Cedar Shake vs Asphalt Shingle: Which Belongs on a Bergen Colonial?
For a Bergen County Colonial, Cape Cod, or custom estate, the roof material is an architectural decision as much as a practical one. Here's an honest comparison of cedar shake and premium asphalt shingle.
Both materials do the fundamental job — keep water out. The difference is what they do beyond that: how long they last, how they age, how much they cost, and whether they suit the home. Let's break it down.
Lifespan and cost
Cedar shake lasts 30-50 years in North Jersey's climate with proper installation and maintenance. Premium architectural asphalt lasts 20-30 years. Cedar costs roughly 2-4x premium asphalt installed — but on the right home, cedar's curb appeal and resale value help close that gap, and its longer lifespan means fewer replacements over the life of the house.
How they age
This is where the materials diverge most. Cedar ages beautifully — it weathers from warm amber to a soft silver-grey, and the texture deepens over time. It reads as a natural, living material. Asphalt does the opposite: it starts at its best and slowly degrades, losing granules and fading. Neither is wrong, but on a home where the roof is meant to be admired, cedar's aging is a feature.
Fire rating — the part that matters in NJ
Untreated cedar has a real fire vulnerability, and that reputation scares homeowners off. But we install Class A fire-treated cedar, which carries the highest fire-resistance rating — the same as asphalt and slate. Treated cedar is the responsible spec on a luxury home, and it eliminates the fire concern that dogs untreated wood roofs.
Maintenance reality
Cedar needs more attention than asphalt — but less than most people fear. Under Bergen's mature tree canopy it benefits from periodic cleaning to clear moss and debris, and a preservative treatment every several years extends its life. Keeping the gutters flowing and the roof clear does most of the work. We offer cedar maintenance programs so the roof gets what it needs on schedule.
Which architecture suits which material
- Choose cedar shake on Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, Tudors, and custom estates where natural warmth and texture are part of the architecture — the housing stock common in Allendale, Ho-Ho-Kus, and the older streets of Ridgewood.
- Choose premium asphalt on contemporary builds, larger or steeper roofs where cost scales quickly, and homes where a strong manufacturer warranty and lower price point matter most.
- Consider slate or metal if the home is a pre-war Tudor where slate is the original material, or a contemporary estate suited to standing seam metal.