There is something undeniably striking about a wood roof. The warm tones of cedar, the natural texture of hand-split shakes, the way the wood weathers to a distinguished silver-gray over time. For homeowners in Pinellas County who value curb appeal and natural materials, wood shingle and shake roofing can be an incredibly attractive option.
But Florida is not New England. The combination of punishing humidity, tropical downpours, intense UV radiation, hurricane-force winds, and active mold and mildew growth creates a challenging environment for any organic roofing material. Add in fire code restrictions, insurance complications, and the reality that wood roofs simply do not last as long in the Sunshine State, and you have a decision that demands careful research.
This guide covers everything you need to know about wood shingle and shake roofing in Florida, from the fundamental differences between shingles and shakes to the fire code and insurance realities that can make or break your project. We will also explore the growing market of composite shake alternatives that deliver the wood aesthetic without the headaches.
Cedar Shake vs Wood Shingle: Understanding the Difference
The terms "wood shingle" and "wood shake" are often used interchangeably, but they are fundamentally different products manufactured through distinct processes that affect their appearance, performance, and cost.
Wood Shingles: Sawn for Precision
Wood shingles are machine-sawn on both faces, producing a smooth, uniform, tapered piece with consistent thickness. Each shingle typically measures 16 to 24 inches long and tapers from about 3/8 inch at the butt (thick end) to nearly paper-thin at the tip. The sawn surfaces create a clean, refined appearance when installed.
Because they are thinner and more uniform, wood shingles lie flatter on the roof deck, creating tighter joints. This gives a more polished, architectural look that appeals to homeowners seeking elegance rather than rusticity. In Pinellas County, wood shingles are most commonly seen on coastal estate homes and historic properties trying to maintain period-appropriate aesthetics.
Wood Shakes: Split for Character
Wood shakes are produced by splitting (rather than sawing) wood blanks, which creates a rough, textured surface that reveals the natural grain pattern. There are several shake subtypes worth understanding:
- Hand-split and resawn: Split on one face and sawn on the other, producing a shake with one rough side and one smooth side. This is the most common type installed on residential roofs.
- Taper-split: Hand-split from both ends of the block alternately, producing a tapered shake with two rough faces. These offer the most rustic appearance.
- Straight-split (barn shake): Split from one end only, producing a shake of uniform thickness. These are thicker and heavier but less common on residential projects.
Shakes are considerably thicker than shingles, typically ranging from 3/4 inch to 1-1/4 inches at the butt. This extra thickness provides slightly better weather resistance and insulation value, but it also means a heavier roof system overall.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Wood Shingles | Wood Shakes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Sawn on both faces | Split (one or both faces) |
| Texture | Smooth, uniform | Rough, textured, rustic |
| Thickness (butt) | 3/8 to 1/2 inch | 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches |
| Appearance | Clean, refined, architectural | Rustic, natural, dimensional |
| Cost (installed) | $8 to $12 per sq ft | $10 to $14 per sq ft |
| FL Lifespan | 15 to 22 years | 18 to 25 years |
| Weight per square | 200 to 250 lbs | 300 to 400 lbs |
Wood Species Used for Roofing
While several wood species can be used for roofing, western red cedar dominates the market for good reason. Its natural oils provide inherent resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. Here is a breakdown of the most common species used in roofing applications:
- Western red cedar: The industry standard. Natural tannic acids and oils resist rot and insects. Lightweight at about 23 pounds per cubic foot. Grades range from No. 1 Blue Label (premium) to No. 3 Black Label (utility). For Florida installations, only No. 1 grade should be considered.
- Alaskan yellow cedar: Denser and harder than western red cedar with superior decay resistance. More expensive but better suited for humid climates. This is arguably the best wood choice for Florida installations, though availability can be limited.
- Eastern white cedar: Lighter and less durable than western varieties. Not recommended for Florida due to reduced resistance to humidity and mold.
