Cedar Shake Roofing
Serving Brevard & Indian River County, FL — Florida's Space Coast & Treasure Coast
A beautiful, high-maintenance roof — we'll tell you honestly whether it's right for your home.
About Cedar Shake
Cedar shake is a premium, natural-wood roofing material with a look that no synthetic product fully matches — warm, textural, and increasingly rare on Florida's Space Coast. We install it for homeowners who specifically want it, but we'll be straight with you: cedar is the highest-maintenance roof material on this list in Florida's climate, and it's not the right choice for every home.
There are two main grades: cedar shakes (hand-split, thicker, more rustic) and cedar shingles (sawn, thinner, more uniform). Both are typically Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and both need to be pressure-treated for fire resistance and pre-treated against rot, mold, and insects before being installed in a humid coastal climate.
Honest Florida-climate truth: cedar is happiest in dry, cool climates. On the Space Coast, salt air, year-round humidity, summer heat, and seasonal driving rain all work against it. With excellent maintenance — regular cleaning, mold/algae treatment every 2–3 years, and proactive replacement of damaged shakes — a cedar roof can last 20–30 years here. Without that maintenance, you can lose it in 10.
If you love the cedar look but want lower maintenance, ask us about composite cedar-look shakes (synthetic polymer products that mimic the appearance with the lifespan of a premium asphalt or metal roof). For many Florida homeowners, that's the better long-term answer.
Pros
- Distinctive, premium natural-wood aesthetic
- Excellent natural insulation
- Can last 20–30 years in FL with diligent maintenance
- Strong curb appeal and resale on the right architectural style
Cons / Trade-offs
- Highest maintenance roof we install in coastal FL
- Vulnerable to mold, algae, and rot in humid climate
- Premium upfront and lifecycle cost
- Some insurance carriers charge higher premiums or won't cover
- Fire treatment loses effectiveness over time and may need re-application
Best for
Specific architectural styles (Craftsman, mountain-style, custom estate homes) where the owner wants authentic cedar and is committed to maintenance.
Why it works across Brevard & Indian River County
We'll have an honest conversation with you before quoting cedar in Brevard or Indian River County. The climate is rough on it, the maintenance schedule is real, and your insurance carrier may push back. If you still want cedar after that talk, we install it correctly with the right treatments and underlayment — and we'll tell you upfront what the maintenance program looks like.
Every roof is different. Get a free, no-pressure on-site estimate for your home.
Free Estimate — (321) 550-2272Cedar Shake Roofing — FAQ
Is cedar shake a good choice in Florida?+
Honestly, it's a tough climate for cedar. With diligent maintenance — cleaning, mold treatment, proactive shake replacement — it can last 20–30 years on the Space Coast. Without that maintenance, much less. We'll tell you straight whether it fits your home and goals.
How often does cedar need maintenance in Florida?+
Plan on a thorough cleaning and mold/algae treatment every 2–3 years, plus annual visual inspections for damaged shakes, lifted edges, and fastener issues. Fire-retardant treatment may need re-application over time.
What's the alternative if I love the cedar look but not the maintenance?+
Composite cedar-look shakes — synthetic polymer products that mimic the appearance of natural cedar with the lifespan and low maintenance of a premium asphalt or metal roof. For most Florida homeowners, this is the better long-term answer.
Will my insurance cover a cedar roof?+
Some Florida carriers cover cedar, some don't, and some charge a higher premium. Check with your insurance carrier before committing — we're happy to provide the product specs they'll need.
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?+
Cedar is premium-priced and every job is custom — material grade, treatments, structure, and complexity all matter. Call (321) 550-2272 for a free on-site estimate.