Roofing Material Guide

Cedar Shake Roofing in Florida: Beautiful but Risky (2026)

Cedar shake roofs are undeniably stunning. The rich, warm tones of natural wood, the textured shadow lines, the way they weather to a distinguished silver-gray over the years. In the Pacific Northwest or New England, cedar shakes are a beloved roofing tradition that can last half a century. But in Pinellas County, Florida? That is a very different story. This guide gives Pinellas County homeowners the honest truth about cedar shake roofing in the Florida climate, including the fire risks, insurance headaches, maintenance demands, and smarter alternatives that look just as good without the downsides.

What Are Cedar Shakes and Shingles?

Before diving into the Florida-specific challenges, it helps to understand what cedar roofing products actually are. There are two distinct types of cedar roofing: shakes and shingles. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they are different products with different characteristics.

Cedar shakes are split (not sawn) from blocks of Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Yellow Cedar. The splitting process follows the natural grain of the wood, producing a rough, textured surface with an irregular thickness. Hand-split shakes are the thickest and most rustic, while taper-split and resawn shakes offer a compromise between the rustic look and a more uniform profile. Shakes are typically 18 or 24 inches long and range from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch thick at the butt (bottom edge).

Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides, producing a smooth, uniform product with consistent thickness. They are thinner than shakes (typically 3/8 to 1/2 inch at the butt) and create a flatter, more refined appearance on the roof. Shingles are available in grades ranging from No. 1 (Blue Label, 100% edge grain, no defects) to No. 3 (Black Label, utility grade).

Western Red Cedar is the preferred species for roofing because of its natural resistance to decay and insect damage. The wood contains thujaplicins, naturally occurring chemicals that inhibit fungal growth and repel wood-boring insects. However, these natural preservatives have limits, especially in the warm, wet environment of Pinellas County. More on that below.

Fire Risk: The Biggest Problem with Cedar Shakes in Florida

Fire is the single most significant concern with cedar shake roofing, and it is the primary reason the material has fallen out of favor in many parts of Florida.

Natural Cedar Fire Rating: Class C

Untreated natural cedar shakes and shingles carry a Class C fire rating under ASTM E108, the lowest rating on the scale. Class C means the material provides light fire protection against surface spread of flame and limited resistance to fire penetration. For comparison, asphalt shingles typically carry a Class A rating (the highest), as do concrete tile and metal roofing. A Class C roof is significantly more likely to ignite from flying embers, radiant heat from a nearby structure fire, or even a carelessly discarded cigarette.

In the Florida context, wildfire risk is not as extreme as in California or Colorado, but it is not negligible either. Pinellas County experiences periodic brush fires, especially during dry spring months. Lightning strikes are also a major concern. Florida has more lightning strikes per square mile than any other state, and a direct strike on a cedar shake roof can ignite the wood almost instantly.

Fire-Retardant Treated Cedar

To address the fire concern, manufacturers offer pressure-treated cedar shakes that have been impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals. These treatments can raise the fire rating to Class B or even Class A, depending on the specific treatment and application method. Common fire retardant treatments for cedar include:

Fire-retardant treatment adds $75 to $200 per roofing square to the cost of cedar shakes. Additionally, some treatments can alter the color of the wood and may need to be reapplied over the life of the roof, adding to the already substantial maintenance burden.

Local Fire Code Restrictions

Pinellas County does not have a blanket ban on cedar shake roofing, but individual municipalities, fire districts, and homeowner associations within the county may impose their own restrictions. Some areas require a minimum Class B fire rating for all roofing materials, which effectively prohibits untreated cedar shakes. Others require Class A in areas adjacent to wildland-urban interfaces. Before investing in cedar shake roofing, check with your local building department and HOA (if applicable) to confirm the material is permitted in your specific location.

Humidity, Mold, and Decay: Florida's Climate vs. Cedar

The Pinellas County climate is fundamentally hostile to wood roofing. With average annual humidity levels of 74% to 76%, average summer temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s, and annual rainfall of 50 to 55 inches, the conditions are perfect for the organisms that destroy cedar: mold, mildew, algae, and wood-decay fungi.

How Moisture Destroys Cedar Shakes

Cedar's natural thujaplicin content provides initial resistance to decay, but this protection diminishes over time as the chemicals leach out through repeated wetting and drying cycles. In the Pacific Northwest, where cedar shake roofing originated, the climate is cool and damp. Wood stays consistently moist but rarely experiences the extreme temperature swings that accelerate chemical breakdown. In Florida, the pattern is very different: torrential afternoon downpours followed by intense sunshine and heat. This rapid cycling between wet and hot, wet and hot, is the worst possible scenario for wood roofing.