- Southern yellow pine (treated): Pressure-treated pine is sometimes used as a budget alternative. It requires heavy chemical treatment to resist rot, and the treatment chemicals can leach over time in Florida's heavy rains. Generally not recommended for Pinellas County roofing projects.
- Wallaba: A tropical hardwood from South America with exceptional natural decay resistance. Extremely dense, long-lasting, and expensive. Rarely used in Florida but worth mentioning for high-end custom projects.
Fire Concerns and Florida Code Restrictions
Fire safety is perhaps the single biggest obstacle to installing a wood roof in Florida. Untreated wood shingles and shakes carry an inherent combustibility risk that puts them at odds with modern building codes in many jurisdictions.
Fire Rating Classifications
Roofing materials are tested and classified according to ASTM E108 (or UL 790) into three fire resistance categories:
- Class A: The highest rating. Effective against severe fire test exposure. Untreated wood cannot achieve this rating. Pressure-treated wood products from manufacturers like Certi-Guard can achieve Class A when installed over specific underlayment systems.
- Class B: Effective against moderate fire test exposure. Some treated wood products achieve this rating, though it may not satisfy local code requirements in fire-prone areas.
- Class C: Effective against light fire test exposure. Untreated cedar shakes typically achieve Class C at best, which is insufficient for many Florida jurisdictions.
Florida and Pinellas County Specifics
The Florida Building Code (FBC) addresses roofing fire safety primarily through section 1505, which references the fire classification requirements. While the FBC does not impose a blanket ban on wood roofing statewide, it allows local jurisdictions to adopt more restrictive requirements. Several factors affect whether you can install a wood roof in Pinellas County:
- Municipal ordinances: Individual cities within Pinellas County may have their own restrictions. Some communities restrict all combustible roofing, while others allow treated products with Class A or B ratings.
- Wildland-urban interface zones: Properties located in designated wildfire risk areas face stricter requirements for exterior cladding, including roofing. While Florida is better known for hurricanes than wildfires, dry-season brush fires do occur, and some Pinellas County properties fall within restricted zones.
- HOA restrictions: Many homeowner associations in Pinellas County prohibit wood roofing regardless of fire treatment. This is especially common in newer planned communities and condominiums.
- Proximity to structures: Even in areas where wood roofing is generally permitted, minimum setback distances from neighboring structures may apply. Dense residential neighborhoods may effectively prohibit wood roofs through proximity rules.
Before investing time and money into planning a wood roof, contact the Pinellas County Building Department and your local municipal building office to verify current requirements. If you are part of an HOA, review your CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) for roofing material restrictions. For more on navigating Florida's building code requirements, see our Florida building code roof guide.
Maintenance Challenges in Florida Humidity
If fire codes and insurance are the barriers to entry, maintenance is the ongoing cost of ownership. Florida's subtropical climate creates a perfect storm of conditions that accelerate wood roof deterioration. Here is what you are up against:
Mold and Mildew Growth
Pinellas County's average relative humidity hovers between 74 and 78 percent year-round, with summer months frequently exceeding 85 percent. This creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, and moss on wood roofing surfaces.
Unlike asphalt shingles, which can be treated with zinc or copper strips to inhibit algae, wood roofing surfaces provide organic nutrients that actively feed biological growth. Black mold (Gloeocapsa magma) and green algae are the most common offenders in Pinellas County, and they do more than just affect appearance. Over time, biological growth traps moisture against the wood surface, accelerating rot and reducing the structural integrity of each shingle or shake.
Effective mold management on a wood roof requires semi-annual cleaning (typically pressure washing at low PSI or soft washing with appropriate solutions), followed by application of preservative treatments. This maintenance alone can cost $500 to $1,500 per year, depending on roof size and accessibility.
Rot and Decay
Even with cedar's natural rot resistance, Florida's climate pushes the boundaries of what wood can endure. The combination of frequent soaking rains, persistent humidity, and warm temperatures creates conditions where wood fungi thrive. Brown rot and white rot are the most destructive, breaking down the cellulose and lignin that give wood its structural strength.
