Roof replacement
Cedar shingle roof replacement on the Rhode Island shore
Weathered cedar is the look of Newport, Jamestown and the shoreline. Replacing it well is a specialty, and salt air changes the details.
Rhode Island and the shingle style
Newport is where the American shingle style flowered in the late 19th century, in summer cottages wrapped entirely in cedar shingles. The look spread along the coast, and today cedar roofs are common on shore houses, restored colonials and newer houses built in the same spirit.
Choices to make
- Shingles or shakes. Sawn shingles give a crisp, even look; split shakes are thicker and more rustic.
- Grade. The higher grades are clear, edge-grain heartwood, which resists cupping and decay.
- Natural or treated. Untreated cedar weathers to silver-gray. Pressure-treated or factory-treated shingles add resistance to decay and, in some products, to fire.
Details that matter in salt air
Cedar has to dry out between wettings. Many roofers install it over a breathable underlayment or a ventilation mat that keeps an air gap under the shingles. Fasteners should be stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized, because ordinary nails corrode quickly in salt air and stain the wood. Valleys, step flashing and chimney flashing are usually copper or stainless as well.
Cedar roof at the end of its life? Talk with a roofer who installs cedar on the coast.
Mon–Fri 8:30 am–7 pm · Sat 9 am–4 pm (Eastern)
Common questions
+How long does a cedar shingle roof last near the ocean?
It varies widely with the grade of cedar, the treatment, the roof pitch, the shade and the installation. Steep, sunny roofs with good airflow underneath last longest. Ask the roofer what they have seen on houses like yours nearby.
+Are cedar roofs allowed everywhere?
Fire rules and local approvals vary. Some products are treated for fire resistance. In local historic districts, cedar is often the expected material on older houses. Check with your building official and, if it applies, the historic district commission.
+Can cedar shingles be replaced with something else?
Yes, with architectural asphalt shingles or synthetic shakes, unless a historic district requires cedar. The look changes noticeably, so see installed examples first.