• 10936 N Port Washington Rd, Suite 343 Mequon, WI 53092

Illinois :

Wisconsin:

Custom Installations Inc Il
Line 36 Svg
847-932-4500
Get A Quote

A Cedar Roof Brings More Than Beauty — It Brings Proven Performance

With the right materials and proper installation, cedar roofing can last 30–50 years or more. But when corners are cut — with thin shingles, poor ventilation, or cheap fasteners — problems show up fast.

At Custom Installations, we’ve been doing cedar the right way for over 50 years.

  • Certified Cedar from the Cedar Bureau
  • Traditional Skip Sheathing for Better Ventilation
  • Stainless Steel Fasteners — No Rust, No Failures
  • Custom-Cut, Properly Gapped, Premium-Grade Shingles
847-932-4500
Hero Reviews 1 Png

Free Estimate!

No spam. No obligation. Just straight answers and a clear quote.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to have Custom Installations contact you about a free estimate and keep you informed about sales in the future. We may use an auto-phone system to contact you by phone or text. You do not need to make a purchase or submit this form but instead can call (847) 932-4500 to arrange for a free estimate. Please be aware that all calls are recorded for quality and safety purposes. Privacy Policy

Our Certifications & Trusted Brands

Select Shingle Master Png
Davinci Png
James Hardie Png
Lp Smartside Png
Cedar Shake Shingle Buraue Png
Gaf Master Elite Png
Cedar Jpeg

Poor Installation Can Cut a Cedar Roof’s Life in Half

We get calls every year from homeowners with cracked, curling, or buckling shingles — sometimes after only a few years. The cause? Inexperienced installers using the wrong materials or skipping key steps that protect your investment.
  • Premature cracking and warping
  • Mold and rot from trapped moisture
  • Rusted nails leading to shingle movement
  • Underventilated attic spaces that reduce roof lifespan

Why Choose Us for Your Cedar Roofing Project

Every detail matters when it comes to cedar — from species and thickness to nail type and ventilation design. We follow industry-best practices, avoid shortcuts, and help you understand the choices that affect cost, durability, and maintenance.
Ceadr Shake Jpg

Western Red Cedar, Tapersawn & Heavy Shakes Available

Aerial Cedar View Jpg

Proper Gapping for Expansion & Drainage

Cedar Aerial Jpg

Eco-Friendly Cedar Alternatives from DaVinci® Also Available

Kutz Cedar Shake Jpg

Certified Installations Using CSSB-Certi-label™ Cedar Products

Get Your Free Estimate
Cedar Side View Jpg

Natural Insulation for Year-Round Efficiency

Cedar is one of the best natural insulators — helping homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter. That means more comfort and lower energy bills in climates like ours.

Ideal for Chicago-Area Snow Loads & Drainage

Cedar shakes shed water and snow efficiently, even during heavy freeze-thaw cycles. When installed properly, they resist ice damming and minimize moisture buildup.
Cedar Shake Front View Jpg

Unmatched Curb Appeal in Historic Neighborhoods

From Lake Forest to Wilmette, cedar roofs complement the architectural charm of older homes — offering a warm, textured finish that synthetic products can’t replicate.

Long-Term Durability with Proper Upkeep

When installed with proper ventilation and maintained seasonally, cedar roofs can last 30+ years — holding up beautifully in both urban and lakefront environments.
Renkemeyer Front Jpg

Eco-Friendly, Renewable & Regionally Smart

Cedar is biodegradable, sustainably harvested, and requires less energy to produce than synthetic or asphalt alternatives — making it a smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners.

“They knew exactly what our cedar roof needed — and explained every step of the way.”

Our clients choose Custom Installations because they want things done right — the first time. No corner-cutting. No mismatched materials. No surprise costs. Just experienced craftsmen, clean job sites, and stunning results.
  • Over 20,000 Projects Completed
  • Family Operated
  • Fully Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Get Your Free Estimate

About Custom Installations, Inc.

We’re a second-generation, family-operated company built on one core belief:

Craftsmanship matters. Always has, always will.

