Weathered gray cedar shake hip roof over a red brick three-car garage in Omaha
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Cedar Shake Roof Replacement

Replacing a Cedar Shake Roof in Omaha, NE

Keep the look of cedar without the upkeep or insurance headaches. We replace aging wood roofs with Brava Roof Tile and other cedar-look alternatives, or help you create a whole new look.

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An Honest Take

We Love the Look of Cedar. We Don't Install It.

Cedar shake gives a home a warm, textured look you'll still see on Tudors, Craftsman homes, and custom builds throughout Omaha, from Dundee and Happy Hollow to west Omaha and Elkhorn.

But natural wood is a tough fit for Nebraska. Shakes split in hail, cup and rot from moisture, grow moss under mature trees, and need constant maintenance. On top of that, more and more insurance companies are refusing to cover them.

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Weathered cedar shake roof in Omaha with rusted metal valley flashing between roof planes

Many insurance carriers are declining, surcharging, or non-renewing policies on cedar shake roofs, and some now cover them only at actual cash value. If you have a wood roof, check your policy. Royalty Roofing replaces cedar roofs with insurable, impact-rated alternatives like Brava Roof Tile that keep the same rustic look.

Why Cedar Shake Is Getting Harder to Insure

Insurance companies look at risk, and wood roofs check a lot of boxes. Cedar is combustible, it splits and breaks in hail, and it holds moisture that leads to rot and leaks. In a hail-prone state like Nebraska, claims on wood roofs tend to be bigger and come more often.

As a result, many carriers have pulled back. Some won't write new policies on homes with wood roofs at all. Others add surcharges, raise deductibles, limit coverage to actual cash value, or require the roof to be replaced before they'll renew. Many homeowners don't find out until they get a non-renewal letter.

If your cedar roof is aging, has been through a hailstorm, or your agent has raised concerns, it's a good time to plan your next roof. An impact-rated, Class A fire-rated alternative can make your home easier to insure, and in some cases may lower your premium.

  • Declined new policies on wood shake roofs
  • Surcharges or higher wind and hail deductibles
  • Coverage limited to actual cash value instead of replacement cost
  • Non-renewal until the roof is replaced

Cedar-Look Alternatives

The Look of Wood, Without the Problems

These are the cedar shake lookalikes we install. Each one gives you a dimensional, rustic profile with far better hail, fire, and moisture resistance.

Brava Roof Tile

Composite shake molded from real cedar for an authentic, hand-split texture. One of the most realistic cedar lookalikes available.

  • Class 4 impact rating
  • Class A fire rating
  • Won't rot, split, or grow moss
  • Multiple wood-tone blends

CertainTeed Presidential

Thick, multi-layer CertainTeed Presidential asphalt shingles that can help recreate the deep shadow lines of wood shake.

  • Dimensional shake profile
  • Impact-resistant options
  • Strong manufacturer warranty
  • More budget-friendly

Composite Shake & Slate

Composite products like DaVinci in shake or slate profiles. A great choice if you want premium performance or a new style.

  • Class 4 impact options
  • Low maintenance
  • Shake or slate looks
  • Wide color selection

Our Cedar Roof Replacement Process

Moving off a wood roof takes a few extra steps. Here is how every project runs.

  • Full inspection of every slope and the attic to check for leaks, rot, and ventilation problems
  • Photo documentation of your current roof, including any hail or storm damage
  • Side-by-side samples of Brava, CertainTeed Presidential, and other options against your home
  • Written estimate for each option so you can compare cost, look, and insurability
  • Complete tear-off of the cedar, new solid decking where needed, and proper underlayment and ventilation
  • Final walk-through and cleanup, with photos and product details for your insurance agent

Many older cedar roofs were installed over spaced (skip) sheathing. Most modern roofing products need a solid deck, so we include new deckingin your estimate when it's needed. No surprises once the old roof comes off.

Aerial view of a synthetic shake roof on an Omaha-area home

Keep It or Change It

Keep the Cedar Look, or Create a New One

If you love your home's rustic character, a cedar lookalike like Brava keeps that style intact. Most people driving by will never know it isn't real wood.

Replacing a cedar roof is also a good time to give your home a fresh look. Some homeowners switch to synthetic slate, a bold architectural shingle, or a new color that pairs with updated siding and trim. Whatever direction you want to go, we'll help you see how it looks on your house before you decide.

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Related Roofing Services

Learn more about the products and services that go hand in hand with replacing a cedar roof.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Move On From Your Cedar Roof?

Schedule a free inspection. We'll look at your current roof, show you cedar-look samples side by side, and give you a written estimate for each option.

(402) 216-8850Schedule Free Estimate

Serving Omaha, Papillion, Bellevue, La Vista, Elkhorn, Gretna, and surrounding areas