Within five to eight years of installation in Pinellas County, untreated cedar shakes typically show significant biological growth on the north-facing and shaded portions of the roof. Dark green or black algae streaks, white or green mold patches, and moss growth in the gaps between shakes are all common. This biological growth is not just cosmetic. Moss and algae trap moisture against the wood surface, accelerating decay. Fungal hyphae (the root-like structures of mold and mildew) penetrate the wood grain, breaking down the cellulose structure from the inside out.

The Lifespan Reality in Florida

Cedar shake manufacturers and trade associations commonly cite lifespans of 30 to 50 years for their products. These figures are based on performance data from the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and other cool, dry climates where cedar roofing has a centuries-long track record. In Pinellas County, the reality is far less optimistic.

With diligent annual maintenance (cleaning, treatment, and repairs), a cedar shake roof in Pinellas County will typically last 15 to 25 years. Without maintenance, failure can occur in as little as 10 to 15 years. "Failure" in this context means shakes that have become so deteriorated, curled, split, or rotted that the roof no longer reliably sheds water and must be replaced.

Climate ZoneCedar Shake LifespanMaintenance FrequencyPrimary Threats
Pacific Northwest (OR, WA, BC)30 - 50 yearsEvery 3 - 5 yearsMoss, UV
New England / Mid-Atlantic25 - 40 yearsEvery 2 - 4 yearsFreeze/thaw, moss, UV
Midwest / Great Plains25 - 35 yearsEvery 2 - 3 yearsHail, UV, moisture
Southeast / Coastal Florida15 - 25 yearsAnnual (minimum)Mold, algae, decay, UV, hurricanes
Desert Southwest (AZ, NM)20 - 35 yearsEvery 3 - 5 yearsUV, extreme drying, fire

The Maintenance Burden: What Cedar Shake Ownership Really Looks Like

If you choose cedar shakes for your Pinellas County home, you are signing up for a level of roof maintenance that far exceeds any other roofing material. This is not something you can set and forget. Cedar shakes in Florida demand active, consistent care to reach even their reduced lifespan.

Annual Maintenance Tasks

Annual Maintenance Costs

Professional cedar shake maintenance in Pinellas County typically costs $500 to $1,500 per year for an average-sized home (1,800 to 2,500 square feet of roof area). This includes cleaning, treatment, and minor repairs. Major repairs or partial re-roofing can add $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Over a 20-year lifespan, maintenance costs alone can total $10,000 to $30,000 on top of the original installation cost.

Compare this to a metal roof, which requires a basic inspection and occasional cleaning at a cost of $100 to $300 per year, or concrete tile, which needs almost no routine maintenance beyond occasional broken tile replacement. The total cost of ownership for cedar shakes in Florida far exceeds the initial price premium of more durable alternatives.

Insurance Problems: The Hidden Cost of Cedar Shakes in Florida

Florida's homeowners insurance market is already one of the most expensive and volatile in the nation. Cedar shake roofing makes a difficult situation worse. Here is what Pinellas County homeowners need to know about insuring a cedar shake roof.

Many Carriers Refuse Coverage

A growing number of Florida insurance carriers have added wood shake and shingle roofs to their list of ineligible roof types. This means they will not issue a new homeowners policy for a home with a cedar shake roof, regardless of its condition or age. Carriers that have restricted or eliminated wood roof coverage cite fire risk, reduced wind resistance compared to metal and tile, and the higher claim frequency associated with wood roofs in hurricane-prone areas. If you install a cedar shake roof and later need to switch insurance carriers, you may find your options severely limited.

Higher Premiums from Carriers That Do Cover

Among the carriers that still write policies for homes with wood roofs in Florida, premiums are typically 20% to 40% higher than for comparable homes with metal, tile, or architectural shingle roofs. This premium increase reflects the actuarial reality that wood roofs generate more claims, both from storm damage and from the ongoing maintenance issues (leaks, rot, mold) that plague cedar roofs in the Florida climate. Over a 20-year period, the insurance premium difference alone can amount to $8,000 to $20,000 in additional costs.

No Wind Mitigation Credits

Florida law requires insurance companies to offer wind mitigation discounts for homes that meet certain construction standards. These discounts can be substantial, sometimes reducing the wind portion of the premium by 30% to 50%. However, cedar shake roofs typically do not qualify for the highest wind mitigation credits because they lack the continuous surface and mechanical attachment of metal or tile roofing systems. This means cedar shake homeowners miss out on savings that other roofing materials provide.

