It is the question we get more than any other at Straightline Roofing, particularly from homeowners who are replacing a roof for the first time on an East End home: cedar shake or asphalt shingles? Both are proven systems. Both are used extensively throughout the Hamptons. The right choice depends on your home, your priorities, and your budget — and honest advice on this decision is something you should be getting from your roofer, not figuring out on your own.
The Case for Cedar Shake on Hamptons Homes
Cedar shake is the architectural signature of the Hamptons. Walk through East Hampton Village, drive down Gin Lane in Southampton, or explore the historic neighborhoods of Sag Harbor — cedar is everywhere. It is not simply aesthetic tradition; cedar shake has genuine performance advantages for coastal Long Island homes when properly installed.
Natural wood has excellent insulating properties — cedar shake roofs are significantly better insulators than asphalt. In a climate where summer heat gain and winter heat loss are both concerns, that matters. Cedar shake also breathes naturally, which means it handles the freeze-thaw cycles that are common on the East End between November and March without the stress cracking that affects some synthetic materials.
Perhaps most importantly for the Hamptons market: a well-maintained cedar shake roof looks better than virtually any other roofing material. As it weathers, cedar develops the silver-gray driftwood patina that is quintessentially East End. Twenty years in, a quality cedar roof often looks more beautiful than the day it was installed.
The downsides are real, however. Cedar shake requires more maintenance than asphalt. Annual cleaning to remove moss, algae, and debris from valleys is important — neglect it, and you will shorten the life of the roof significantly. Cedar is also more expensive upfront — typically 40–70% more than premium architectural asphalt on a comparable home.
The Case for Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Premium architectural asphalt shingles have improved dramatically in quality and appearance over the past decade. Today’s dimensional shingles — particularly the premium lines from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning — offer a cedar-shake-adjacent aesthetic at a significantly lower price, and their performance credentials are strong.
For asphalt shingle roofing on Long Island, the key advantages are cost, longevity, and maintenance simplicity. A premium architectural shingle runs 30-year warranties and, in practice, performs for 25–35 years with essentially zero active maintenance beyond keeping gutters clean. For Hampton Bays year-round homeowners, rental property owners, and seasonal home buyers who are not emotionally attached to the cedar aesthetic, asphalt represents excellent value.
Asphalt is also available in high-wind ratings (Class H / 130 mph+) that are important for exposed coastal locations — particularly relevant for properties in Montauk, on Dune Road in Westhampton Beach, and along the oceanfront in East Hampton.
Making the Decision: Key Questions
Ask yourself these questions when deciding:
- Is cedar required? In some East Hampton Village historic district areas and certain ARB-reviewed properties in Southampton, cedar is not just preferred — it may be required. Check with your municipality before deciding.
- How long do you plan to own the home? Cedar shake’s higher upfront cost pays back over a longer ownership period. If you are planning to sell in 5–10 years, the resale premium of a cedar shake roof in the high-end Hamptons market may not compensate for the cost differential.
- Is this a primary or seasonal residence? Maintenance is more practical for year-round residents. Seasonal homeowners who are away for 8+ months need cedar shake to essentially maintain itself — which it will, if installed properly, but requires professional maintenance visits.
- What is your budget? Honest answer: if the cost difference between cedar and premium asphalt is a significant stress, choose asphalt. A well-installed architectural shingle roof will serve your home beautifully for 30 years.
Our Recommendation
At Straightline Roofing, we install both systems and have no financial incentive to push you toward one or the other. For high-end primary residences in East Hampton and Southampton where aesthetics are paramount and the owner plans a long tenure, cedar is typically the right choice. For Hampton Bays, Quogue, and value-oriented buyers across the East End, premium architectural asphalt is an excellent solution that will outperform its cost.
Call us at (631) 288-8277 for an honest conversation about your specific home. We serve the entire East End from our base in Westhampton Beach. See our cedar shake roofing service and asphalt shingle service pages for more detail on each system.