Drive through the wooded neighborhoods of Greenville and Smithfield (02917) and you see it everywhere: that beautiful, rustic New England charm.
But if you own a home with real cedar shakes near Wolf Hill or Stump Pond, you may also know the nightmare side of it: moss, mold, and rot.
In 2026, more Smithfield homeowners are moving to a new solution that keeps the charm but ditches the maintenance: high-end composite cedar shake.
Why real wood struggles in 02917
Smithfield is leafy and shaded. Real cedar needs sun and airflow to dry out.
When wet leaves sit on cedar shakes in a shaded Greenville yard, they create a damp layer that holds moisture against the roof. Over time, that can lead to: - Moss and algae growth - Cupping and curling - Splitting and cracking - Faster leak risk around valleys, chimneys, and transitions
In many shaded, wooded settings, real cedar can start showing serious wear in the 10 to 15 year range, especially if maintenance is inconsistent.
Enter the “forever” shake (composite)
Composite cedar shake is designed to mimic the look of hand-split cedar while solving the biggest moisture and maintenance problems.
Where we see it in Smithfield: We are installing premium composite shake options on homes from Pleasant View to Stillwater where homeowners want the cedar look without the constant cleaning and repair cycle.
The look: curb appeal that reads as real cedar
High-end composite shakes are often molded from real hand-split cedar textures. That means the grain, shadow lines, and variation look natural.
From the curb, most people cannot tell the difference.
The tech: built to resist moisture
Composite materials are non-porous and do not absorb water the way natural wood does.
That matters in Smithfield because: - Shaded roofs stay damp longer - Wet leaves and pine needles hold moisture - Moss and algae thrive when a surface stays wet
With composite, you are removing the “food source” and the moisture absorption that make wood so vulnerable.
The fire rating: a big plus in wooded areas
Natural wood is a fire risk. Many composite shake products are Class A fire rated.
For homeowners in wooded neighborhoods, that can be a meaningful safety upgrade and may help with insurance considerations (always confirm details with your carrier).
The Mighty bottom line
You can keep your home character without sacrificing your weekends to power washing moss.
If you love the “Apple Valley” look but want a smarter, lower-maintenance roof for Smithfield conditions, composite cedar shake can be a strong upgrade.
Schedule a drone inspection in Smithfield (02917)
If you have cedar shakes (or you are thinking about switching), start with documentation.
Call/text (401) 425-4108 to schedule a drone inspection and get clear photo evidence of moss, cupping, granule loss, and flashing conditions.
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyoming
FAQ
How long does a composite cedar roof last?
Many premium composite cedar shake systems come with long warranties (often 50-year or limited lifetime). Real-world lifespan depends on installation quality, ventilation, and maintenance, but composite can last significantly longer than natural wood in shaded environments.
Does moss grow on composite shingles?
Composite materials are non-porous, so they do not provide the same moisture absorption and organic surface that moss uses to thrive on wood. Moss can still grow on debris sitting on any roof, but composite itself is far less hospitable to moss than natural cedar.
Is composite cedar shake worth it in Smithfield?
For many 02917 homeowners, yes, because it keeps the cedar look while reducing the maintenance cycle caused by shade, leaves, and moisture.