Florida Building Code Requirements for Wood Roofing

The Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2023) addresses wood shingle and shake roofing in Section R905.7 (wood shingles) and R905.8 (wood shakes). Here are the key requirements that affect cedar shake installations in Pinellas County.

Meeting these code requirements adds cost and complexity to cedar shake installation. The need for interlayment, premium fasteners, and enhanced attachment methods means that labor costs for cedar shake roofing are significantly higher than for shingle or metal roofing of comparable roof area.

Cedar Shake Roofing Cost Breakdown for Pinellas County

Cost ComponentCost Range (per Square)Notes
Cedar shake materials (No. 1 grade)$180 - $400Heavy shakes at top of range
Fire retardant treatment$75 - $200Required for Class A/B rating
Interlayment felt$20 - $40Required by FL code between courses
Stainless steel fasteners$15 - $30Corrosion-resistant required in coastal FL
Labor (installation)$200 - $350Specialized skill, fewer qualified crews
Total installed cost$400 - $900Per roofing square (100 sq ft)

*Prices reflect 2026 Pinellas County market averages. Actual costs vary by shake grade, roof complexity, and contractor. One roofing square = 100 square feet.

Total Cost of Ownership: Cedar vs. Alternatives

Cost Factor (20-Year Period)Cedar ShakeStanding Seam MetalConcrete TileSynthetic Shake
Installation (25 sq. roof)$10,000 - $22,500$12,500 - $22,500$10,000 - $17,500$10,000 - $20,000
Maintenance (20 years)$10,000 - $30,000$2,000 - $6,000$1,000 - $3,000$1,000 - $4,000
Insurance premium increase$8,000 - $20,000$0 (savings likely)$0 (savings likely)$0 (savings likely)
Possible re-roof (at year 15-20)$10,000 - $22,500$0$0$0
20-Year Total$38,000 - $95,000$14,500 - $28,500$11,000 - $20,500$11,000 - $24,000

*Based on a 2,500-square-foot roof area (25 roofing squares) in Pinellas County. Cedar shake total includes the possibility of needing a complete re-roof within the 20-year period due to accelerated decay in the Florida climate.

Cedar Shake Performance in Florida Hurricanes

Pinellas County sits in a region with a long history of hurricane impacts. From the Great Gale of 1848 to Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Helene in 2024, the Tampa Bay area has experienced damaging tropical systems that test every roofing material to its limits.

Cedar shakes have inherent vulnerabilities in hurricane conditions. Each shake is an individual piece of wood, attached with only two nails, with gaps between adjacent shakes that allow air pressure to build beneath the roof surface during high winds. When a hurricane's wind gets under the edge of a shake, the uplift force can exceed the holding power of the nails, sending the shake airborne. Once one shake is removed, the shakes above and beside it become more vulnerable to uplift, creating a cascading failure pattern.

Post-hurricane damage assessments consistently show that wood shake roofs suffer higher rates of damage than metal, tile, or properly installed architectural shingle roofs. After Hurricane Irma, the Florida Division of Emergency Management reported that wood roof coverings had the highest per-unit damage rates among all residential roofing materials in the affected areas.

Aging cedar shakes are particularly vulnerable. As the wood weathers, curls, and cracks over time, the aerodynamic profile of each shake changes, creating more surface area for wind to grab. A 15-year-old cedar shake roof in Pinellas County will almost certainly perform worse in a hurricane than the same roof did when it was new.

For guidance on materials that perform well in Florida's storm season, review our best roofing materials for Florida comparison.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Alternatives: The Smart Choice for Florida

If you love the look of cedar shakes but want a roof that actually makes sense for the Pinellas County climate, synthetic shake products are the answer. These engineered alternatives replicate the appearance of natural cedar while eliminating the fire risk, decay problems, and insurance complications. Here are the leading options available in 2026.

DaVinci Roofscapes

DaVinci is widely considered the premium synthetic shake brand. Their Bellaforte Shake and Hand-Split Shake profiles are molded from actual cedar shakes, capturing the natural grain texture and irregular edges that make real cedar attractive. The panels are manufactured from a proprietary polymer composite that is impervious to moisture, resistant to UV degradation, and rated Class A for fire. DaVinci products carry a lifetime limited warranty (50 years on material, lifetime on manufacturing defects) and are available in a wide range of colors, from fresh cedar tones to weathered gray. They hold Florida Product Approvals for high-wind installation and have been tested to withstand 110 mph wind-driven rain. Installed costs run $500 to $800 per roofing square in Pinellas County.

