Material study illustration of cedar shake roofing

Roof Types · Cedar

Cedar Shake and Cedar Shingle Roofs

Cedar gives a home warm, natural character that no manufactured product quite matches. In Florida’s heat and humidity, it also needs thoughtful installation and care. Global Roofing & Contracting installs, re-roofs and repairs cedar shake and cedar shingle roofs.

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Options: Cedar shakes, cedar shingles
Key concern: Moisture and humidity
Essential: Ventilation and regular upkeep
Services: New installs, re-roofs, repairs

Material study

The short answer

Cedar roofs come as shakes, which are thicker and rustic, and shingles, which are thinner and more uniform. In Florida’s humid climate, good ventilation, proper spacing and regular maintenance help cedar resist moisture, mildew and decay. Global Roofing & Contracting installs cedar roofs and handles cedar re-roofs and repairs for residential and commercial properties.

Global Roofing & Contracting · Est. 2004 · FL License CCC1330308

Cedar shakes vs. cedar shingles

Cedar shakes are traditionally split, giving them a thicker profile and a rough, textured face. They create a rugged, rustic roofline with deep shadow lines.

Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides, so they are thinner, smoother and more uniform. They produce a tailored, refined look. Both come from naturally decay-resistant cedar, and the choice is mostly about appearance and budget.

Cedar in a humid climate

Florida’s humidity, frequent rain and shade from mature trees keep wood damp longer than in drier regions. Prolonged moisture can lead to mildew, moss, cupping, splitting and eventually decay.

Cedar can still perform well in Florida when it can dry out between rains. Correct spacing between pieces, proper underlayment, good flashing and trimming back overhanging branches all help. Treated cedar products are also available and may be worth discussing.

Why ventilation is critical

Wood roofs need air moving beneath and around them. Balanced attic ventilation removes hot, humid air from below, and some installations use a spaced or breathable underlayment approach so the back of the cedar can dry.

Poor ventilation traps moisture against the wood and the deck, which shortens the life of the roof. Ventilation should be one of the first things evaluated on any cedar project.

Maintenance

Cedar needs more attention than most roof coverings. Plan on periodic inspections, clearing leaves and debris from the surface, valleys and gutters, and replacing split or missing pieces before they let water through.

Cleaning and treatments can help control moss and mildew and slow weathering, but methods should be gentle. Aggressive pressure washing can damage the wood.

Cedar re-roofs and repairs

When a cedar roof has widespread decay, curling or recurring leaks, a full re-roof is usually the better investment. Global can replace cedar with new cedar, or discuss alternatives such as stone-coated steel shake profiles that echo the look with less upkeep.

Smaller problems like a few damaged pieces or a failed flashing detail can often be repaired. Global also handles cedar re-roofs on commercial properties. Every project starts with a free, no-obligation inspection.

Roofing Systems

Roofing Systems
Made for Florida.

Overhead view of a multi-tone clay-look tile roof with hips and valleys on a Naples home

Global project · Naples, FL

Clay & concrete tile

Tile Roofing

The signature Florida roof. Clay and concrete tile bring long service life, thermal mass and the architectural character of Mediterranean and coastal homes.

Benefits

Durable, long-lived tile field
Broad range of profiles and colors
Suits Mediterranean & Spanish architecture

In Florida

In high winds, performance depends on what you can’t see: underlayment and attachment. Global’s founder is certified through the Tile Roofing Institute’s Florida High Wind Installer program.

Best for Mediterranean, Spanish and estate homes

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Material study

Standing seam

Metal Roofing

Continuous panels joined by raised, interlocking seams with concealed fasteners. The result is a clean, modern profile with very few exposed penetrations.

Benefits

Concealed-fastener panel design
Reflective finishes help limit heat gain
Low-maintenance, contemporary look

In Florida

Panel gauge, clip spacing and attachment are specified to the home’s wind-load requirements. That detail work matters on the coast.

Best for Modern, coastal and Old-Florida homes

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Material study

Composition & architectural

Shingle Roofing

Composition shingles, including dimensional architectural shingles, offer a versatile, cost-conscious system with a wide palette of colors.

Benefits

Versatile and cost-conscious
Dimensional architectural profiles
Manufacturer-backed roof systems

In Florida

Global holds CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and Integrity Roof System credentials, a CertainTeed designation for qualified installers.

Best for Traditional and transitional homes

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Material study

Tile, shake & shingle profiles

Stone-Coated Steel

Steel panels finished with a stone-granule coating that can take the profile of tile, shake or shingle at a fraction of the weight.

Benefits

Tile-like look at lower weight
Interlocking panel system
Textured, natural finish

In Florida

A practical option when the look of tile is wanted but structure or weight is a consideration.

Best for Homes wanting tile character with less weight

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Material study

Natural & engineered

Slate & Composite Slate

Natural slate or engineered composite slate for a classic, dimensional roofline with crisp shadow lines.

Benefits

Classic, dimensional appearance
Composite options reduce weight
Distinctive estate aesthetic

In Florida

Composite slate delivers the look of stone with lighter weight, often a better fit for existing Florida structures.

Best for Estates and traditional architecture

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Material study

Natural wood

Cedar Shake & Shingle

Cedar shakes and shingles create a warm, textured, natural roofline. Reroofs and repairs included.

Benefits

Warm, natural texture
Hand-split or sawn profiles
Reroofs and repairs

In Florida

Wood roofs in a humid climate reward careful detailing, ventilation and maintenance planning.

Best for Cottage, coastal and craftsman homes

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FAQ

Cedar Roofs: Your Questions, Answered.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call 239-653-9703 (Naples) or 954-889-2201 (Pembroke Pines), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Can cedar roofs work in Florida?

Yes, cedar roofs can work in Florida with proper installation and maintenance. Good ventilation, correct spacing and regular upkeep help the wood dry out between rains and resist mildew and decay in the humid climate.

What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?

Cedar shakes are split and thicker with a rough, rustic texture, while cedar shingles are sawn, thinner and more uniform. Shakes give a rugged look and shingles a more tailored one.

How do I maintain a cedar roof?

Keep the roof, valleys and gutters clear of debris, trim overhanging branches and have it inspected periodically. Replace split or missing pieces promptly and use gentle cleaning methods, since harsh pressure washing can damage cedar.

Should I repair or replace my cedar roof?

Repair makes sense when damage is limited to a few pieces or a flashing detail. Widespread decay, curling or repeated leaks usually point to replacement. An inspection helps determine which is the better investment.

Is there an alternative that looks like cedar?

Yes, stone-coated steel is available in shake profiles that echo the look of cedar. It needs less maintenance and does not absorb moisture, though it does not have the natural wood character of real cedar.

Does Global repair commercial cedar roofs?

Yes, Global Roofing & Contracting handles cedar re-roofs as part of its commercial roofing services, in addition to residential cedar installations and repairs.

Experience the Global Difference

Your Roof Protects Everything Beneath It.

Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm or has simply reached the end of its lifespan, start with a professional inspection from Global Roofing & Contracting.

239-653-9703Mon – Fri · 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST

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