Split Shake Roof Repair: What Gainesville Homeowners Need to Know

Wood shake roofs bring natural charm and classic durability to homes across Gainesville and surrounding communities. But like any roofing system, cedar shake—especially split shakes—needs routine care to stay strong and weather-resistant.

If you’ve noticed cracking, curling, or missing shakes, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Split Cedar Shakes?

Split shakes are made by hand-splitting cedar wood along its grain, giving them a rougher, more rustic texture than machine-sawn shingles. They’re thicker at the butt end and can last decades—if they’re properly maintained.

Common types include:

• Certi-Split® Handsplit and Resawn Shakes – thick butt, split face

• Tapersawn Shakes – sawn both sides, but thicker than shingles

How to Tell if a Shake Needs Repair

Not all surface cracking means failure. Some natural splitting is expected as cedar weathers. But these signs indicate a problem:

• Cracks extending past the nail line

• Loose or fallen shakes

• Daylight showing through the roof

• Leaking during rain

• Evidence of animal intrusion (like squirrels or bats)

We’ve seen homeowners in places like Cumming and Dahlonega delay repairs and end up needing full replacements. Small fixes now can save major costs later.

Repairing a Split Shake the Right Way

At L&L Roofing, here’s how we do it right:

1. Inspect and isolate the damage.
   We never just patch over problems. We check the underlayment, flashing, and surrounding shakes.

2. Remove the broken shake.
   Using a slate ripper or similar tool, we carefully pull nails without damaging adjacent shakes.

3. Install a matching replacement.
   We use Certi-label™ cedar shakes from trusted mills to ensure quality and code compliance.

4. Nail placement matters.
   Nails are placed above the exposure line and covered by the shake above, preventing leaks and rusting.

5. Seal and blend.
   For older roofs, we age-blend new shakes and ensure the aesthetic is preserved.

Why Repairs Should Be Handled by Professionals

Split shake repairs are deceptively tricky. Mistakes we often see include:

• Using roofing cement or caulk (never a long-term fix)

• Improper fasteners or nailing patterns

• Not addressing moisture issues underneath

Done wrong, a small repair can open the door to rot, leaks, and structural damage.

That’s why we always recommend calling in a qualified, licensed roofing contractor—especially when dealing with cedar. We've served homes all over Gainesville, from Flowery Branch to Dawsonville, and we know what works for our North Georgia weather.

FAQs

How long does a split shake repair take?

Most repairs can be done in a few hours, but larger sections may take a full day.

Can I repair one shake myself?

You could, but unless you’re comfortable working on a steep roof and have the right tools, it’s risky—both for your safety and the roof’s health.

What’s the cost to repair split shakes?

Costs vary based on access, steepness, and how many shakes are affected. We always offer transparent quotes with no upselling.

Trust the Shake Repair Experts in Gainesville

At L&L Roofing & Construction, we treat your home like our own. Whether you’re in Buford or up near Coal Mountain, we’re here to help with honest service, quality craftsmanship, and faith-driven values.

Need a cedar shake roof inspection or repair?
Call us at (770) 874-0372 to schedule your free evaluation.