This is a very short sample of web sites about “cedar shake roofs” (resulted in 2,980 hits). I tried to skip over the sales and marketing sites, but include sites with both pro and con points of view. I copied the lead from each site to give a gist of the information provided.

Compiled by Joe Polito, 2082 Gillen Lane, McLean Province

http://iyp.uswestdex.com/aaaroofcare/Page2.html
“The Problem: Weathering and premature deterioration are the problems facing cedar shake roof owners in the Northwest. The two main factors contributing to this problem are the accumulation of wood rotting organisms and ultraviolet radiation.”

http://www.soundhome.com/topics/topic_cedarroofs.shtml
Cedar shake topics (note that the sponsor Champion Metal of Washington, Inc.)

http://www.oldhouseweb.net/stories/Detailed/10368.shtml
“Wood shingles were the most common roof covering in Colonial America -- and several hundred years later, they are a choice material for historic restoration. With proper care and maintenance, these roofs can be attractive and reliable protection for your historic home. Most buyers of old homes view the cedar roof as an historically correct material over their home and are eager to take the steps necessary for its preservation. In this column I'll discuss the maintenance and repair of this traditional roofing material.”

http://www.soundhome.com/consult/40.shtml
“Shake vs. Composition Roofing. This page contains a number of letters and responses regarding cedar shakes and shingles. While I continue to advocate against the use of cedar as a roofing material, I also welcome other ideas and points of view.”

http://lumber.com/products/cedar/ced_013.asp
“Cleaning & Protecting Your Red Cedar Shake or Shingle Roof”

http://12.32.114.45/faq.htm
FAQ on cedar. Provides facts regarding cedar compared to comparable roofing materials. Cedar Ridge Roofing Company Established 1987 Greg Philips - Owner Operator, 202 Lake Shore Ln., Bloomingdale. IL 60108

http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/cdps/FireSafety/ProgServ/techasst/cedrbldr.htm
“IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO, December 29, 1994, 94 N 2243, CEDAR SHAKE AND SHINGLE BUREAU, et al Plaintiffs, vs. CITY OF BOULDER, et al, Defendants.”

http://southcove.net/roofs.htm
Home Owners Association web site. “Ever since South Cove was built in the late 1970's, we've had covenants to ensure consistent "Cedar Shake" roofing materials throughout the neighborhood. These covenants are based on the belief that a permanent commitment to consistent and high quality roofing will help the neighborhood maintain its appeal over the long-haul. At first, the covenants insisted on actual cedar shakes. But, since then, it has become apparent that actual cedar shakes are not the best choice for everyone.”

http://www.forestnet.com/archives/may97/shake.html
“Shake/Shingle Sector Facing Tough Times. Although market demand remains strong, BC shake and shingle producers face a serious raw material crunch that is pushing prices through the roof. By Reg Barclay, Copyright 1997. Contact publisher for permission to use.”

http://www.pineycreek.org/roofing.html
Home Owners Association web site. “Alternative Roofing Materials. In 1996, the Piney Creek Architectural Control Committee (ACC) began discussing the use of alternative roofing materials. Several factors initiated this discussion including homeowner requests, insurance industry changes and recommendations, the availability of new roofing materials and the possible future changes in county building codes.”

http://www.cedarroof.com/faqs.htm
Cedar FAQs

http://chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/homeimprovement/chi-990806outdoorrenovation.htmlstory
“View from the top; Make sure the roof over your head will take care of you.” By Jim Sulski, Special to the Chicago Tribune, Published August 6, 1999

http://www.donpearman.com/fire/93.woodrooves.shtml
“During these hot days of late summer, grass fires are, unfortunately, not uncommon. Grass fires near residential neighborhoods are usually extinguished quickly and pose no threat, but the drifting embers from a grass fire can be many times more threatening if the neighborhood is composed of homes with wood shake roofs.”