Metal Roof vs. Cedar Shake: Looks Without the Upkeep
Quick answer
Metal shake gives the look of hand-split cedar without the maintenance or risk. Real cedar rots, splits, grows moss, needs periodic treatment, and is combustible; aluminum shake will not rot, burn, or absorb water, needs virtually no upkeep, and lasts a lifetime — all while replicating cedar's texture. For the cedar look with none of the drawbacks, metal shake wins.
The appeal — and the problem — with cedar
A cedar-shake roof is beautiful, with a warmth and texture homeowners love. But cedar is a natural, organic material, and that's its weakness: it absorbs water, so it rots, splits, cups, and grows moss and algae over time; it needs periodic cleaning and treatment to slow that decline; and it is combustible, a serious liability in wildfire-prone regions. Even well-maintained cedar typically lasts only 20–30 years before it needs replacing.
How aluminum shake compares
Interlock Shake captures cedar's deep, hand-split look but is made of aluminum, which changes everything about how it ages.
| Factor | Aluminum shake | Real cedar shake |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 50+ years (lifetime) | 20–30 years |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Periodic cleaning & treatment |
| Rot / moss / insects | Immune | Susceptible |
| Fire | Non-combustible (Class A avail.) | Combustible |
| Hail / impact | UL 2218 Class 4 | Splits and cracks |
Which should you choose?
If you want the cedar look and are willing to commit to the upkeep and the shorter lifespan — and you're not in a fire-prone area — real cedar is an option. But for most homeowners, aluminum shake is the smarter choice: it delivers the same rustic character while eliminating the rot, moss, maintenance, fire risk, and 20–30 year replacement cycle. It's the cedar aesthetic reimagined as a lifetime, non-combustible, hail-resistant roof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is metal shake better than cedar shake?
For longevity and upkeep, yes for most homeowners. Aluminum shake captures the cedar look but won't rot, split, or burn, needs minimal maintenance, and lasts a lifetime — where cedar needs treatment and typically lasts 20–30 years.
Does metal shake look like real cedar?
Yes. Interlock Shake is press-formed with the deep, hand-split grain of cedar, so it captures the rustic texture from the ground — without the weathering, moss, and splitting that real cedar develops.
Is metal shake safer than cedar for fire?
Much safer. Cedar is combustible; aluminum shake is non-combustible with Class A assemblies available. In wildfire areas, that's a significant safety and often insurance advantage.
Does metal shake require maintenance like cedar?
No. Cedar needs periodic cleaning and treatment to slow rot and moss; aluminum shake needs only occasional rinsing and debris removal, because it won't rot, absorb water, or grow moss.
Sources
- Interlock Shake Specification Manual — Product specifications
- ICC-ES ESR-1790 — Fire & impact — Class A / Class 4
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Last reviewed 2026-07-11 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing