South Central Montana’s Reliable Cedar Roofing Services
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Most Reliable Cedar Roofing Professionals in Billings
Cedar roofing is an attractive and sturdy option for your roof, giving your home a rustic, countryside look that is impossible to replicate. This lightweight, eco-friendly option is not going to be the cheapest roofing available, but if you’re looking for charm and durability, this could be the roof of your dream home.
When choosing a cedar roofing company to help you with installation and maintenance, look no further than Kirkness Roofing Inc. as your Billings, MT roofing company. Our skilled and trustworthy roofing contractors offer invaluable cedar roofing services and are standing by to provide you with the friendly customer service you expect from local Billings, MT businesses.
Are you interested in a beautiful, natural cedar roof? Contact us today for a free estimate where you’ll receive a personalized quote.
Types of Cedar Roofing
There are two types of cedar roofs that are typically confused by most: cedar shake roofing and cedar shingle roofing.
Cedar Shake vs Cedar Shingle
The main difference between these two types is that cedar shingles are factory cut, so each panel is going to be precisely the same size. Cedar shakes are split by hand and consequently, won’t all be the same.
This may not seem like a big difference, but the decision is an important one because it will change the look of your home. If you want a more rustic look for your roof, cedar shakes will be the way to go. On the other hand, it’s essential that a cedar shake roofer installs the material since they can create gaps due to their non uniformity which can be affected by inclement weather. However, for both options, professional installation by a cedar roofing contractor is highly recommended to ensure the best possible results.
The strength of your cedar roof also depends on the thickness and which part of the tree the wood was cut from. When you’ve got a thick cut of wood, it generally lasts longer, and if your cedar comes from the strongest part of the tree, it will be more durable. Both of these qualities will cost you more and account for the variances in cedar roofing prices.
Both cedar shingles and cedar shakes are lightweight, easy to maintain, energy efficient, and can last up to 25 years. However, cedar shakes are more expensive due to their hand-made manufacturing process.
Need help deciding which cedar roofing option to choose? Call us today at (406) 256-1798 for a free estimate with one of our experienced roofers.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Roofing
Cedar itself is an incredibly durable kind of wood. After all, cedar trees continue to stand tall through bad weather. But, as with anything, there are upsides and downsides to this roofing material.
The Pros
To start with the positives, cedar roofing is an eco-friendly option, making homes more energy efficient. Cedar is a renewable resource and biodegradable, so if your priority is an environmentally friendly roofing material, cedar roofing could be for you. By insulating your house and allowing it to breathe, it’ll also save you on energy costs. Aside from cedar, Aside from cedar, we also specialize in metal and flat roofing services, which are also eco-friendly roofing materials.
Cedar roofing gives your home a rustic aesthetic that’s truly difficult to match with engineered products, and you’ll also see that cedar roofing lasts longer than some other kinds of roofing, provided that they undergo proper maintenance.
The Cons
One of the concerns with getting cedar roofing is that it can be more prone to issues including fire damage, drying out and cracking, warping, water damage, and pest infestations. It’s suggested to use fire retardant coatings, as well as treatments for any other potential issues, which are all part of the installation process and requiring of regular maintenance. However, keep in mind that some areas don’t allow cedar roofing due to fire concerns even with these precautions.
Depending on the quality of cedar roofing you decide to go with, it won’t be a cheap project. It’s not the most expensive option available, but it’s certainly not your most budget-friendly either. Not only do you have to think about the cost of the cedar shakes or shingles themselves, but they also require demolition of your old roof and installation costs of skilled contractors.
In addition to these initial costs, cedar roofing also needs a fair bit of maintenance to ensure the lifespan. Apart from the previously mentioned coating maintenance, other necessary tasks for cedar roofing include consistent cleaning to remove moss and mildew build-up, and you’ll even need to remove low hanging trees that can contribute to moisture accumulation.
Make the Right Decision Today!
A new cedar roof can really brighten the aesthetic makeup of a home. Ready to get started on your beautiful new cedar roofing? Need to do some maintenance on your cedar roof? Call Kirkness Roofing Inc.’s cedar roof specialists today!