With deep roots in Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee, our team has served homeowners, architects, and builders since 1969. From small repairs to historical restorations, we deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Home Roofing Project Jpg

Our Completed Projects

Explore our past work in your neighborhood.
Explore Our Gallery

Hear From Homeowners Like You

Discover what real homeowners are saying about their experience with us. From start to finish, our team is committed to delivering quality, reliability, and results you can trust.
More reviews
Custom Installation was great to work with through this whole process. From the beginning, Ted Aydt Was very professional and thorough with the bid and immensely helpful with the insurance issues. On the job, the whole crew was great and so respectful. John Robinson was The project manager and always kept us up-to-date as did the office staff. I would definitely recommend them for your roofing job.

Rob

Google G Logo 1
I was in need of a metal crew that could do very high end copper work and was recommended this company by a major national player that owns a company in Denver, Co. The people at Custom Installations were amazing from start to finish, literally. They traveled here during the week for work and were so careful and respectful. Their copper/metal work is as good as I have ever seen. They just completed the most beautiful roof we have ever done for a homeowner. Their communication was fluid and consistent and we had zero issues. For a job with a ticket that size, we needed this to be a smooth process and Custom Installations Inc knocked it out of the park for us. Thank you guys!

Ryan Chitwood

Google G Logo 1
Had Custom installations redo the entire exterior,(hardie board) roof, and gutters of our home and the results were great! Very professional and organized. Whenever I had a concern or question, my point of contact and project lead, John was an invaluable resource and took care of any issues or questions immediately. I was very impressed with his knowledge and ability to communicate my concerns and wants to whatever crew was working for the entirety of the project. Would definitely recommend and use custom installations on future projects.

Denali

Google G Logo 1
John Robinson at Custom Installations was a pleasure to work with from beginning to end. He was extremely responsive, collaborative and nice, which is rare these days. His team worked diligently for nearly a month. Overall, it was a great experience to work with John and his team at Custom Installations.

Jonathan J.

Google G Logo 1
My garage I had vinyl siding was done in one day . They did a great job I am so happy i had it done. the crew were working hard all day and the project manager, John Robinson, came often to check on the work. I will recommend this company to my friends.

Carol Ann B.

Google G Logo 1
John Robinson & crew was a pleasure to work with: very professional, respectful & competent. They kept me informed of their work schedule at all times & even went the extra mile to address a vent issue that I did not know I had. I would highly recommend using Custom Installations for their quality of work & making the customer feel at ease answering every question. Very satisfied.

Greta Harrris

Google G Logo 1

What Homeowners Ask Us Most

How long does a cedar roof last in the Midwest?

With proper installation and seasonal maintenance, a cedar shake or shingle roof can last 25 to 30+ years — even with snow, wind, and temperature swings common in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Shakes are hand-split and have a more rustic, textured look. Shingles are sawn and offer a smoother, more uniform appearance. We’ll help you choose based on your home’s style and your visual goals.

Cedar roofs benefit from basic seasonal upkeep — like clearing debris, checking flashing, and resealing if needed. We offer maintenance plans that keep your roof in peak condition without the hassle.

Yes. Cedar is considered a premium material, and it’s especially sought after in historic neighborhoods and custom-built homes. Its natural beauty and performance can boost curb appeal and resale potential.
While DaVinci offers great durability and low maintenance, real cedar delivers unmatched warmth and authenticity. Many homeowners in classic or historic communities prefer the natural look and feel of genuine wood.
Ask Question Svg

Got More Questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about roof types, warranty details, or what to expect during installation—we’ll walk you through it all with zero pressure.
Get Your Free Estimate
Didn't Find What You Need?

Find Out If We Service Your Area

Custom Installations, Inc. proudly serves homeowners, builders, and property managers across Chicagoland, Metro Milwaukee, and Northwest Indiana.​

Primary Service Areas:

Illinois

All North, Northwest, South, and Southwest Chicago suburbs, including Lake Forest, Glenview, Northbrook, Highland Park, Wilmette, and more.

Wisconsin

Lake Geneva and surrounding communities.

Northwest Indiana

Give Us a call.

Want answers fast? Talk directly with our team — no call centers, no runaround. We’re here to help with quotes, questions, and urgent service needs.
847-932-4500

We’ll call you.

