Across Riverhead, the North Fork, and the East End of Long Island, natural cedar shake roofing is more than just a home covering—it is a defining architectural tradition. From classic coastal estates to timeless historic homes, nothing matches the rich warmth, depth, and character of genuine cedar.
At MJB Roofing & Siding, cedar shake roofing isn't just another service we offer—it is our core specialty.
While many modern contractors rush through roof installations using automated pneumatic nail guns, our craftsmen take pride in installing hand-nailed cedar shakes the authentic way. Hand-nailing ensures precise fastener placement, proper shingle spacing, and structural integrity that allows your natural wood roof to withstand Long Island's toughest coastal weather for decades.
The Precision of Hand-Nailed Craftsmanship
Installing a cedar shake roof requires an understanding of how natural wood reacts to moisture, ocean air, and temperature shifts. Speed-oriented nail guns can easily overdrive fasteners, punching straight through the delicate wood grain or split the shake beneath the surface.
Our hand-nailed cedar shake installation guarantees superior quality at every step:
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Flawless Fastener Depth: Every ring-shank stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nail is driven flush by hand, securing the shake without compromising structural integrity or creating entry points for water.
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Optimal Expansion Gaps: Cedar expands when wet and shrinks as it dries in the summer sun. Hand-laying allows our crew to set precise 3/8" expansion gaps between shakes, preventing warping, buckling, and splitting.
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Custom Interlocking Courses: We layer heavy felt underlayment between every course of shakes, creating a continuous water-shedding system that channels coastal rain away from your home's wood decking.
Key Benefits of Authentic Cedar Shake Roofing
Beyond its unmistakable rustic beauty, a expertly crafted cedar shake roof provides exceptional natural performance for Long Island homeowners:
- Unmatched Natural Insulation: Cedar has natural thermal insulating properties that outperform synthetic materials, helping keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer during freezing coastal winters.
- High-Wind Performance: When properly hand-nailed to solid decking or furring strips, thick-butt cedar shakes can withstand severe nor'easters and gale-force coastal wind gusts exceeding 120+ mph.
- Graceful Aging & Aesthetic Value: Over time, natural cedar matures from a rich golden honey color into a distinguished, silvery-gray patina prized in coastal New York architecture.
Dedicated Long Island Roofers & Our 100% Clean Yard Guarantee
As a locally owned contractor based in Riverhead, NY, we take immense pride in preserving the architectural beauty of our community. We handle every cedar roof installation with meticulous care, never cutting corners or outsourcing to unverified crews.
We also respect your property like it’s our own. Our 100% Clean Yard Guarantee means we perform magnetic nail sweeps and complete cleanup daily, leaving your lawn, driveway, and garden immaculate.
Consult with Long Island's Cedar Shake Specialists
Whether you need a complete hand-nailed cedar shake roof replacement, historic restoration, or expert maintenance on your existing wood roof, trust the specialists at MJB Roofing & Siding.