A real cedar shake roof typically costs $25–$30 per sq ft installed and lasts 30–50 years with maintenance; synthetic (composite) shake costs $12–$20 per sq ft and lasts 40–60 years, using national figures from HomeGuide. The first decision is whether to keep real wood, or switch to a composite made to look like it.
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Roofers Greenville is a free referral service. Roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network. Submitting the form is free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Real cedar or synthetic shake: how do they compare?
| Real cedar shake | Synthetic (composite) shake | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $25–$30 | $12–$20 |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years, with maintenance | 40–60 years |
| Upkeep | Preservative treatment every 3–5 years, $500–$1,500 each time | Occasional cleaning; check the manufacturer’s care guide |
| Install time | About 6–8 days for a typical roof | Varies by product; ask the roofer |
What should you know about real cedar?
Cedar is sold in grades, and the grade drives both the look and the price. HomeGuide puts installed cost at $20–$25 per sq ft for common grade, $25–$30 for select and $30–$35 for 100% straight grain.
- Shakes vs shingles: shakes are split and thicker, with a rough, rustic face; cedar shingles are sawn, thinner and smoother. Shakes cost about $2–$5 more per sq ft.
- What a good install includes: proper spacing between pieces so wood can swell, the right underlayment or interlayment, stainless or hot-dipped fasteners, and good attic ventilation.
What is synthetic shake?
Synthetic shake is molded from polymers or composite materials to look like split cedar. Several manufacturers make it, with different textures, colors and warranties. Compare the product’s own data sheet and warranty, not just the brochure photo.
A naming note: “composite roofing” is used for both synthetic shake or slate and for ordinary asphalt “composition” shingles. If a quote says “composite”, ask which one it means. Asphalt shingle roofs are covered on roof replacement.
How does cedar hold up in Upstate humidity?
Greenville’s hot, humid summers and shaded lots are hard on wood. Moss, mildew and algae grow where shakes stay damp, and that shortens their life.
- Trim branches back so the roof dries out after rain.
- Keep valleys and gutters clear of needles and leaves.
- Re-treat with a preservative every 3–5 years, as HomeGuide recommends.
- Replace split or rotted shakes early, before water reaches the deck.
What should you ask your insurer about a shake roof?
Wood and synthetic roofs can be treated differently by insurers, especially for fire and hail. Before you choose, ask your insurer:
- Does the roof material change my premium or coverage?
- Does it matter if the product has a fire or impact rating, and which ratings count?
- How are cosmetic hail marks handled on this material?
Get the product name and its ratings from the roofer, so you can give your insurer exact details.
Can an existing shake roof be repaired?
Yes, if the damage is local. Split, cupped or rotted shakes can be replaced one by one. HomeGuide puts minor repairs on wood shake or cedar shingle roofs at $250–$500. How repairs are quoted is on our roof repair page.
How it works with us
- Tell us about the roof. Fill in the short form once: the job, your ZIP code and how to reach you.
- A local roofer contacts you. Your request goes to a licensed and insured, local roofer in our network, who contacts you within 24 hours to set up a free inspection.
- You get a quote and decide. The inspection and quote are free, with no obligation. Check any roofer against our 5 checks before you sign.
Roofers Greenville is a free referral service. Roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network. How our referral service works.
Areas we serve
- Greenville County core (within about 20 miles of Greenville): Greenville, Greer, Taylors, Mauldin, Simpsonville, Five Forks, Fountain Inn, Travelers Rest, Easley and Piedmont.
- Rest of the Upstate (about 25–40 miles): Anderson, Belton, Clemson, Seneca, Pickens, Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Lyman, Moore, Campobello and Woodruff.
Every town, ZIP code and county we cover is on the service areas page.
Frequently asked questions
Who installs wood roofing in Greenville, SC?
Real cedar is a specialist job, and not every roofing crew does it. Ask any roofer for cedar-specific references and photos of cedar roofs they’ve completed. Roofers Greenville can match you with roofers in our network who install cedar and synthetic shake.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
HomeGuide puts real cedar shake at 30–50 years with proper maintenance, including preservative treatment every 3–5 years. Shaded, damp roofs tend to land at the lower end.
Is synthetic shake cheaper than cedar?
Usually. HomeGuide puts synthetic shake at $12–$20 per sq ft installed against $25–$30 for real cedar shake, and synthetic doesn’t need regular preservative treatments.
Can I switch from cedar to synthetic shake?
Yes. Switching means a full tear-off of the cedar and a new roof designed for the synthetic product, including the underlayment and fasteners the manufacturer specifies.
Considering shake? Get a free cedar or synthetic shake quote.
Sources
- HomeGuide: Cedar shake roof cost (Nov 2025)
- HomeGuide: Roof replacement cost (Nov 2025)
- HomeGuide: Roof repair cost (Feb 2026)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Roofers Greenville is a free referral service; roofing work is performed by independent contractors in our network.