Problem areas on a wood roof in Florida typically include:
- Valley areas where water concentrates during heavy rains
- North-facing slopes that receive less direct sunlight and dry more slowly
- Areas shaded by trees, where moisture lingers and debris accumulates
- Transition points at walls, chimneys, and skylights where flashing meets wood
- Lower courses near the eave where splash-back from gutters keeps wood damp
Regular inspections are critical. In Pinellas County, we recommend inspecting a wood roof at least twice per year: once before hurricane season (June) and once after (December). For guidance on what to look for during inspections, visit our complete roof inspection guide.
UV Degradation
Florida receives approximately 2,500 to 2,900 hours of sunshine per year, ranking it among the highest in the nation for UV exposure. This relentless sun breaks down the lignin in wood fibers, causing the characteristic silvering that many homeowners find attractive but that actually represents surface degradation.
UV damage is primarily cosmetic in the early years, but over time it opens the wood grain to moisture penetration, splitting, and cracking. UV-protective treatments can slow this process but require reapplication every 2 to 3 years, adding to the lifetime maintenance cost.
Wind Damage
Wood shingles and shakes are fastened individually with nails, and their wind resistance depends heavily on installation quality. In Pinellas County, where the Florida Building Code mandates wind resistance ratings based on the local wind speed zone, wood roofing must be installed to meet specific uplift requirements.
The challenge is that as wood ages in Florida's climate, the shingles or shakes can warp, curl, and crack, reducing the effectiveness of nail connections. A 10-year-old wood roof may have significantly less wind resistance than it did on installation day. For more about wind-rated roofing options, see our roof wind rating guide.
Cost Breakdown for Pinellas County
Wood roofing sits in the mid-to-upper price range for residential roofing materials. Here is a detailed cost breakdown for Pinellas County installations in 2026:
| Cost Component | Cedar Shingles | Cedar Shakes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials per sq ft | $4.00 to $6.50 | $5.50 to $8.00 |
| Labor per sq ft | $3.50 to $5.00 | $4.00 to $5.50 |
| Underlayment | $0.50 to $1.00 | $0.50 to $1.00 |
| Total installed per sq ft | $8 to $12 | $10 to $14 |
| 2,000 sq ft home (est.) | $20,000 to $30,000 | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| Annual maintenance | $500 to $1,200 | $500 to $1,500 |
These costs assume a standard residential installation with proper fire-treated materials, synthetic underlayment, and compliance with current Florida Building Code requirements. Complex roof geometries, steep pitches, and multi-story homes will push costs toward the higher end. If you are comparing wood roofing against other options, our new roof cost guide provides a comprehensive comparison across all major materials.
Lifespan Expectations in Florida
One of the most important considerations for Pinellas County homeowners is that wood roofing simply does not last as long in Florida as it does in cooler, drier climates. National averages cite 25 to 30 years for cedar shakes and 20 to 25 years for cedar shingles, but these numbers assume moderate climates with lower humidity and less intense UV exposure.
In Florida, realistic lifespan expectations are:
- Cedar shingles: 15 to 22 years with diligent maintenance, as short as 12 years without regular upkeep
- Cedar shakes: 18 to 25 years with diligent maintenance, as short as 15 years without regular upkeep
- Treated wood products: May add 3 to 5 years of additional life compared to untreated equivalents, assuming the treatment is reapplied on schedule
Compare this to a standing seam metal roof that can last 40 to 60 years in Florida, or a clay tile roof that can exceed 75 years. When you factor in the higher maintenance costs and shorter replacement cycle, wood roofing becomes one of the most expensive options on a per-year basis.
For a broader comparison of how long different roofing materials last in Florida, see our how long does a roof last guide.