Prefer we reach out? No problem. Just share your info and we’ll give you a call — usually within the same business day.
Get a Call Back

Custom Quotation

Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll send you a detailed estimate — no pressure, no obligation. Just clear, honest pricing from people who know what they’re doing.
Get a Quotation

From The Blog

Tips, Insights & Seasonal Advice from Our Experts
Gallery 115 Custominstallations4 2 1673517163 Jpg

Are You Guilty of These Gutter Maintenance Sins?

Gutter maintenance is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most important tasks for keeping your home safe and free…

Learn More
Gallery 115 Custominstallations3 2 1673517119 Jpg

Should You Have Your Cedar Roof Treated?

Cedar roofs are one of the most aesthetically pleasing roof types. However, when getting them installed for your home, you’ll…

Learn More
Gallery 115 Custominstallations2 2 1673517071 Jpg

Can You Have My Gutters Cleaned in Winter?

Winter can be a tough time of year for exterior maintenance, especially when it comes to gutters. While most people…

Learn More

Your Cedar Roofing Company Experts

Thanks for considering us for your cedar roofing project. When installed with good quality cedar, the proper accessories & the best installation practices, cedar roofs can beautify and protect your home for decades to come.

Cedar Roof Installation Services

Unfortunately, not all cedar roof installations are the same. We have had many calls over the years from people wondering why their cedar shingles are buckling, curling, splitting, warping and cracking in just a few short years.

So how do you maximize the life span of your cedar roof? Below are some items that you should understand and consider when comparing different proposals. Armed with the right knowledge, you’ll not only ensure that your roof will perform over time but you will decrease ongoing maintenance costs while adding a decade or more on it’s serviceable life cycle.

And if you are interested in having the look of cedar without all of the maintenance, be sure to ask us about the eco-friendly synthetic cedar shake tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes.

  1. Certified Cedar From The Cedar Bureau – There are a lot of different grades of wood on the market that have different edge grain, thicknesses, and widths. The Cedar Bureau is a non-profit organization that sets the standards for the cedar mills. Protect yourself by insisting that your cedar has been certified by the Cedar Bureau.
  2. Wood Species – There is a lot of information to digest when considering a new wood roof. One of the more important items is the species of the wood. Different woods have different characteristics that will play a large role in maximizing the durability while dramatically changing the appearance of your home.
  3. Skip Sheathing System – Installing a traditional skip sheathing system beneath the cedar shingles is a tried and true practice that has been used for nearly 200 years. This system allows the roof to breathe keeping the shingles and plywood underneath dry.
  4. Stainless Steel Nails – Many contractors try to reduce their costs by using steel nails or coated steel nails during installation. Since wood shingles are often wet, these nails are quick to rust and corrode. We highly recommend using stainless steels so that your nails don’t wear out before your roof does.
  5. Proper Ventilation – Every roof needs proper ventilation. Allowing air to circulate through, roof ventilation keeps the area dry and reduces that accumulation of moisture. Make sure you get a proper inspection of your attic space to insure you have the correct amount of intake and exhaust so that your roof can breathe.
  6. Wood Thickness – There are different cuts of shingles (perfections, tapersawns, mediums, heavies, etc) and there are different thicknesses available for each of the different cuts. For instance a standard perfection shingle is only 3/8″ thick, which in our opinion is too small and will not last more than 15 years. Be sure to check on the different thickness options and ensure that you aren’t just paying for a cheaper shingle.
  7. Gapping of Shingles – When installing cedar shingles, it is important that they are gapped at the vertical joints with at least ¼” – ⅜” space on either side of the shingle. This not only allows each piece to breath but also gives it room to expand when wet. Not allowing for proper gapping will shorten the life of the roof.

A Trusted Chicagoland and Metro Milwaukee Cedar Roofing Company

Choosing the right contractor for your roof installation can be just as important as the material itself. At Custom Installations, we take the health of your wood roof seriously. Using proven best practices, we promise to treat your installation with the care and time needed for a quality finish. Protect your investment by choosing the contractor with your best interest in mind – Custom Installations.

Free Estimate!

No spam. No obligation. Just straight answers and a clear quote.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to have Custom Installations contact you about a free estimate and keep you informed about sales in the future. We may use an auto-phone system to contact you by phone or text. You do not need to make a purchase or submit this form but instead can call (847) 932-4500 to arrange for a free estimate. Please be aware that all calls are recorded for quality and safety purposes. Privacy Policy