Brava Roof Tile

Brava produces composite shake tiles from recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics and natural limestone. Their Cedar Shake profile offers a realistic wood grain appearance with Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact resistance (the highest available), and a 50-year warranty. Brava tiles are lightweight, which means they can be installed on roof structures that might not support the weight of concrete tile. They are also resistant to algae and mold growth, eliminating the biological degradation problem that plagues natural cedar in Florida. Installed costs range from $450 to $750 per roofing square.

CertainTeed Presidential Shake

For homeowners who want the cedar shake look at a more accessible price point, CertainTeed's Presidential Shake line offers a fiberglass-asphalt shingle designed to mimic the appearance of heavy cedar shakes. While not as realistic as polymer-based products, Presidential Shakes provide a substantial, textured look with Class A fire rating, SBS-modified asphalt for impact resistance, and a limited lifetime warranty. Installed costs of $300 to $500 per roofing square make this the most affordable cedar-look option. The trade-off is a lifespan of 25 to 35 years, shorter than the polymer alternatives but still longer than natural cedar in Florida.

Synthetic Shake Comparison

FeatureNatural CedarDaVinciBravaCertainTeed
Fire RatingClass C (untreated)Class AClass AClass A
Mold/Algae ResistancePoor (in FL)ExcellentExcellentGood
Lifespan (FL)15 - 25 years40 - 50+ years40 - 50+ years25 - 35 years
Annual Maintenance$500 - $1,500$50 - $200$50 - $200$50 - $150
Insurance ImpactPremium increaseStandard or discountStandard or discountStandard
Cost per Square$400 - $900$500 - $800$450 - $750$300 - $500
RealismNatural (authentic)Very HighHighModerate

When Does Cedar Shake Actually Work in Florida? (Rarely)

After reading all of the challenges above, you might wonder if there is any scenario where cedar shake roofing makes sense in Pinellas County. The honest answer is: very few, but they do exist.

Historic preservation requirements: Some historic districts have architectural standards that require natural materials for roof replacements. If your home is on the National Register of Historic Places or subject to a local historic preservation ordinance that specifically mandates cedar shakes, you may have limited alternatives. Even in these cases, synthetic cedar products are increasingly being accepted by historic preservation boards as they have become more realistic.

Small accent areas: Some homeowners use cedar shakes on small decorative roof areas like portico covers, dormer accents, or turret caps where the aesthetic impact is high and the maintenance area is small. A 50-square-foot cedar accent is far more manageable than a full 2,500-square-foot roof in terms of ongoing care.

Secondary structures: A cedar shake roof on a garden shed, pergola cover, or tiki bar adds character and charm without the insurance complications associated with the primary residence. These structures are easier to re-roof when the cedar eventually fails, and the financial risk is much lower.

Homeowners committed to maintenance: If you genuinely enjoy the hands-on aspect of maintaining a natural wood roof and have budgeted for annual professional treatment plus the eventual replacement at 15 to 25 years, cedar shakes can provide a beauty and authenticity that no synthetic can perfectly replicate. But go in with open eyes about the cost and time commitment.

Better Roofing Choices for Pinellas County Homes

For the vast majority of Pinellas County homeowners, the practical choice is clear: skip natural cedar shakes and choose a material that is engineered for the Florida climate. Here are the alternatives that deliver better performance, lower lifetime costs, and fewer headaches.

Standing seam metal roofing offers the best combination of longevity, wind resistance, and energy efficiency in the Pinellas County market. With concealed fasteners and continuous panel runs, standing seam systems shed water perfectly and resist wind uplift at the highest levels. Explore our standing seam metal roof guide for details.

Steel roofing panels provide excellent value for budget-conscious homeowners who want metal's durability without the premium price of standing seam. Our steel roofing guide covers the options available in Pinellas County.

Concrete and clay tile have a proven track record spanning decades in Florida. They offer excellent wind resistance, fire protection, and a lifespan of 40 to 60 years with minimal maintenance. The trade-off is weight: tile roofs require a roof structure capable of supporting 9 to 12 pounds per square foot.

For a comprehensive comparison of every roofing material suitable for Pinellas County, visit our best roofing material for Florida guide. And for an overview of metal roofing pricing across all panel types and materials, check our metal roof cost breakdown.

Environmental Considerations: Is Cedar Shake Roofing Sustainable?

One argument sometimes made in favor of cedar shake roofing is its environmental friendliness. Cedar is a renewable, natural material that requires minimal energy to produce compared to metal, tile, or asphalt products. Old growth Western Red Cedar forests in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest have been managed for sustainable harvest for decades, and the industry is certified under various forestry stewardship programs.

