Cedar roofing has a timeless beauty that sets a home apart from every other house on the block. For homeowners in Oklahoma City who want a natural, distinctive look combined with solid performance, cedar roofing is worth serious consideration. This guide covers everything you need to know about cedar roofing in Oklahoma City, from material options and costs to maintenance demands and how our local climate affects performance.
What Makes Cedar Roofing Unique
Cedar roofing products come in two primary forms: shakes and shingles. Cedar shakes are split from logs, giving them a rough, textured surface with a rustic appearance. Cedar shingles are sawn smooth on both sides, creating a cleaner, more uniform look.
Western red cedar is the species used for virtually all cedar roofing in the United States. It contains natural oils that resist decay, repel insects, and give the wood its distinctive aroma. These oils provide a level of built in protection that most other wood species cannot match.
A properly installed and maintained cedar roof can last 30 to 50 years, which puts it in the same longevity category as many metal roofing systems. The material also provides natural insulation, reducing heat transfer through the roof deck and potentially lowering energy costs during Oklahoma City’s hot summers and cold winters.
Cedar Roofing Costs in the OKC Metro
Cedar roofing is a premium product, and the pricing reflects that. Homeowners in Oklahoma City can expect to pay between $8.00 and $16.00 per square foot installed for a cedar shake or shingle roof, depending on the grade of cedar, the roof complexity, and the installation method.
For a typical 2,000 square foot roof area, that translates to roughly $16,000 to $32,000 for a full installation. Premium grades of clear, tight grained cedar sit at the higher end, while lower grades with more character and knots come in at a more moderate price point.
The investment is offset by cedar’s long lifespan, distinctive curb appeal, and the premium it adds to your home’s resale value. Homes with cedar roofs consistently command higher prices in the Oklahoma City real estate market compared to identical homes with asphalt shingles.
How Oklahoma City Weather Affects Cedar Roofs
Oklahoma City’s climate presents both challenges and opportunities for cedar roofing. The hot summers help keep cedar dry and prevent the moisture related issues that plague cedar roofs in wetter climates like the Pacific Northwest. However, our intense UV exposure can accelerate weathering and dry out the natural oils faster than in milder environments.
Hail is the biggest weather threat to cedar roofing in Oklahoma City. Cedar shakes have moderate impact resistance, but large hail can split or crack individual pieces. After a significant hail event, a professional inspection is important to identify and replace damaged shakes before water infiltration begins.
Wind resistance is generally excellent with cedar roofing when properly installed with the correct exposure and fastening pattern. Oklahoma City’s frequent high winds are manageable as long as the installation follows manufacturer specifications and local code requirements.
The freeze and thaw cycles during Oklahoma winters can cause issues if moisture gets trapped beneath the shakes. Proper underlayment, adequate ventilation, and correct installation spacing all work together to prevent ice related damage.
Maintenance Requirements for Cedar Roofs
Cedar roofing demands more maintenance than asphalt shingles or metal roofing. This is the trade off for choosing a natural material with exceptional beauty. Homeowners who are not willing to commit to regular upkeep should consider alternative materials.
Cedar roofs should be inspected annually and cleaned of debris, moss, and algae growth. In Oklahoma City, moss is less of a concern than in coastal areas, but algae and mildew can develop on north facing slopes that stay shaded and damp.
Every three to five years, cedar roofs benefit from a treatment with a wood preservative or oil that replenishes the natural oils lost to UV exposure and weathering. This treatment restores the cedar’s resistance to moisture and decay and keeps the wood from becoming brittle.
Damaged or missing shakes should be replaced promptly. Leaving gaps in the roof surface allows water to reach the underlayment and decking, which can lead to rot and structural damage.
Cedar Roofing vs Other Premium Options
Compared to architectural asphalt shingles, cedar costs more upfront but lasts significantly longer and adds substantially more character and value. Asphalt shingles are a practical choice, but they do not deliver the same visual impact.
Compared to metal roofing, cedar offers a warmer, more traditional aesthetic. Metal wins on pure longevity and maintenance ease, but cedar provides a natural beauty that metal cannot replicate. Many Oklahoma City homeowners choose cedar specifically because they want their home to stand out.
Synthetic cedar products have entered the market in recent years, offering the look of cedar with less maintenance. These products have improved significantly but still do not perfectly replicate the texture, aging character, and natural warmth of real cedar.
Working with a Cedar Roofing Specialist
Cedar roofing installation requires specialized knowledge that goes beyond standard shingle work. The spacing between shakes, the type of underlayment, the ventilation design, and the fastening method all differ from conventional roofing. Hiring a contractor who understands these nuances is essential.
OKC Roofers has experience with cedar roofing systems and provides expert roof installation and replacement tailored to Oklahoma City’s climate. We hold Oklahoma License #80005389 and are certified by TAMKO, IKO, Atlas, and Malarkey.
Every project starts with our free 18 point drone and attic inspection, and every installation is backed by our 25 year leak guarantee. We offer insurance, cash, and financing through 14 bank partners.
Call 405-796-8858 today or visit okcroofers.com/roof-repair-and-replacement/ to explore cedar roofing for your Oklahoma City home.