Wood shakes and shingles are beautiful but require routine maintenance to ensure that they will last as long as possible. Because they are made of hardwood, they can be prone to damage from pests or become noticeably dry from sun exposure. However, because they are wood, they are great for rain since they swell with contact with rain, preventing water from getting inside your house.
Cedar shakes are very eco-friendly because they biodegrade completely, and some historic preservation societies/neighborhoods may require them to match the time period or character of a neighborhood.
In Virginia, the wet springs and autumns and high humidity summers are not the best fit for cedar shake roofs. However, if you have your heart set on shakes or shingles or if you are required to use them because of your subdivision requirements, then we of course will be happy to help you!
We can provide high quality shakes that are weather resistant and provide advice for the best coating and washing to extend the life of your existing cedar tile roof.