Insurance Complications in Florida
Florida's homeowners insurance market has been turbulent for years, and wood roofing makes an already difficult situation even more challenging. Here is what Pinellas County homeowners need to understand about insuring a wood roof:
Coverage Availability
Many of Florida's remaining private insurers have tightened their underwriting criteria for roofing materials, and wood is frequently on the restricted list. Some carriers will not issue new policies for homes with wood roofs at all. Others will provide coverage but only for fire-treated products with documented Class A ratings.
Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida's insurer of last resort, does insure homes with wood roofs, but premiums reflect the higher risk. If you are forced to Citizens, expect to pay significantly more than a comparable home with asphalt, metal, or tile roofing.
Premium Impact
Homeowners with wood roofs in Pinellas County typically see insurance premiums 20 to 40 percent higher than equivalent homes with non-combustible roofing. This premium increase alone can add $1,000 to $3,000 per year to your insurance costs, depending on your coverage limits and the specific carrier.
Additionally, wood roofs do not qualify for the premium discounts available through Florida's wind mitigation inspection program in the same way that metal or concrete tile roofs do. The absence of these discounts compounds the cost difference over the life of the roof.
Claim Complications
If your wood roof sustains damage from a hurricane or other covered event, claims can be more complicated than with conventional materials. Insurers may argue that pre-existing deterioration (mold, rot, or UV damage) contributed to the failure, reducing or denying the portion of the claim attributable to normal wear. Maintaining thorough documentation of your maintenance history is essential. For guidance on the claims process, see our roof insurance claim guide.
When Wood Roofing Makes Sense in Pinellas County
Despite all the challenges outlined above, there are legitimate scenarios where a wood shingle or shake roof is the right choice for a Pinellas County home:
Historic Preservation
Pinellas County has a number of historically significant homes and neighborhoods where maintaining period-appropriate materials is important for preservation value and compliance with historic district guidelines. In these cases, a wood roof may be the only option that satisfies both the homeowner's vision and the preservation board's requirements.
Luxury and Custom Homes
For high-end custom homes where the budget supports both the initial installation and ongoing maintenance, a cedar shake roof delivers an aesthetic that cannot be perfectly replicated by any synthetic alternative. When cost is secondary to appearance and the homeowner is prepared for the maintenance commitment, wood can be a valid luxury choice.
Short-Term Ownership
If you are selling a property within 5 to 10 years and the existing wood roof is still in good condition, the curb appeal benefit of wood may positively impact resale value. However, many buyers in Pinellas County are aware of the insurance and maintenance implications, so this advantage is increasingly limited.
Composite Shake Alternatives: The Best of Both Worlds
The growth of the composite shake market has been one of the most significant developments in roofing over the past decade, and for Florida homeowners, these products are often the smarter choice. Composite shakes are engineered to replicate the appearance of natural wood while eliminating the fire, rot, mold, and insurance challenges.
Leading Composite Shake Products
- DaVinci Roofscapes: Polymer composite shakes available in single-width and multi-width profiles. Class A fire rated, Class 4 impact rated, and tested to 110 mph wind speeds. Available in over 50 colors. Carries a lifetime limited warranty. Installed cost in Pinellas County: $12 to $16 per square foot.
- CeDUR Roofing: Polyurethane synthetic shakes that are lightweight (approximately 155 pounds per square), Class A fire rated, and impact resistant. These closely mimic the look of hand-split cedar. Installed cost in Pinellas County: $10 to $14 per square foot.
- Brava Roof Tile (Cedar Shake): Made from recycled materials, Brava composite shakes offer Class A fire rating, excellent color retention, and resistance to moisture, mold, and insects. Installed cost in Pinellas County: $9 to $13 per square foot.
- EcoStar Seneca Shake: Made from recycled rubber and plastics. Class A fire rated with good wind resistance. A budget-friendly composite option at $8 to $11 per square foot installed.
