How to Identify Cedar Shake on a Roof from Attic: A Homeowner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wondered whether your roof is made of cedar shakes but don’t want to climb up a ladder, you’re in luck. You can often figure it out by looking inside your attic. Learning how to identify cedar shake on a roof from attic views is useful when buying a home, budgeting for repairs, or checking if your roof needs replacement. 🌲🏠

Here’s the clear, step-by-step way to identify cedar shake roofing from your attic without second-guessing.

Why cedar shakes stand out

Cedar shake roofs are made from split wooden shingles. They look rustic on the outside, but from the attic, they have very distinct characteristics compared to asphalt, tile, or metal roofs. Recognizing these traits can save you the trouble of hiring an inspector just to answer a simple question.

Cedar shakes are one of the few roofing materials that let daylight peek through attic seams—something you won’t see with asphalt shingles or metal panels.

The natural texture of cedar shakes provides excellent insulation.

Step-by-step: how to identify cedar shake on a roof from attic

1. Look for visible wood planks

From inside your attic, cedar shake roofs are usually installed over spaced wooden planks (also called skip sheathing). Unlike solid plywood sheathing, there will be gaps between boards—often an inch or more. This is a strong indicator of shakes.

2. Notice daylight between the boards

With cedar shake, tiny shafts of daylight often filter through the gaps. This doesn’t necessarily mean leaks—it’s normal for this roof type. If you see light but no moisture, it’s likely cedar shake.

3. Check thickness and layering

Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles. From the attic, you may notice a chunkier cross-section at the edges compared to thin asphalt shingles.

4. Look for wood grain or cedar smell

In some attics, especially with older roofs, you may actually see the rough wood underside or smell the faint, natural cedar scent.

5. Confirm with roof age and style

Cedar shakes typically last 20–30 years with good maintenance, though some can push past that with care (National Association of Home Builders Roof Lifespan Guide). If your house is older and the roof matches that rustic style, cedar shakes are a strong possibility.

Close-up view of weathered wooden shingles on a rooftop, showcasing the detailed texture and natural wear against a bright sky.

Benefits and drawbacks of cedar shake roofs

• Pros: Natural insulation, beautiful rustic look, eco-friendly.

• Cons: Higher maintenance, vulnerable to moss, shorter lifespan than tile or metal, and may not meet fire codes in some regions. The U.S. Forest Service notes cedar is naturally resistant to decay but still requires treatment for durability (Forest Products Laboratory).

If you see gaps and daylight from your attic, don’t panic—that’s the design, not a construction flaw. Problems only arise if you notice active leaks or wood rot.

When to get a professional opinion

If you’re still unsure after checking, or if you see signs of water damage, mold, or sagging planks, it’s smart to call a roofer. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends professional inspections to confirm roof type and assess condition (NRCA Homeowner Resources).

A beautiful cedar shake roof enhances the home's aesthetic appeal.

FAQ

How to identify cedar shake on a roof from attic?

Look for skip sheathing (spaced planks), daylight between boards, and thicker wood layers compared to asphalt.

Why do I see daylight in my attic roof?

That’s normal with cedar shake installed over spaced planks—daylight doesn’t always mean leaks.

What’s the lifespan of cedar shake roofs?

Typically 20–30 years, depending on climate and maintenance.

Can cedar shake roofs be replaced with asphalt shingles?

Yes, but it usually requires adding solid decking over the existing spaced planks.

Are cedar shake roofs still common?

Less common today due to cost and fire restrictions, but still valued for their natural look.

Final verdict: how to identify cedar shake from attic

The key to knowing how to identify cedar shake on a roof from attic views is spotting spaced wood planks, daylight shining through, and thicker shake layers. These simple attic checks can help you confirm your roof type without a ladder. If in doubt, call a roofer to double-check before planning maintenance or replacement. 🔨