Maintaining Your Wood Shake Roof in Florida

Wood shake roofs offer a natural beauty that no other roofing material can match. The warm, textured appearance of cedar or redwood shakes gives homes a distinctive character that many homeowners treasure. But in Florida's humid, storm-prone climate, wood shake roofs demand more attention than they would in drier regions. Proper maintenance isn't optional—it's essential for protecting your investment.

Why Florida Is Challenging for Wood Shakes

Understanding the threats helps you maintain effectively:

High Humidity

Florida's humidity creates a perfect environment for wood problems:

• Moisture absorption keeps wood damp longer
• Fungal growth thrives in humid conditions
• Wood doesn't dry between rain events
• Accelerated rot compared to dry climates

Heavy Rainfall

Our 50+ inches of annual rain stresses wood roofs:

• Frequent wetting and drying cycles
• Standing water in low spots
• Moss and algae establishment
• Debris accumulation traps moisture

Intense UV Exposure

Florida sun damages unprotected wood:

• Breaks down natural wood oils
• Causes checking and splitting
• Fades natural color
• Accelerates weathering

Storm Damage Risk

Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten wood shakes:

• High winds can lift or remove shakes
• Flying debris causes impact damage
• Falling branches crack and split shakes
• Storm damage accelerates decay

Essential Maintenance Tasks

These practices keep your wood shake roof healthy:

Regular Debris Removal

Keep your roof clear of organic material:

Why It Matters:

• Debris traps moisture against wood
• Decomposing leaves create acidic conditions
• Accumulated material blocks water flow
• Creates environment for moss and algae

How Often:

• After any storm that drops debris
• Quarterly at minimum
• More often if trees overhang the roof

Best Practices:

• Use soft broom or leaf blower
• Work from ridge down to eaves
• Clear valleys thoroughly
• Don't damage shake edges

Moss and Algae Control

Biological growth is a constant battle in Florida:

Identifying the Problem:

• Green moss in shaded areas
• Black or green algae streaking
• Lichen (gray-green, scaly growth)
• Mold in heavily shaded spots

Treatment Methods:

• Soft wash cleaning with appropriate solutions
• Zinc or copper strip installation at ridge
• Careful chemical treatment
• Never use pressure washing on wood shakes

Prevention:

• Improve sunlight exposure (trim trees)
• Maintain good drainage
• Install zinc or copper strips
• Regular cleaning before growth establishes

Inspection and Repair

Catch problems before they spread:

Inspection Schedule:

• Professional inspection annually
• Visual check from ground monthly
• After any significant storm
• Spring and fall thorough review

What to Look For:

• Cracked or split shakes
• Missing or shifted shakes
• Curling at edges
• Signs of rot (soft, spongy wood)
• Moss, algae, or mold growth
• Exposed nails
• Flashing condition

Repair Priority:

• Replace damaged shakes promptly
• Address rot immediately (spreads quickly)
• Re-secure loose shakes
• Seal exposed nail heads

Learn more about wood shake roofing and repair services.

Preservative Treatments

Chemical treatments extend wood life in Florida:

Types of Treatments:

• Oil-based preservatives penetrate deep
• Water repellents reduce moisture absorption
• Fungicides prevent rot and mold
• UV blockers protect against sun damage

Application Schedule:

• Every 3-5 years in Florida (more often than northern climates)
• After any significant cleaning
• When wood appears dry or bleached
• Before rainy season for best protection

Application Process:

• Clean roof thoroughly first
• Allow complete drying
• Apply preservative per manufacturer instructions
• Typically spray or brush application
• Multiple coats may be needed

Gutter and Drainage Maintenance

Keep water moving off and away from the roof:

Gutter Care:

• Clean gutters monthly during fall/spring
• Ensure proper attachment
• Check for proper slope to downspouts
• Verify downspouts direct water away

Drainage Issues:

• No standing water anywhere on roof
• Valleys clear and flowing
• No debris dams forming
• Proper drip edge at eaves

Cleaning Your Wood Shake Roof

Proper cleaning extends life; improper cleaning destroys it:

Never Pressure Wash

This cannot be emphasized enough:

• Pressure washing destroys wood fibers
• Drives water under shakes
• Removes soft wood, leaving rough surface
• Dramatically shortens roof life
• Voids many warranties

Soft Wash Method

The only appropriate way to clean wood shakes:

Process:

1. Pre-wet surrounding plants
2. Apply cleaning solution at low pressure
3. Allow dwell time per product instructions
4. Rinse gently with garden hose pressure
5. Rinse plants and surrounding areas