Composite vs Natural Wood: Feature Comparison
| Feature | Natural Cedar | Composite Shake |
|---|---|---|
| Fire rating | Class C (untreated), Class A (treated) | Class A standard |
| Mold/rot resistance | Moderate (requires treatment) | Excellent (inherent) |
| FL lifespan | 15 to 25 years | 30 to 50 years |
| Annual maintenance | $500 to $1,500/year | $100 to $300/year |
| Insurance impact | 20 to 40% premium increase | No surcharge (most carriers) |
| Cost per sq ft | $8 to $14 | $9 to $16 |
| Authenticity | 100% natural | Very close (varies by product) |
Installation Considerations for Florida
If you decide to move forward with a wood shingle or shake roof in Pinellas County, proper installation is absolutely critical to maximizing lifespan and performance. Here are the key Florida-specific installation requirements:
Ventilation Is Non-Negotiable
Wood roofing demands superior ventilation to prevent moisture buildup on the underside of the shingles or shakes. In Florida, where attic temperatures can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and humidity is constant, inadequate ventilation will dramatically accelerate rot.
The industry standard is a 1:150 net free ventilation area ratio (1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic floor space), but for Florida wood roof installations, many experienced contractors recommend exceeding this to 1:100 or even 1:75. Ridge and soffit ventilation should create continuous airflow across the entire underside of the roof deck.
Underlayment Selection
The underlayment beneath a wood roof serves as the critical secondary water barrier. In Florida, a breathable synthetic underlayment is preferred over traditional felt because it allows moisture vapor to escape from the wood while still preventing water infiltration from above.
For wood shake installations, a 30-pound interlayment felt is typically installed between each course of shakes to create additional water channels. This interlayment is essential in Florida's heavy rain environment and is required by most manufacturers' warranties.
Fastener Requirements
Florida's coastal environment demands corrosion-resistant fasteners. Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails are the minimum standard. In Pinellas County, where salt air accelerates metal corrosion, stainless steel (Type 304 or 316) is strongly recommended despite the added cost.
Each shingle or shake should receive two fasteners placed approximately 3/4 inch from each edge and 1 to 2 inches above the exposure line of the course above. In high-wind zones (which includes most of Pinellas County), additional fasteners or enhanced fastener schedules may be required to meet the Florida Building Code.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing
- Unmatched natural beauty and curb appeal
- Natural insulation value (R-value of 0.87 for shakes vs 0.44 for asphalt)
- Environmentally sustainable and biodegradable
- Ages to an attractive silver-gray patina
- Appropriate for historic preservation projects
- Strong aesthetic differentiation from neighboring homes
Cons of Wood Shingle and Shake Roofing in Florida
- Shortened lifespan compared to northern climates (15 to 25 years vs 25 to 30)
- High ongoing maintenance costs ($500 to $1,500 per year)
- Fire code restrictions in many Pinellas County municipalities
- Insurance complications and significantly higher premiums
- Susceptible to mold, rot, and algae in Florida humidity
- Does not qualify for best wind mitigation insurance credits
- Limited contractor availability for proper installation
- Increasingly difficult to insure in Florida's tightening market
The Bottom Line for Pinellas County Homeowners
Wood shingle and shake roofing is a beautiful but demanding choice for Florida homes. The combination of shortened lifespan, high maintenance requirements, fire code complications, and insurance challenges makes it a poor fit for most Pinellas County homeowners.
If you love the wood aesthetic, composite shake alternatives from manufacturers like DaVinci, CeDUR, and Brava deliver remarkably similar looks with dramatically better performance in Florida's climate. They cost roughly the same to install, last significantly longer, require far less maintenance, and do not trigger insurance surcharges.
For the limited cases where authentic wood is truly necessary, such as historic preservation or ultra-premium custom homes, invest in the highest-quality Alaskan yellow cedar with fire treatment, ensure impeccable installation by an experienced wood roofing specialist, and commit to the aggressive maintenance schedule that Florida demands. For a broader comparison of roofing materials suited to Florida, explore our best roofing material for Florida guide.