Key numbers
Wood shingles or shakes were the main roofing material on 5.19 million U.S. homes in 2020 (U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2020).
| 71.7% | According to Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, an asphalt shingle roof replacement in the Mountain region cost $28,475 on average and recouped 71.7% at resale. Source: Remodeling / JLC (Zonda), 2025 |
|---|---|
| About 20 | NAHB's 2007 study puts asphalt shingle roof life at about 20 years, fiber cement shingles about 25 years and wood shakes about 30 years. Source: National Association of Home Builders / Bank of America Home Equity, 2007 |
| 67.5% | According to Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, the national average asphalt shingle roof replacement cost $31,871 and recouped 67.5% at resale. Source: Remodeling / JLC (Zonda), 2025 |
A synthetic cedar shake roof on a Denver home typically costs $10,000 to $25,000, or about $500 to $1,000 per square (100 square feet), and the average job we price comes in around $14,500. The roof’s size and pitch, the product line, and whether the old roof was on spaced boards that now need solid decking are what move the price. These are planning ranges, not a quote.
Denver synthetic cedar cost by roof size
| Roof size | Approximate installed cost |
|---|---|
| 10 squares (1,000 sq ft) | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| 15 squares (1,500 sq ft) | $7,500 to $15,000 |
| 20 squares (2,000 sq ft) | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| 25 squares (2,500 sq ft) | $12,500 to $25,000 |
| 30 squares (3,000 sq ft) | $15,000 to $30,000 |
What pushes a Denver synthetic cedar bid higher
- Spaced decking. Older wood shake roofs were often installed on spaced boards. Denver’s Roofing Guide and Checklist says no continuous opening between boards can exceed half an inch, regardless of the manufacturer’s instructions. Covering spaced boards with new sheathing adds material and a day of labor.
- Old layers. Where two or more roof coverings exist, Denver requires removal down to the deck.
- Insulation. If the sheathing is exposed and there is no insulation in the roof cavity, Denver’s energy code requires insulating above (R-30ci) or below (R-38 flat, R-49 attic) the sheathing.
- Asbestos. Older roofs must follow the state health department’s asbestos inspection and removal rules, and the city may ask for proof of inspection.
- Pitch and shape. Steep roofs, dormers and many valleys add labor, safety setup and cut waste.
- Product line. Thicker, more realistic shakes with stronger impact ratings cost more per square.
Why Denver homeowners switch from wood
Real cedar weathers, splits and grows moss over time, and it needs regular treatment. Composite shakes keep the look without the upkeep. Many products also carry high impact ratings, which matters if your roof has already taken hail, but ratings vary, so check the exact product. Our Class 4 shingle comparison explains what the impact ratings mean.
Compare other Denver roof costs
- Roof replacement cost in Denver for asphalt shingles
- Metal roof cost in Denver, including stone-coated steel shake
- Slate roof cost in Denver
- Tile roof cost in Denver, including shake-profile concrete tile
Get a synthetic cedar estimate in Denver
Integrity Roofing and Painting is veteran-owned and family-run since 1990, an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor with 650+ Google reviews. We check the decking during the free inspection so the decking cost is in your bid from the start, not a surprise mid-job. See our Denver cedar roofing page, ask about financing, call (303) 209-0152, or book a free inspection in Denver. We respond the same business day.
Sources: City and County of Denver, Roofing Guide and Checklist (updated 4/11/2024). Price ranges are planning figures, not a quote.