Choosing a Cedar Roofing Company in Billings, MT
A cedar roof is a long-term investment, and it rewards being installed and maintained by a cedar roofing company that actually understands the material. Cedar behaves differently than asphalt or metal. It expands and contracts with moisture, needs room to breathe, and depends on correct spacing, fastening, and underlayment to reach its full lifespan. When those details are handled well, a cedar roof delivers decades of character and performance. When they are rushed, cedar can cup, split, or trap moisture years before it should.
Kirkness Roofing has installed and serviced roofs across South Central Montana since 1978, and works with cedar shakes and shingles as part of a full residential roofing line. That experience matters when you are comparing cedar shingle roofers, because the right company will talk openly about how cedar holds up in the Billings area’s mix of intense summer sun, hail, and hard winter freeze-thaw cycling, and whether cedar is genuinely the best fit for your home or whether a metal or premium asphalt system would serve you better. Kirkness Roofing carries GAF Certified, Malarkey Emerald Pro Contractor, and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor credentials, holds Montana Contractor License #373785IC, and is BBB A+ rated.
Whether you are installing a new cedar roof, planning a full roof replacement, or need a repair on an existing cedar roof, Kirkness Roofing provides a written estimate after an on-site inspection rather than a generic phone quote. You can see the company’s broader work across the communities it serves and request a free estimate through the online form when you are ready.
Cedar Roofing Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cedar roof last in Montana's climate?
A well-installed and maintained cedar roof can last 30 years or more, though Montana’s intense UV exposure, hail, and repeated winter freeze-thaw cycling all shorten that lifespan if the roof is neglected. Regular cleaning, keeping the surface clear of debris and moss, and prompt repairs are what let a cedar roof reach the high end of its range in this climate.
Does a cedar roof need more maintenance than asphalt or metal?
Yes. Cedar is a natural material, so it needs periodic cleaning to remove debris, moss, and organic buildup that trap moisture, along with occasional treatment and prompt replacement of any split or cupped pieces. Asphalt and metal are lower-maintenance by comparison, which is part of the tradeoff to weigh when choosing cedar for its appearance and character.
Are cedar roofs a fire risk, and can cedar be treated for fire resistance?
Untreated cedar is combustible, but pressure-impregnated fire-retardant cedar shakes and shingles are available and carry improved fire ratings. If fire performance is a concern for your property, Kirkness Roofing can walk through treated cedar options and how they compare to other roofing materials before you decide.
How does the cost of a cedar roof compare to asphalt shingles?
Cedar generally costs more upfront than asphalt shingle because the material is premium and the installation is more labor-intensive and detail-driven. Homeowners choose cedar for its distinctive look and long potential lifespan rather than for a low initial price. Kirkness Roofing provides a written, itemized estimate so you can compare cedar against other materials for your specific home.
Can Kirkness Roofing repair an existing cedar roof, or only replace it?
In many cases a cedar roof can be repaired rather than fully replaced. If damage is limited to a section and the rest of the roof is sound, replacing split or cupped shakes and addressing the underlying cause is often the right call. Kirkness Roofing’s inspection determines whether a targeted repair will hold up or whether age and wear across the roof make replacement the better long-term value.
Is cedar a good choice for a home in the Billings area specifically?
Cedar can be an excellent fit for Billings-area homes when the owner wants its natural look and is prepared for its maintenance needs. The area’s dry summers actually suit cedar well, while hail and freeze-thaw are the factors that make correct installation and upkeep essential. Kirkness Roofing will give an honest assessment of whether cedar suits your home and exposure, or whether another material would serve you better.
Reviews
Kirkness Roofing Inc
144 Moore Ln, Billings
- Kirkness Roofing just replaced my roof — house, detached garage, and shed — and I couldn't be happier. I had wind damage twice over the winter and Jerome came out within hours both times to patch things up until it was warm enough … More for a full replacement. That kind of response is hard to find.
Jerome is honest, trustworthy, and just an all around great guy. The entire company is super professional with top notch customer service, and they use quality materials too. Be prepared to have extreme professionalism and not some fly-by-night roofer who is quick to collect payment and then vanishes.
The crew knocked out all three structures in 8 hours. Seriously impressive. What a great crew!
You will absolutely love Jerome!
See pictures of Jerome tarping my roof during the second wind event, the crew replacing my roof, and the finished product.
