If you already have a cedar shake roof, you probably know the tradeoff. Cedar looks beautiful, but over time it can become expensive to maintain and difficult to keep performing the way it should. Splitting, curling, drying out, rot, and leaks are all common issues that can turn a once-beautiful roof into a recurring headache.
Why cedar shake becomes costly over time
Natural wood is a living material, and it keeps behaving like one long after it is on the roof. It absorbs moisture, dries, expands, and contracts. In the Lower Mainland, where wet seasons are long and shaded slopes stay damp for weeks, that cycle runs harder than it does in drier climates. The result is familiar to most cedar owners: shakes that split, edges that curl, soft spots where rot has taken hold, and moss that lifts courses and holds water against the wood.
None of that is a single large expense. It is a series of smaller ones — cleaning, treatment, replacing individual shakes, chasing leaks — that repeat every few years and rarely stop. Over the second half of a cedar roof’s life, those costs tend to accelerate rather than level off.
How Brava preserves the cedar look
That is why more homeowners are looking at Brava synthetic cedar shake as a replacement option. Brava is designed to deliver the classic cedar look while reducing many of the problems that come with natural wood. It gives homeowners a way to preserve the character of their home without committing to the ongoing maintenance cycle that cedar often requires.
The profiles are moulded from real cedar, so the grain, thickness variation, and staggered edges read as authentic from the street — which matters on heritage-style homes and in neighbourhoods where the roofline is part of the architecture.
Warranty protection that adds peace of mind
One of the biggest advantages is long-term protection. Brava offers a 50-year limited warranty and, depending on the product and warranty structure, workmanship coverage may also apply. In some cases, labour can be covered if the issue is tied to a defective product and installation requirements are met. That kind of coverage matters when you are investing in a roof that is expected to protect your home for decades.
Coverage always depends on the specific product, the warranty registered for your project, and correct installation — which is exactly why the installer you choose is part of the warranty conversation, not separate from it. You can read more about how coverage works in our guide to workmanship warranties on roof replacements.
A better long-term option for BC homes
Brava is also made from recycled materials and is fully recyclable, which adds another layer of value for homeowners who want a more sustainable roofing choice. For anyone tired of constantly repairing or replacing cedar, Brava offers a more practical and durable path forward.
If your cedar shake roof is nearing the end of its life, Brava is more than a replacement. It is a smarter long-term roofing solution.
Talk it through with True North Strong Contracting
Book a roof inspection with True North Strong Contracting (TNSC) to see whether Brava is the right replacement for your cedar shake roof. We will look at the condition of the existing shakes, the deck and ventilation beneath them, and give you a straight answer on timing — whether that points to targeted repair or a planned full roof replacement.