Key Takeaways
- Want your wood shake roof to last 30 years? A little TLC now saves you from costly roofing nightmares later.
- Leaves, branches, and debris are moisture traps. Clear them out unless you want a roof that rots from the inside out.
- Sealing isn’t optional—without it, UV rays will crack, dry out, and age your shakes way too soon.
- Annual inspections catch small problems before they turn into expensive disasters.
- At Apex, we handle the hard work so your roof stays strong, stress-free, and built to last.
Why Proper Wood Shake Roof Maintenance Matters
Your wood shake roof is a stunner. Classic, rugged, full of character—until moss, mildew, and UV rays decide to crash the party.
Wood isn’t like your average, low-maintenance asphalt shingles; it’s alive (sort of), and like anything natural, it needs a little TLC to stay in top shape.
Skip the upkeep, and your once-gorgeous roof won’t age like fine wine. Cracked, warped, and begging for an expensive replacement. But don’t fret just yet—we’ve got you covered with this guide!
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
What Makes Wood Shake Roofs Unique
What Is a Wood Shake Roof?
Wood shakes are the cool cousins of wood shingles. Instead of being factory-cut into perfect little rectangles, they’re hand-split—giving them a raw, textured look that screams character and charm.
Most are made from cedar, redwood, or cypress. But like any natural beauty, shakes need a little extra care to stay strong and stunning.
Why Do Wood Shake Roofs Require Special Care?
- Moisture Magnet: Wood loves to soak up water, which can lead to rot, mildew, and moss.
- UV exposure: UV rays dry out shakes, causing cracks, curling, and premature aging.
- Debris Build-Up: Leaves and dirt trap moisture, turning your roof into a mini compost pile.
- Bug Buffet: Termites and insects see wood shakes as an all-you-can-eat feast.
How to Maintain Your Wood Shake Roof
1. Keep It Clean: Regular Debris Removal
How to Clean Your Wood Shake Roof Safely:
- Use a soft-bristle broom or a leaf blower. Pressure washers? Hard no. They strip away protective oils, leaving shakes dry, brittle, and sad.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water buildup.
- Trim back the jungle. Overhanging branches drop leaves and invite critters, so keep them in check.
Pro Tip: Make it a habit twice a year (spring & fall). Bonus points if you do it before storm season, so you’re not playing “guess where the leak is” later.
2. Prevent Moss, Mold, & Mildew Growth
How to Prevent & Treat Fungi:
- Apply a fungicidal treatment every 2-3 years.
- Use a DIY cleaner made with vinegar and water. It’s cheap, natural, and doesn’t wreck the wood like harsh chemicals.
- No bleach. Ever. It dries out the shakes faster than a bad sunburn.
- Improve ventilation in your attic. Humidity feeds mold.
Red Flags: Moss, mold, and mildew eat away at your wood shakes, causing rot and structural damage. See black streaks or green fuzz? That’s your cue to act fast!
3. Seal & Treat Your Wood Shakes
How to Keep Your Roof Sealed & Shielded:
- Use a breathable, wood-friendly sealant (e.g., natural oil-based preservative).
- Skip the suffocators. Film-forming sealants trap moisture and can rot your shakes.
- Reapply every 3-5 years for maximum protection.
Heads Up: Wood shakes without sealant dry out, crack, and age faster than they should. Proper sealing keeps water, sun, and rot from wrecking your investment.
4. Repair or Replace Damaged Shakes ASAP
Signs Your Roof is Begging for Help:
- Shakes are curling, splitting, or cracking.
- Sections of your roof look uneven or patchy.
- You’ve got leaks. If water’s sneaking inside after a rainstorm, your shakes have checked out.
DIY or Call the Pros: Small cracks can be patched with wood filler, but anything bigger? Call us up before it turns into an expensive headache.
5. Call in the Pros: Schedule Annual Inspections
What a Professional Inspection Will Check For:
- Hidden water damage. Leaks don’t always make an entrance until it’s too late.
- Rot, loose flashing, and worn-out fasteners.
- Building code compliance—because no one wants a roof that fails inspection.
Pro Tip: At Apex, we’ve got free roof inspections! So, why not let our pros catch the problems before your wallet does?
The Cost of Neglect: What Happens If You Skip Maintenance?
| Issue | What Happens? | Damage to Your Wallet |
| Uncleaned Debris | Trapped moisture turns your roof into a moldy sponge. | Up to $1,500 per section |
| Unsealed Shakes | The sun fries your shakes, causing cracks, curling, and early retirement. | Up to $2,000 per treatment |
| Missing Shakes | Gaps let water sneak in, and suddenly, you’re dealing with leaks and rot. | Up to $2,000 (depending on severity) |
| Total Neglect | You just shaved 30 years off your roof’s life. Time for a full replacement. | $6-$8 per sq ft |
Note: Prices reflect material costs at the time of writing and may vary by location. Estimates do not include labor, permits, or structural repairs. Always get a quote for the most accurate pricing.
A Well-Maintained Roof is a Long-Lasting Roof
Protect your wood shake roof, and it’ll return the favor for years. A little cleaning, sealing, and the occasional checkup is all you need to maintain its beauty.
Skip the maintenance, and you’re basically speed-running toward leaks, rot, and a pricey replacement. So, do your future self a favor—stay ahead of the upkeep, and enjoy a roof that works as hard as you do!
At Apex, we make wood shake roof care easy—so you don’t have to stress about leaks, rot, or unexpected (and expensive) surprises.
We believe roof maintenance shouldn’t be a guessing game—which is why we offer free roof inspections. And with our licensed pros, you can skip the late-night panic searches for “roof problems” at 2 AM—we’ve got you covered.
I worked with Robert Lopez. He was always responsive, professional, and followed through on everything he said he would do for us. I would recommend Robert and Apex Roofing to all my friends and family. What a breath of fresh air you don’t get customer service like this anymore!” – Renee A.
Call us today for a FREE consultation and to find out more about our services!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the common signs that my wood shake roof needs repairs?
If your wood shakes are curling, cracking, or missing, your roof needs repairs. An uneven, worn-down look? That’s trouble brewing. And if you spot gaps, leaks are next in line. Catch these issues early with regular inspections before they turn into big, expensive ones.
How often should I inspect my wood shake roof?
Give your roof a twice-a-year checkup—spring and fall are best. This way, you’ll catch damage after extreme weather and keep your shakes in top shape for the next season. Big storm just hit? Do a quick post-storm inspection, because what you don’t see can cost you later.
How can I prevent moss, mold, and mildew growth on my roof?
Prevent moss, mold, and mildew growth by clearing debris, improving attic ventilation, and treating your shakes every 2-3 years. See black streaks or green fuzz? That’s your cue to act fast!
Should I apply treatments or sealants to my wood shake roof?
Absolutely. A breathable, wood-friendly sealant every 3-5 years keeps your shakes from drying out, cracking, or curling under the sun. But skip film-forming sealants—they trap moisture and speed up rot.
Is it a must to hire a professional for roof maintenance?
You can handle basic upkeep, but leave it to the pros for bigger issues. Tiny cracks? Patch them up. Bigger damage? Call us up before you’re dealing with a full-blown roof disaster. We even offer free inspections—because guessing isn’t a maintenance plan!