What is the Typical Cost of a Cedar Shake Roof in Charleston?

Published June 11, 2022. Updated June 28, 2023. 

Cedar shake roofs are beautiful and timeless but can also be expensive. Prices on these gorgeous roofs have also unfortunately risen in recent years due to rising lumber costs and falling supply.

If you've got your heart set on a new cedar shake roof for your Charleston home, you're probably wondering just how much it will set you back. You might also wonder if it's the best roofing material for your home, considering our climate and yearly bouts with extreme weather.

Our Roofing USA residential roofing replacement experts have answers for you! Keep reading to learn all about cedar roofs for your home.

What's the Difference Between Cedar Shingles and Cedar Shake Roofing?

The primary differences between cedar shakes and cedar or other wooden shingles primarily lie in their thickness and overall appearance.

• Cedar shingles are usually machine-manufactured, resulting in a more uniform and sleek look.

• On the other hand, cedar shakes are often crafted by hand, imparting a rustic, textured appearance that many find aesthetically appealing.

Your choice between the two could be influenced by various factors, including the architectural style of your home and your personal taste. For instance, if your home has a more traditional or rustic design, cedar shakes might be the better fit.

However, if you're leaning towards a modern or contemporary look, cedar shingles could be more appropriate. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, so it's crucial to consider what matters most to you before making a decision.

What's the COST OF CEDAR SHAKE ROOFS IN CHARLESTON?

The typical cost of a cedar shake roof in Charleston is around $6.00 to $9.50 per square foot or $600 to $950 per square. The average home in Charleston is around 1,700 square feet, which means the cost to install a new cedar roof on an average home would be between $10,200 and $16,150.

These costs would include the materials plus labor for installation from a reputable roofing company like Roofing USA. However, other factors can impact the cost of cedar roofing for homes in this area.

HOW HOME SIZE IMPACTS COST OF Cedar Roofing

The cost of your new cedar shake roof will be largely determined by the size of your home. Because roofing materials and installation are charged by the square, the bigger your home is, the more expensive it will be to install a new roof. 

The following ranges can help give you a general idea of what to expect when you start pricing out a cedar shake roof in Charleston.

• 1,000 square foot home: $6,000 – $9,500

• 1,500 square foot home: $9,000 – $14,250

• 2,000 square foot home: $12,000 – $19,000

• 2,500 square foot home: $15,000 – $23,750

• 3,000 square foot home: $18,000 – $28,500

As you can see, larger homes will pay more for a new cedar roof than smaller homes. However, that is true for most roofing materials and the roof installation process.

Other Factors That Impact Cost

The general size of your home isn't the only factor in the cost of a new cedar shake roof. The actual square of the roof can be significantly impacted by the pitch or slope of the roof. 

Roofing contractors use a "pitch multiplier" to accurately measure your roof's size. This factor considers your roof's steepness, ensuring you get the right amount of materials for a perfect fit. When you choose the best roofers in Charleston, SC, you can trust us to calculate your roofing needs precisely.

The best way to get an accurate cost for a new cedar roof installation is to work with a roofing contractor to provide an estimate.

What Are the PROS AND CONS OF A CEDAR SHAKE ROOF?

Investing in a new roof is a big decision that goes beyond just the cost. When considering a cedar shake roof, evaluating its advantages and disadvantages is crucial.

Cedar shakes offer a rustic, charming aesthetic that can enhance your home's curb appeal. They're also known for their natural insulation properties, which can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy bills.

However, cedar shakes require regular maintenance to prevent moss and algae growth. Additionally, they may not be ideal in areas prone to wildfires due to their flammability. Taking the time to weigh these pros and cons will help you decide if a cedar shake roof is the right choice for your home.

Here are a few insights from our experts!

The PROS OF CEDAR SHAKE

Let's start with the positives. Cedar roofing offers plenty of benefits to consider!

• Unique and timeless beauty

• Increases property value

• Ideal for steep roofs

• Energy efficient

• Environmentally friendly

• Can last up to 60 years with proper installation and maintenance

As you can see, there's much to love about cedar shake for your roof! However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when choosing your new roof material.

The CONS OF CEDAR SHAKE

Not everything is great about a roof made of cedar shake. Discuss these concerns with your roofing contractor before choosing a new roof for your Charleston home.

• More expensive compared to other roofing materials

• Requires regular maintenance

• Humidity sensitive

• Requires regular inspections and treatments

• Can be a fire hazard in dry conditions or during lightning storms

• Prone to pest problems more so than other roofing materials

Considering the pros and cons and balancing them with the cost of the roof will help you decide if a cedar shake roof is the right roof for your home.

Let the Best Roofing In Charleston, SC, Help You Choose the Best Roof

The classic cedar shake design will enhance your curb appeal and add value to your home in Charleston while still withstanding the local weather conditions and offering superior insulation. Being eco-friendly and having a relatively long life expectancy are just bonuses! However, only you can decide if the price is worth it.

If you're interested in learning more about a new cedar shake roof in Charleston and if it could be the right decision for your home, call Roofing USA for a free, no-obligation inspection! We can also provide other options for your new roof, including asphalt shingles and metal.