However, the sustainability argument weakens considerably in the Florida context. A cedar shake roof that lasts 15 to 25 years in Pinellas County will be replaced two to three times over the same period that a metal or tile roof is still performing. Each replacement cycle requires harvesting new cedar, manufacturing new shakes, transporting them across the country, and disposing of the old shakes (which are typically not recyclable due to preservative treatments). The cumulative environmental footprint of multiple cedar roof installations often exceeds that of a single metal or tile roof over a 50-year period.

Metal roofing, by contrast, is one of the most recyclable building materials in existence. Steel and aluminum roofing panels contain 25% to 95% recycled content and are 100% recyclable at end of life. A metal roof that lasts 40 to 60 years and is then fully recycled has a smaller lifecycle environmental impact than a cedar shake roof that must be replaced twice in the same timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Shake Roofing in Florida

Is cedar shake roofing allowed in Pinellas County, Florida?

Cedar shake roofing is not outright banned in Pinellas County, but it faces significant restrictions. Natural untreated cedar shakes carry a Class C fire rating, which does not meet the Class A or Class B requirements of many local fire districts within the county. Pressure-treated or fire-retardant cedar shakes can achieve Class B or Class A ratings, but many HOAs and insurance providers impose additional restrictions or refuse coverage entirely for wood roofing.

Will my Florida insurance cover a cedar shake roof?

Many Florida homeowners insurance carriers will not write policies for homes with wood shake or shingle roofs. Those that do typically charge significantly higher premiums, sometimes 20% to 40% more than for comparable homes with metal, tile, or asphalt shingle roofs. Before installing cedar shakes, contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage availability and get a premium quote in writing.

How long does a cedar shake roof last in Florida?

In the hot, humid climate of Pinellas County, cedar shake roofs typically last 15 to 25 years with diligent maintenance. This is significantly less than the 30 to 50 year lifespan commonly advertised, which is based on performance in dry, temperate climates like the Pacific Northwest. Florida's humidity, intense UV exposure, and heavy rainfall accelerate wood decay, moss growth, and mildew.

How much does a cedar shake roof cost in Florida?

Cedar shake roofing costs $400 to $900 per roofing square (100 square feet) installed in Pinellas County. This range reflects the wide variation in shake grade, thickness, and treatment level. Heavy premium shakes with fire retardant treatment fall at the top of this range. Annual maintenance costs of $500 to $1,500 should also be factored into the total cost of ownership.

What are the best synthetic alternatives to cedar shakes in Florida?

The leading synthetic cedar shake alternatives for Florida include DaVinci Roofscapes (polymer composite, Class A fire, 50-year warranty), Brava Roof Tile (recycled composite, Class A fire, lightweight), and CertainTeed Presidential Shake (fiberglass-asphalt, Class A fire, affordable). These products replicate the look of natural cedar without the fire risk, maintenance burden, or insurance complications.

Can cedar shakes withstand Florida hurricanes?

Cedar shakes have a mixed record in hurricane conditions. Properly installed shakes with ring-shank stainless steel nails and enhanced fastening patterns can resist moderate winds, but individual shakes are more vulnerable to uplift than continuous metal panels or interlocking tiles. Aged or weathered shakes with curled or cracked edges are particularly susceptible to wind damage. Most roofing professionals in Pinellas County recommend metal or tile over wood for optimal hurricane performance.

The Bottom Line on Cedar Shake Roofing in Pinellas County

Cedar shake roofing is one of the most beautiful roofing materials ever created. The natural warmth, texture, and character of real wood is genuinely difficult to replicate perfectly, even with the best synthetic alternatives. But beauty alone does not make a good roof, especially not in the challenging climate of Pinellas County, Florida.

The combination of fire risk, accelerated decay in Florida's humidity, insurance obstacles, relentless maintenance demands, and a lifespan that is roughly half what manufacturers advertise makes natural cedar shake a poor value for most Florida homeowners. When you factor in the total cost of ownership over 20 years, cedar shakes can cost two to four times more than standing seam metal, concrete tile, or synthetic shake alternatives that look nearly identical from the street.

Our recommendation for Pinellas County homeowners who love the cedar shake aesthetic: choose a premium synthetic like DaVinci or Brava. You will get the look you want with Class A fire protection, zero rot risk, minimal maintenance, no insurance complications, and a product that will still look great in 40 or 50 years. Save the real cedar for a decorative accent on the garden shed or pergola, where you can enjoy the natural beauty without betting your home on it.

Ready to explore all your roofing options? Start with our comprehensive roofing guide hub for expert comparisons, cost data, and recommendations tailored to Pinellas County.

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