What to Do When Your Cedar Shake Roof Starts Splitting in Florida

Split cedar shakes are one of the most common issues we see on Florida wood roofs. Between the intense heat, heavy rainfall, and salt exposure in coastal areas, it's no surprise cedar can crack or split over time. But if caught early, it’s something that can be repaired—without replacing your whole roof.

At Roof Nuts FL, we specialize in repairing split shakes and helping homeowners across Florida—from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale—extend the life of their cedar shake roofs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Cedar Shake Splitting?

Florida’s climate is tough on wood roofing. Here are the most common causes of shake splitting:

• UV exposure: Constant sunlight dries out the shakes and causes surface checking.

• Humidity swings: Wet-dry cycles cause expansion and contraction, which can crack the wood.

• Improper installation: Overdriven fasteners or poor ventilation accelerate splitting.

• Age: Natural aging eventually causes shakes to dry out and become brittle.

Most splitting begins on the butt end (the exposed portion of the shake) and progresses upward if left unchecked.

Signs You Have a Split Shake Problem

• Visible cracks or splits along the grain

• Loose shakes or ones popping out of place

• Leaks during or after heavy rain

• Water staining on your ceiling or attic

• Curling or cupping shakes near the split areas

If your roof is over 10 years old and exposed to full sun, these symptoms are even more likely.

How We Repair Split Shakes at Roof Nuts FL

Not every split needs a full replacement. Our process depends on the severity and location of the damage:

1. Inspection

We assess each area for visible splits, underlying water intrusion, and nearby shakes that may be affected.

2. Minor Crack Treatment

For small surface splits, we can apply waterproof wood preservative sealant to stop the crack from growing.

3. Shake Replacement

If the shake is fully split, we remove it using a shake ripper tool, then install a matching Certi-label™ cedar shake.

• We use stainless steel fasteners or hidden nails, depending on your roof system.

• The new shake is carefully sized to maintain the roof’s water-shedding layout.

4. Underlayment Patching

If needed, we patch the felt or synthetic interlayment behind the shake before installing the new one.

5. Blending for Appearance

We use treatment or aging oil to blend the new shake with the surrounding roof to reduce visual contrast.

Florida Code & Manufacturer Guidelines

Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) and Florida Building Code require:

• Proper overlap between replacement and adjacent shakes

• ¼" to ⅜" spacing between new shakes to allow for expansion

• Stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized nails

• Repair to be made with the same shake grade and exposure as the original installation

Following these specs helps maintain the roof’s performance—and may be required by your insurance company.

FAQs About Split Shake Repair in Florida

Can split shakes be glued back together?
Not reliably. Most split shakes need to be replaced to prevent leaks and structural damage.

What happens if I ignore a few split shakes?
Water can penetrate beneath the shake and damage the underlayment or deck. That can lead to bigger repairs—or even roof replacement.

Do all splits need repair?
Not always. Hairline surface cracks (called "checking") are common and don’t usually need fixing unless they deepen or leak.

Can you replace just a few shakes without affecting the look?
Yes. We blend repairs so they’re nearly invisible, especially after a few months of natural weathering.

Don’t Wait Until a Split Becomes a Soaked Ceiling

Split cedar shakes may look small, but they can lead to big problems if left untreated—especially during Florida’s rainy season.

Call Roof Nuts FL at 904-694-3426 to schedule your cedar shake roof inspection. We serve Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and everywhere in between.

We’ll find the cracks before they become costly. Let us protect your home—and your wood roof investment.