the primary cause of cedar shake failure in our climate.

Heavy Wet Snow Stresses Structure

October/November wet snow and spring melt create heavy loads on aging cedar roofs. This stress can cause shakes to shift, fasteners to loosen, and splits to widen.

UV + Moisture = Perfect Storm

Summer sun hardens cedar and causes checking (surface checking, not deep cracks). Winter moisture works into these checks and splits them. The combination is brutal.

Road Salt & Corrosion

Salt spray from winter roads corrodes fasteners and breaks down cedar's natural oils. This accelerates decay and fastener failure.

What This Means

Your cedar roof in Ottawa experiences more stress than cedar roofs in milder climates. This doesn't mean cedar isn't worth it—it means regular inspections are essential (every 2-3 years recommended), small problems should be fixed promptly, good attic ventilation reduces moisture damage, and strategic maintenance extends the roof's life significantly.

Our Approach

We repair cedar roofs with Ottawa's climate challenges in mind. We use proper fastening, we ensure good ventilation, and we recommend regular inspections to catch problems early.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single shake replacement costs $150–$300 depending on location and complexity. A small repair of 2-5 shakes runs $400–$1,200. Larger areas cost more. The only way to know is inspection. Get your free estimate → or call (343) 321-0218.
It's possible but risky. Improper removal can damage surrounding shakes and the deck. Improper installation creates new leak points. Poor fastening leads to shakes failing within months. Professional repair is worth the investment.
Likely causes: inadequate attic ventilation (moisture buildup), freeze-thaw stress, age-related decay, or poor original installation. We can diagnose the root cause during inspection and recommend solutions.
Transparent or semi-transparent stains can help protect cedar and maintain its appearance. A full roof coating at 15-20 years can add 10-15 years of life. We can recommend the right approach for your specific roof.
With proper maintenance, 50-60 years is very achievable in Ottawa. Some cedar roofs have lasted 80+ years. The key is regular inspections and prompt repairs.
Cedar is more beautiful, can last longer (50+ years vs. 20-30 for asphalt), and has better insulation properties. The tradeoff: cedar costs more upfront and requires more maintenance. Cedar is worth it if you value longevity and aesthetics.

Why Ottawa Homeowners Trust Burnham Brothers With Cedar Roofs

⭐

35 Years of Cedar Expertise

We've repaired hundreds of cedar roofs in Ottawa. We understand cedar's behavior in our climate.

🔧

Cedar Specialists

Cedar roofs require different techniques than asphalt or metal. Our crews train specifically on cedar repair.

🎨

Careful Workmanship

We understand that cedar roof damage isn't just a functional issue—it affects the beauty of your home. We repair with care and attention to aesthetics.

📦

Proper Sourcing

We work with suppliers who can provide matching cedar shakes, even for older roofs.

❄️

Ottawa Climate Knowledge

We repair cedar roofs knowing freeze-thaw challenges, ventilation needs, and moisture problems unique to our region.

💼

Honest Assessment

If your roof can be repaired, we say so. We don't recommend replacement for profit.

📋

Licensed & Insured

Full liability and WSIB compliance. You're protected.

🛡️

Quality Materials

We use proper fasteners (stainless or hot-dipped galvanized) and sealants rated for cedar and our climate.

Cedar roofs deserve expert care. We provide it.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Contact Burnham Brothers for professional service and expert assessment.

Get Your Free Estimate Call (343) 321-0218
Get Free Estimate (343) 321-0218
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