Homeowners typically pay a wide range to remove cedar shake roofs, driven by roof size, pitch, removal labor, and disposal fees. The price can be influenced by the presence of old underlayment, decking repairs, and local disposal rules. This article provides cost estimates in USD with clear low–average–high ranges and the key factors that affect pricing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Project | $2,500 | $4,000 | $8,000 | Typical 1,000–2,000 sq ft roofs; larger or steeper roofs push higher. |
| Labor | $1.50/sq ft | $2.40/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | Crew hours depend on pitch and complexity. |
| Disposal / Debris | $0.25–$0.75/sq ft | $0.80–$1.50/sq ft | $2.00+/sq ft | Includes debris hauling and cedar recycling or landfill fees. |
| Permits / Fees | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Varies by city; some areas require permits for roof work. |
| Equipment | $0.10–$0.40/sq ft | $0.25–$0.60/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | Includes tarps, dumpsters, suction lifts, safety gear. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for cedar shake roof removal depend on roof size, pitch, and disposal requirements. A typical project of 1,200–1,800 sq ft with standard pitch often lands in the $3,000–$6,000 range, while steeper, larger, or complex jobs can exceed $8,000. The per-square-foot estimates commonly fall between $2.00 and $4.00, with high-contrast costs coming from hazardous materials abatement or extensive deck repairs. Assumptions: region, roof size, pitch, underlayment, disposal method.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $200 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Primarily cedar shake removal materials; no solid replacements included. | $0.50–$2.50/sq ft |
| Labor | $1.50/sq ft | $2.40/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | Crew size and roof complexity affect hours. | $/hour: $40–$85 |
| Equipment | $0.20/sq ft | $0.40/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | Lifts, tarps, and safety gear are included here. | $0.20–$1.00/sq ft |
| Permits | $50 | $250 | $1,000 | Local rules may require inspection and permit fees. | Flat or % of project |
| Delivery / Disposal | $100 | $700 | $2,000 | Hauling away cedar waste; some facilities charge by weight. | $0.25–$2.00/sq ft |
| Contingency | $150 | $600 | $1,500 | Buffer for unexpected deck repairs or underlayment issues. | $0.10–$0.50/sq ft |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
What Drives Price
Pricing variables in cedar shake removal include roof size and pitch, debris complexity, material disposal costs, and local permit requirements. A steeper pitch can significantly raise labor hours, while older decks may need repair after shake removal, adding to the cost. Cedar waste often costs more to haul than asphalt shingles due to weight and handling. Assumptions: region, roof slope, disposal method.
Ways To Save
Budget tips to reduce cedar shake roof removal costs include obtaining multiple quotes, scheduling during off-peak seasons, and bundling with other roof work if feasible. Consider pausing removal if underlayment or decking needs little work, or negotiating waste disposal terms with the contractor. Assumptions: region, contractor availability.
Regional Price Differences
Regional variation affects cedar shake removal costs. In the Northeast and West Coast, higher labor rates and stricter disposal rules can push totals up 10–25% versus the Midwest or South. Urban areas often incur higher permit and disposal fees, while rural markets may offer lower labor and travel costs. Assumptions: region, urban/suburban/rural
Labor & Installation Time
Time factors influence cost; a 1,300 sq ft cedar shake roof with standard pitch commonly requires 1–2 days of crew work, including teardown and debris removal. Higher pitch or larger decks can extend to 3–4 days, increasing labor and equipment use. Assumptions: crew size, pitch, roof complexity.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario snapshots illustrate typical outcomes with varied specs. Each includes a basic, mid-range, and premium package to reflect different material, labor, and disposal needs.
Basic
Roof size: 1,000–1,200 sq ft; standard pitch; no major deck repair. Labor 1–2 workers; disposal to municipal landfill. Total: $2,500–$3,800. Per-sq-ft price: $2.50–$3.50. Assumptions: region, minimal decking work.
Mid-Range
Roof size: 1,400–1,800 sq ft; moderate pitch; minor deck smoothing. Labor 2–3 workers; disposal to recycling facility. Total: $4,000–$6,000. Per-sq-ft price: $2.90–$4.00. Assumptions: region, partial deck cleanup.
Premium
Roof size: 2,000–2,400 sq ft; steep pitch; underlying decking requires repair; disposal to construction waste facility. Labor 3–4 workers; equipment rental. Total: $7,500–$10,500. Per-sq-ft price: $3.75–$4.50. Assumptions: region, repairs needed.