Cleaning Solutions:

• Oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate) preferred
• Wood-specific commercial cleaners
• Avoid chlorine bleach (damages wood)
• Never use acid-based cleaners

Professional Cleaning

For best results, hire professionals who:

• Specialize in wood roof cleaning
• Use appropriate soft wash equipment
• Understand wood preservation
• Offer treatment application after cleaning

Improving Shake Longevity

Beyond basic maintenance, these practices add years:

Tree Management

Shade and debris are major threats:

Trimming Guidelines:

• No branches within 10 feet of roof
• Reduce heavy shade (some sun helps dry roof)
• Remove dead branches that could fall
• Consider removal of problem trees

Balancing Act:

• Some shade reduces UV damage
• But too much promotes moisture and growth
• Partial sun exposure is ideal

Attic Ventilation

Proper ventilation helps from below:

• Reduces heat buildup under shakes
• Helps moisture escape
• Extends shake life significantly
• Check soffit vents are clear
• Ensure ridge ventilation functions

Prompt Repairs

Don't delay when you spot problems:

• One rotten shake can spread to neighbors
• Missing shakes expose underlayment
• Small repairs prevent large replacements
• Maintain spare shakes for matching

Common Problems and Solutions

Issues you're likely to encounter:

Splitting and Checking

Cause: UV damage and thermal cycling

Solution:

• Minor splits: seal with wood preservative
• Severe splits: replace affected shakes
• Prevention: regular preservative treatment

Curling Edges

Cause: Moisture imbalance (one side dries faster)

Solution:

• Minor curling: sometimes flattens with treatment
• Severe curling: replacement necessary
• Prevention: consistent preservative application

Rot and Decay

Cause: Moisture, fungal growth

Solution:

• Soft rot: replace immediately
• Surrounding shakes may be affected
• Address moisture source
• Apply fungicide to adjacent areas

Moss and Lichen

Cause: Moisture, shade, organic debris

Solution:

• Soft wash with appropriate cleaner
• Install zinc or copper strips
• Improve sunlight if possible
• Regular cleaning maintenance

Missing Shakes

Cause: Wind, deteriorated fasteners, decay

Solution:

• Replace promptly before water damage
• Check fastening on surrounding shakes
• Keep spare shakes for matching
• Consider if pattern indicates larger problem

When Maintenance Isn't Enough

Signs your roof needs more than maintenance:

Time for Major Repairs

• More than 20% of shakes need replacement
• Widespread rot appearing
• Recurring leaks despite repairs
• Deck damage visible from attic

Time for Replacement

• Roof age over 20-25 years in Florida
• Extensive rot throughout
• Structural integrity compromised
• Repairs no longer cost-effective

Considering Alternatives

When replacing, evaluate:

• Synthetic shake products (lower maintenance)
• Metal with shake appearance
• Architectural shingles for budget
• Whether wood shake maintenance fits your lifestyle

Schedule a professional inspection to assess your roof's condition.

Professional vs. DIY Maintenance

What you can handle versus what needs experts:

Homeowner Tasks

• Ground-level visual inspections
• Debris clearing with long-handled tools
• Gutter cleaning
• Monitoring for changes

Professional Tasks

• On-roof inspections
• Shake replacement
• Chemical treatments
• Soft wash cleaning
• Rot assessment and repair
• Flashing work

Safety Consideration

Wood shake roofs are particularly hazardous:

• Irregular surface with gaps
• Can be slippery when wet or treated
• Brittle shakes crack underfoot
• Leave roof access to professionals

Maintenance Schedule Summary

A year-round maintenance calendar:

Monthly:

• Visual inspection from ground
• Gutter cleaning
• Debris removal if accessible

Quarterly:

• Thorough debris clearing
• Check for new damage or growth
• Inspect after any storms

Annually:

• Professional inspection
• Treatment assessment
• Repair planning

Every 3-5 Years:

• Professional cleaning (soft wash)
• Preservative treatment application
• Comprehensive condition assessment

The Bottom Line

Wood shake roofs in Florida demand commitment. The maintenance requirements are significantly higher than other roofing materials, and neglect leads to rapid deterioration. But for homeowners who appreciate the natural beauty and are willing to invest in regular care, a well-maintained wood shake roof is a stunning feature that enhances any home.

If you're struggling to keep up with maintenance or questioning whether your shake roof can be saved, we can help. At Pro Specialty Services, we maintain and repair wood shake roofs throughout Lake County. We'll assess your roof honestly, recommend the most cost-effective path forward, and help you protect your investment—whether that means maintenance, repairs, or discussing replacement options.