Old roof removal
The old cedar roof is removed to the boards section by section.
Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Dover, NJ
Replacing a cedar roof in Dover starts with removing every old shake and strip of felt interlay, then fixing the boards underneath before the new roof goes on, with the deck matched to whatever comes next. Dial (862) 430-1002 to talk with a local roofer about replacing the roof.
Every cedar roof eventually wears past what spot repairs can fix. The shakes erode thinner every year, the butts rot, the nails rust through and the wood turns so brittle that a roofer cannot replace one shake without cracking three more. At that point a full replacement protects the sheathing and framing underneath.
A wood roof cannot be covered over. Covering old shakes traps wet wood under the new roof, leaves bumps and adds fuel load, which is why codes generally require a tear-off. Tear-off also lets the roofer see and fix every rotted board.
The deck is the biggest question in a cedar replacement. Many older wood roofs were built on spaced boards with gaps for airflow, which works for new cedar but not for asphalt shingles, metal or most synthetic products. Rotted boards are replaced either way.
Depending on what the roofer finds, cedar shake roof replacement in Dover, NJ can go hand in hand with cedar shake roof installation and cedar shake roof repair.
Dealing with this in Dover, NJ right now? Call (862) 430-1002 to reach a nearby roofing contractor.
Call nowThe process
How cedar shake roof replacement works
A cedar replacement is a bigger tear-off than most roofs.
Choose the material
The roofer inspects the deck from the attic, measures the roof and talks through new cedar versus synthetic shakes, architectural shingles or metal. Code and permit requirements are confirmed before work starts.
Site prep
Gutters, shrubs and patios are covered before the old roof comes off. Attic belongings under the roof are worth covering too, since dust falls through spaced boards.
Tear-off
Every shake, felt interlay strip, old nail and rusted valley metal comes off, down to bare boards. If an old asphalt layer was ever laid over the cedar, it comes off too.
Sheathing work
The roofer replaces soft boards and adds solid sheathing where the new material requires it. A sound deck is what the new fasteners rely on.
Dry in the roof
Ice and water membrane goes along the eaves and valleys, then underlayment covers the deck and new drip edge is installed. Cedar gets a ventilated layer, while other roofs get standard underlayment.
Final install
The new roof goes on with new valley metal, step flashing, pipe boots and ridge ventilation. Cleanup includes rolling a magnet over the lawn for nails.
What is included
What a cedar replacement covers
Sheathing
The deck is repaired or sheathed solid before anything new goes on.
Cleanup
Old cedar, felt and nails are hauled away leaving the property clean.
Valley metal
Valleys, walls, vents and skylights get new metal matched to the new roof.
Underlayment
Ice and water membrane goes in at the eaves and valleys under the new roof.
Related service
Cedar Shingle Roof Replacement Dover, NJ
Older homes often have sawn cedar shingles rather than split shakes, and replacing them follows the same tear-off logic. It is common to find original shingles hidden under a later asphalt roof, both of which come off. With everything removed, the boards are checked and repaired or covered with solid sheathing.
Replacing sawn shingles with new sawn shingles keeps the tight, even look of the original roof. If your home is in a historic area, check what materials are allowed. A roofer in Dover can help you weigh the look, the upkeep and the rules before you decide.
Local help
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement Near Me
Cedar roofs around Dover reach replacement age on older homes first, often after years of shade and moss. From Dover to neighboring communities such as Wharton, Rockaway, Mount Arlington and Morris Plains, the choice between new cedar and a look-alike often comes down to upkeep, fire rules and neighborhood style, and a roofer can lay out the options side by side.
For cedar shake roof replacement in Dover, NJ or nearby towns like Wharton, Rockaway, Mount Arlington and Morris Plains, call (862) 430-1002 to reach a roofer who covers your street.
Roofs in this climate
Winters here are long and cold, with snow on the roof for weeks at a time and plenty of nights below freezing. Heat escaping from the attic melts snow on the upper roof, and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, building ice dams that push water up under the shingles. Strong coastal storms push rain into every weak spot at the flashing and valleys. Most homeowners in Dover, NJ have the roof checked in the fall and again after the snow melts.
Why call
Why not wait
Drier ceilings
Small roof problems caught early usually stay small repairs.
Familiar with local homes
Local roofers see the same roofs and storm damage across Dover and nearby towns.
Know what happens next
Ask your questions before you agree to anything.
Cedar Shake Roof Replacement questions
Is it okay to roof over a cedar shake roof?
Laying new material over shakes causes more problems than it solves. The shakes are uneven and hold moisture, so the new roof sits on a lumpy, damp base, and the old wood adds fuel load. A tear-off also lets the roofer fix the deck.
Will my roof deck need to be replaced?
The answer hinges on the new roofing material. Spaced boards work for cedar, while other roofs need a solid deck laid over the boards or in their place. Soft or split boards are replaced no matter what.
How long does a cedar roof replacement take?
A typical house takes several working days. Removing old wood and adding sheathing take time. The roofer opens only as much roof each day as can be dried in before evening.
What can I replace my cedar shake roof with?
New cedar is one option, but there are several others. Common choices are new cedar, polymer shakes, architectural shingles and metal shake panels. Switching away from cedar usually means adding solid decking.
Is it worth replacing cedar with cedar?
The choice depends on the look, maintenance and rules in your area. Cedar offers real wood character but more upkeep than synthetic or metal options. Seeing samples side by side helps.
More questions? Call (862) 430-1002
Other services that may help
Cedar Shake Roof Installation
New cedar shake roofs built with the right sheathing, felt interlay, spacing and stainless fasteners, laid to the slope and climate of the house.
Learn moreCedar Shake Roof Repair
Replacing split, cupped or missing shakes, clearing moss and fixing valleys and ridge caps, so a sound cedar roof keeps shedding water.
Learn moreRoof Replacement
Full tear-off and replacement for roofs that are worn out, storm beaten or leaking in several places, with the old layers removed and the deck checked.
Learn moreShingle Roof Replacement
Full shingle roof replacement, from tear-off and deck repair to new shingles and flashing, so the new roof starts on a sound, dry deck.
Learn more
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