What brands of synthetic shake does Shelby Roofing Services install?

We primarily install DaVinci Roofscapes (50-year warranty, Class 4 impact), Brava Roof Tile (excellent for historic districts), and CeDUR for partial cedar repairs.

Cedar Shake vs. Synthetic Shake Roofing — PA, NJ & Delaware Guide

Q: Does insurance cover cedar shake replacement after storm damage?

Yes, with an RCV policy the insurance company must replace cedar shake with like-kind materials. We document material type and obtain proper pricing to prevent adjusters from settling with lower-cost asphalt shingle pricing.

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.

Natural Cedar Shake: The Classic Choice

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.

Pros of Natural Cedar

Authentic appearance — no synthetic replicates it exactly
Natural insulator — R-value approximately 1.84 per inch
Biodegradable and sustainably sourced when certified
Lifespan of 30–40 years with proper maintenance

Cons of Natural Cedar

Requires treatment every 5–7 years (moss, mildew prevention)
Susceptible to rot without proper attic ventilation
Higher insurance premiums in some PA and NJ counties (fire risk)
Cracks and splits over time without maintenance
Class C fire rating unless treated to Class A

Premium Synthetic Shake: The Modern Alternative

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.

Pros of Synthetic Shake

Class A fire rating — often lowers homeowners insurance premiums
Class 4 impact resistance (hail) — significant for NJ and PA
50-year limited warranty on most premium products
No moss, algae, or rot risk
Zero maintenance beyond routine cleaning
Consistent appearance — no splitting or warping

Cons of Synthetic Shake

Premium cost comparable to or slightly higher than natural cedar
Some HOAs and historic district commissions still prefer natural
Appearance, while very good, is not identical to natural cedar

What We Recommend for PA & NJ Homeowners

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.

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Cedar Shake vs. Synthetic — FAQ

How long does a natural cedar shake roof last in PA or NJ? +

Properly installed and maintained natural cedar shake lasts 25–35 years in our Mid-Atlantic climate. Annual cleaning, moss treatment, and occasional shingle replacement can push that toward 40 years. Without maintenance, cedar can deteriorate in as few as 15 years — particularly in shaded yards where moisture accumulates. Our climate's freeze-thaw cycles and high summer humidity are harder on cedar than drier western climates.

What brands of synthetic shake do you install? +

We primarily install DaVinci Roofscapes (polymer shake — 50-year warranty, Class 4 impact, Class A fire), Brava Roof Tile (composite — excellent for historic districts), and CeDUR Wakaflex for partial cedar repairs. Each product has different aesthetics, weight profiles, and warranty structures. We'll walk you through the options during your consultation and can usually source samples so you can compare colors on your own home.

Will my HOA allow synthetic shake? +

Most HOAs in Montgomery County, Chester County, and South Jersey that allow cedar shake also allow premium synthetic shake, since the visual appearance is nearly identical. However, some HOAs require natural wood materials — we've seen this in certain sections of Wayne, Haverford Township, and historic Bucks County neighborhoods. We'll help you review your HOA documentation before purchase to avoid any issues.

Does insurance cover cedar shake replacement after storm damage? +

Yes, if you have an RCV (Replacement Cost Value) policy, the insurance company must pay to replace cedar shake with like-kind materials. This is important — some adjusters try to settle cedar shake damage claims using asphalt shingle pricing. We document the existing material type, obtain market pricing for cedar replacement, and submit a proper scope of loss to ensure you receive full material value.

How much does synthetic shake roofing cost compared to natural cedar? +

Installed costs for quality synthetic shake typically run 10–20% higher upfront than natural cedar. However, when you factor in zero maintenance requirements and a 50-year warranty vs. cedar's 25–35 year lifespan with regular treatments, synthetic is significantly more cost-effective over time. For homeowners planning to stay 15+ years, the math typically favors synthetic.

Cedar Shake vs. Synthetic Shake Roofing: Which Is Better?