Cedar Shake Roofing in Westhampton Beach & the Hamptons, NY
The iconic Hamptons roofline — installed with the craftsmanship it demands. Cedar shake roofing specialist on Long Island since 2002.
Cedar Shake: The Architectural Soul of the Hamptons
No roofing material defines the East End aesthetic the way cedar shake does. From the historic shingle-style homes of East Hampton Village to the sprawling waterfront estates of Southampton and the charming shingled cottages of Sag Harbor, cedar shake is woven into the architectural identity of the entire Hamptons corridor. When done right, a cedar shake roof ages gracefully — silvering to a natural driftwood gray that becomes more beautiful over time. When done wrong, it fails prematurely and becomes an expensive, ongoing maintenance problem.
Straightline Roofing has specialized in cedar shake roofing on Long Island for over 20 years. We work exclusively with premium Western Red Cedar — properly graded, treated for fire resistance where required, and installed with the correct exposure, spacing, and underlayment for our coastal climate. We understand the specific challenges cedar faces on the East End: the salt air that accelerates weathering, the Atlantic-driven moisture that feeds mold and algae, and the strict aesthetic standards in historic districts that demand the right look as much as the right performance.
Our Cedar Shake Installation Process
- Full tear-off and deck inspection — cedar installed over a compromised deck fails fast
- Breathable underlayment (not felt) — cedar needs to dry from below
- Grade 1 premium Western Red Cedar shakes or shingles
- Correct exposure calculation for pitch and wind zone
- Stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails (never electro-galvanized — they rust)
- Proper hip and ridge cap installation for wind resistance
- Valley flashing with copper or stainless steel
- All penetrations counter-flashed for long-term waterproofing
- Optional fire retardant treatment (required in some East End municipalities)
Cedar Shake Restoration & Repair
Not every cedar shake roof needs full replacement. If your cedar roof is sound but looks weathered, moss-covered, or has localized damage, targeted cedar shake repair and cleaning can restore years of life at a fraction of replacement cost. We assess honestly — we’ll tell you when repair is the right call, and we’ll tell you when it’s not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cedar shake roof last on the East End?
A properly installed premium cedar shake roof lasts 25–40 years with maintenance. Coastal conditions here accelerate weathering compared to inland environments — proper treatment, adequate ventilation, and annual cleaning (clearing moss, debris from valleys) are the keys to maximizing lifespan.
Does East Hampton have restrictions on cedar shake roofing?
East Hampton Village and some historic districts have architectural review requirements. We are familiar with the local approval processes and can help you navigate them before work begins.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Shakes are hand-split and have a rougher, more textured surface that is the classic Hamptons look. Shingles are sawn smooth on both faces and are slightly thinner. Both are high-quality; the choice is mainly aesthetic and sometimes code-driven. We’ll walk you through the options during your estimate.
Cedar Shake Roofing Across the Hamptons
We install cedar shake roofing for Hamptons specialists across the full East End: Westhampton Beach, Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Water Mill, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, Montauk, Shelter Island, and all surrounding communities.
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Licensed & Insured · Westhampton Beach, NY · Since 2002