Cedar shake and cedar shingle roofs are a Winnipeg classic. They were the original roofing on a lot of the homes built in Norwood, the West End, and the older heritage neighbourhoods before asphalt became standard. We install cedar today as specialty work, on character homes where a real wood roof fits the architecture and where the owner wants the look and feel of cedar rather than an asphalt approximation of it.
For a character home where the original cedar is at end of life, or where the existing asphalt looks out of place on the architecture, cedar gives you a roof that nothing else can match in appearance. We’ve been doing roofing across Winnipeg since 2011, and cedar is one of the specialties we’re growing.
The two materials are similar but install differently and look different on a finished roof.
Hand-split or split-and-resawn. Thicker, more rustic, with visible texture and variation between pieces. The look most people picture when they hear “cedar roof.” Common on older Winnipeg character homes and on rural properties where the heavier shake style fits.
Sawn rather than split. Thinner, smoother, more uniform in appearance. A cleaner, more streamlined look compared to shakes that suits some heritage homes where the rustic shake style would feel too rough for the rest of the architecture.
Which one is right depends on the house, the look you’re after, and the budget for the job. We’ll walk through both during the quote.
Cedar is specialist work. The install approach is different from an asphalt re-roof in nearly every detail, and the crew has to know cedar specifically. We treat each cedar job as its own scope, with a detailed quote that covers the specifics for your property before any work starts.
Cedar maintenance is different from asphalt. Cedar wants occasional cleaning and moss control to keep it looking and performing its best, particularly on Winnipeg properties with heavy tree shade where moss can take hold more easily. We walk through what cedar maintenance looks like as part of the quote so the long-term picture is clear before any commitment.
Cedar is detail work. The crew has to know the material, the structure has to be ready, and the transitions have to be handled properly. We approach it with the same install discipline we use on every asphalt re-roof, applied to the specific demands of a wood roof.
Common questions about cedar roofing in Winnipeg are usually about cost, lifespan, and whether cedar makes sense for a given house. Plain answers below.
A properly installed cedar roof typically lasts decades, with the exact range depending on the grade of cedar, whether it’s treated, the orientation of the roof, and the maintenance schedule. We go through the lifespan expectations specific to your house during the quote.
Cedar is a significantly higher upfront investment than asphalt. The exact number depends on the grade of cedar, the complexity of the roof, and whether the existing roof structure is ready to accept cedar. We give you written numbers for both options if you’re undecided.
Cedar performs well in our climate when installed properly. Properties with heavy tree shade or persistent moss issues need extra consideration, which we cover during the inspection.
Depends on the property. Some homes use cedar as an architectural accent on dormers, gables, or specific roof sections paired with asphalt elsewhere. We’ll go through what makes sense for your house during the quote.
Get in touch and we’ll come look. We’ll tell you straight whether the house, the budget, and the long-term plan all line up for cedar. No pressure either way.
If you’re considering cedar shakes or cedar shingles for a Winnipeg property, get in touch. We’ll come look at the house, talk through the options, and give you a written quote within 72 hours. Cedar is one of our specialties and we’re glad to take on the work.
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
