Treated Wood Roofing: What Gainesville Homeowners Need to Know

Treated wood roofing is a beautiful and functional option—but it's not for every home or every climate. If you’re a homeowner in Gainesville or nearby areas like Dahlonega, Flowery Branch, or Cumming, here’s what you need to know before investing in this natural roofing material.

What Is Treated Wood Roofing?

Treated wood roofing typically uses cedar shakes or shingles that have been pressure-treated with preservatives to improve fire resistance, decay resistance, and overall durability.

There are two common types:

• Certi-Split® Shakes: Split face, rustic appearance, sawn on the back

• Certi-Sawn® Shakes: Sawn on both sides for a cleaner look

• Certigrade® Shingles: Sawn on both sides, uniform thickness

These products are made primarily from Western Red Cedar or Alaskan Yellow Cedar—both valued for their natural oils and weather resistance.

Why Some Homeowners Choose It

Many Gainesville homeowners are drawn to wood roofing for its:

• Natural appearance that blends with wooded or historic properties

• Excellent insulation compared to asphalt

• Lightweight design that doesn’t require structural reinforcement

• Sustainability, especially when using FSC-certified cedar

What You Need to Watch Out For

Treated wood roofing also comes with some real-world considerations:

• Higher upfront cost than asphalt

• Ongoing maintenance: You’ll need regular inspections, cleaning, and occasional replacement of cracked or cupped shakes

• Moss and mildew: Especially in shaded areas like North Hall or Lula

• Fire risk, if not properly treated and installed to code

Be sure your roof meets local fire and wind resistance standards. Per the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, only Certi-label™ products from verified mills meet code and performance benchmarks.

Is It Code-Compliant in Georgia?

Yes—with the right materials and installation. According to the 2021 IBC and IRC codes, wood shakes or shingles must:

• Be fire-retardant treated in areas with wildfire risk

• Be installed over approved underlayment with proper ventilation

• Use approved fasteners and spacing to resist wind uplift

At L&L Roofing, we only install products that comply with Georgia building codes and pass third-party quality inspections.

How Long Will It Last?

With proper maintenance, treated cedar shake roofs can last 30–40 years. Untreated? You might get 15–25.

To get the longest life from your investment, we recommend:

• Keeping roof valleys clear of debris

• Replacing any broken shakes ASAP

• Applying a UV-protective finish if needed

• Using a certified installer (like us)

Is It Right for My Home?

Here’s when treated wood roofing might make sense:

✅ You have a historic or rustic-style home
✅ You’re okay with routine upkeep
✅ Your HOA allows wood roofs
✅ You want natural curb appeal
✅ You’re in a lower wildfire risk zone

If you’re looking for something more durable and lower maintenance, you might want to consider standing seam metal roofing instead. It’s one of our most popular options here in Gainesville.

FAQ: Treated Wood Roofing

How much does a treated wood roof cost in Gainesville?
You can expect $9–$14 per square foot installed. Exact cost depends on the type, treatment, and slope of your roof.

Does L&L Roofing install Certi-label™ cedar shakes?
Yes. We only use products inspected by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau for durability and code compliance.

Can I install wood roofing over my existing shingles?
Not recommended. Wood shakes need solid decking and adequate ventilation. A tear-off is typically required.

Will treated wood roofing help with energy bills?
Yes—cedar naturally insulates better than most roofing materials, especially in hot Georgia summers.

Honest Craftsmanship, Every Time

At L&L Roofing & Construction, we believe in doing the right thing—even when no one’s watching. Whether you need help choosing between cedar shakes and metal, or just want an expert opinion, we’re here to serve with integrity, transparency, and unmatched local experience.

Give us a call at (770) 874-0372 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation.