For PA & NJ homeowners considering the classic shake aesthetic — here’s an honest breakdown from a contractor who installs both.
Cedar shake roofing has defined the look of premium homes in the Philadelphia Main Line, South Jersey shore communities, and Delaware’s Chateau Country for generations. But natural wood comes with real maintenance demands — which is why high-quality synthetic alternatives have gained significant traction. Here’s how to evaluate both for your situation.
There’s nothing that replicates the authentic weathered grain, depth, and variation of real cedar. Every shake is unique. On a well-maintained home in Wayne, Haddonfield, or Hockessin, a natural cedar roof is a genuine statement of quality and craftsmanship.
Products like DaVinci Roofscapes and Brava Cedar Shake have changed the calculation for many homeowners. These polymer composites look remarkably similar to natural cedar from ground level and curb level — and they outperform the real thing in several key areas.
For most of our clients, we recommend premium synthetic shake. The combination of a 50-year warranty, Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact resistance, and zero ongoing maintenance cost makes it the better financial decision over the life of ownership — particularly in areas of New Jersey that experience significant hail and wind exposure.
For historic district properties, designated landmarks, or clients who specifically want authenticity above all else, natural cedar with a proper maintenance plan is absolutely the right choice — and we install it beautifully.
We carry and install both. Our inspection process will help you evaluate which makes more sense for your home, your timeline, and your budget. Learn more about our cedar shake roofing services.
Schedule a free, no-obligation roof evaluation. We serve Blue Bell, PA and all surrounding areas across PA, NJ & Delaware.