If you know Roofing Annex then You’ve Found a Cedar Roofing Expert

Roofing Annex specializes in all forms of steep-slope roofing but prides itself on being an asphalt roofing system expert. We’ve earned an excellent reputation for this in the Chicagoland and Cincinnati communities we serve. Because we are all about crafting the best roofs with the best products and know-how, we realize the importance of applying the right type of expertise to each project. And believe it or not, there is an enormous difference in product, fasteners, application and maintenance between cedar shakes and asphalt shingles. That’s why we created a separate, specialized division to handle cedar roofs better than anyone else ever could. Shake Guys® brings a new level of expertise to this niche market.

Shake Guys is based in Lake Zurich, Illinois, and services the Chicagoland suburbs. Because Roofing Annex operates in both the greater Cincinnati and Chicago areas, Shake Guys can offer its contractor services in both regions. And while there are few pockets in Ohio that have cedar shake roofs, there are no other specialists in the state. That’s why a good percent of Shake Guys’ business comes from Ohio! Shake Guys has replaced cedar roofs for office complexes in Columbus, retail shops in Dayton, homes in Indian Hill, and dwellings all throughout Ohio. Ongoing commercial cedar roof maintenance programs are also a part of the cedar roofing services offered by this division.

Putting the Roofing Annex Stamp on Cedar Shake Roofing

Both Shake Guys and Roofing Annex follow these fundamental tenets in their business:

• Top products – Roofing Annex uses GAF Timberline (or similar products), and Shake Guys uses 100% Premium edge-grain cedar shakes. (There is nothing better.)
• Best Practices – From customer service to roof application, we are hell-bent on perfection.
• Talent – We bring the most talented inspectors, project managers and craftsmen to bear on each project.
• Storm Damage Services – Both Roofing Annex and Shake Guys are staffed with Haag Certified technicians who know better than anyone how to identify and document storm damage. These inspectors have amassed a wealth of knowledge and forensic skills to diagnose small-fix damages as well as hard-to-see systemic roofing system failure. Both staffs work tirelessly to educate clients, guide them through the diagnosis and repair process, and advocate for insurance claims.

The cedar shake roofers at Shake Guys provide maintenance plans for homes and commercial building. This India Hill home we built had just been cleaned before this photo.

This Cincinnati home showcases a niche withing a niche, steam bent cedar. Our master roofers are pros with this delicate art form.

What Sets Shake Guys Apart From the Pack?

A shake roof is different from any other type of roof for a laundry list of reasons! Without going too deep down a boring rabbit hole of specifications, here are some of the top factors that homeowners need to know:

Roofing Systems Built to Last

We don’t just put on a product; we build a roofing system meant to last 50 years. The value we provide goes beyond the intrinsic beauty of the rooftops we craft – our roofs add insulation to homes, cutting electric bills, and they outlast most asphalt roofs, if cared for properly. Our 100 percent premium edge grain shakes are at the core of this. Whether we use heavy split and resawn shakes, which are hand-split and sanded smooth on the back while textured on the front face, or tapersawn shakes, which resemble cedar shingle but are thicker, our clients get a great product that looks gorgeous for decades. This grain cut keeps the boards from curling and splitting and also takes abuse from hail and other potentially damaging weather far better than most roof types. The contractors at Shake Guys specialize in building complete roofing systems with proper ventilation, as cedar needs to breathe, and fasteners (nails) that stand the test of time.

Craftsmanship and Project Management Matters

If you need work on a cedar roof, you really need a cedar shake roofing specialist such as Shake Guys. Trying to compare cedar roofing to any other type of roofing is like comparing apples to bananas. An apple farmer and a banana farmer don’t grow and harvest their products in the same manner. One can’t go to the other’s farm and know exactly what to do, even after visiting once and helping with a harvest. So it is with cedar versus asphalt roofs. The two are different in every way, and each needs the care of a seasoned expert.

Some areas, such as Chicago, have multiple “cedar roofing specialists,” but how they operate says a lot. A proper team should be more than a couple of workers and a foreman. Look for companies with accountability. You want a crew (the men on the roof), a foreman to direct them, and a project manager to oversee it all. Project managers offer accountability, keep the project running smoothly from start to finish, and are there to take care of the homeowners’ needs.

Shake Guys roofers understand scale and timing. This Montgomery, Ohio office building’s roof was fully replaced in two days.

Shake Guys provides copper-works services. This Dayton home was re-roofed and had copper added in conjunction.

Attention From the Top

Roofing Annex co-owner Chad Janisch is in charge of the Shake Guys division. With 25 years of experience under his belt, Janisch takes the time to personally train his staff of inspectors, project managers and builders. He is so passionate about cedar roofing that you can still find him in the field heading up storm damage services in Chicago’s suburbs. From residential roofs to large commercial projects, he knows cedar like nobody else around.

How to Get Cedar Shake Roofing in the Cincinnati Area

If you live in Ohio and have a cedar roof that you want to renovate, repair or have assessed for storm damage, it’s easy to request a free consultation and/or inspection. The roof contractors at both Roofing Annex and Shake Guys are ready to take your call and put you in touch with a cedar roofing expert!

Shake Guys is a Better Business Bureau A+ rated contractor in both Ohio and Illinois. Be sure to check out our work at www.shakeguys.com.