Highly recommend Kirkness Roofing — you won't regret it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Kirkness roofing completed our roof last week. It was an amazing experience and Jerome was so helpful every step of the way. We have a very large roof and it was completed in record time. The follow- through by all of the staff was excellent. … More I’m so glad we went with Kirkness because of their customer service and the education they provided. Great job!!
- There aren't enough stars on this scale!
I would give Kirkness Roofing 10 Stars! Three hailstorms left us with damage to the roof, siding and several windows on our home. We asked Andy to come take a look at it, and from that moment … More on we've been so thankful we did. He worked closely with the insurance company and, imagine this, our insurer told us how much they really like working with Kirkness due to their professionalism. If that's not a solid recommendation I don't know what is!
There were several sub-contractors on this job, as the entire exterior of the home was re-done, including all doors and windows replaced. Every person who worked on this project did a great job: they knew what they were doing and completed the work expertly and efficiently.
The work was completed on time, on budget (down to fifty-one cents!) and (much to my relief) to the satisfaction of my husband, who has quite a bit of construction experience in his lifetime.
We can't thank Andy and all his crew enough for the fine work they did for us! - I hired Kirkness Roofing about 5 years ago to roof my house. I called several companies and was put off by some or their prices and how they explained their process, didn't hold up to Kirkness. They did the work in a timely manner, … More at a reasonable cost and cleaned up all the nails and any trash at the end.
I recently had a tree blow over, landing on my roof and breaking my skylight. Wind and debris were blowing through my bathroom. I called Kirkness and they came out to my house within a couple hours to seal things up. Super nice guys!
Jerome came out to give me an estimate on the repair. He was thorough, knowledgeable, patient and very up front about what they could get for a replacement, the cost and when the job would be finished.
Andy and his crew have always been responsive, patient, thorough and have done a great job at a good price. They are extremely trustworthy and get the job done right. - This is an outstanding company!
This is what I experienced: honesty,
fairness, excellent communication and quality workmanship. Co-owner Andy negotiated tirelessly with my insurance company to insure that they honored my claim for hail … More damage. He is the reason that I now have new roofs on my residence and outbuildings. Thank you Andy and the entire Kirkness Roofing staff! - Harley with Kirkness Roofing was awesome and very professional! Had a shingle tear off completely near The roofs Ridge vent. Had to call a roofing company as I just had shoulder surgery and couldn’t do the repair myself. Called a different … More local company first which had an automated answering system. Based on great reviews called Kirkness Roofing.l next. Person answered the phone immediately. Explained the problems regarding my roof and scheduled a free consultation/inspection. Harley came out inspected the roof and put up a temporary protective barrier over area needing repaired. Scheduled the repair as they are a few days out. After Harley left immediately received a confirmation email very professional company and they stand behind their work. Was a little anxious about having a roofing company come out because roofs aren’t cheap. Harley with Kirkness Roofing surprised us by their kindness and clear explanation of what needed to be done and made me feel confident in their services. I don’t usually do reviews but this is one of those times worth taking time to help spread the word!!!
- Jerome made our roof repair an easy process. Kirkness really looks out for its clients. Roof installation is perfect and communication with the staff is excellent. I would recommend Kirkness for any roofing needs in the future 100%.
- We recently moved into a new home and found out the shingles used on the roof made us eligible for a discount on our homeowner’s insurance. Having not worked with any local roofing companies before, we did a google search and chose Kirkness … More Roofing because of the plethora of good reviews. From start to finish, the experience was outstanding. It was quickly evident why there were so many glowing testimonials! Jerome, in particular, was a standout. His professionalism and expertise shone through. Not only did he help us complete our certification, he checked in a day later to make sure the insurance company had all they needed. Needless to say, we will be using Kirkness for all of our future roofing needs.
Hire a Team of Roofing Experts You Can Trust
At Kirkness Roofing Inc., we believe homeowners should understand their options before making a major roofing or exterior decision. From residential roofing to commercial roofing, our team works to be a Billings roofing contractor you can depend on for clear answers, quality workmanship, and steady communication.
We want you to feel confident about the company you choose and the work being done. If it is time for your next roofing project, gutter installation, siding project, or window installation, give Kirkness Roofing Inc. a call.