Hand-Split Cedar Shake Installation: A Guide for Colorado & Georgia Homeowners

Hand-split cedar shakes bring rustic charm and lasting durability to homes in both mountain and southern climates. But proper installation is everything. Here’s what you need to know before choosing this classic roofing option for your property in Colorado or Georgia.

What Are Hand-Split Cedar Shakes?

Hand-split shakes are made by manually splitting cedar logs, leaving a rough-textured exposed face and sawn back. They’re thicker and more rugged than cedar shingles, offering a distinctive appearance and excellent weather resistance.

Why Choose Hand-Split Shakes?

• Natural look – perfect for cabins, rustic homes, or traditional designs

• High wind resistance – especially important in open or high-altitude areas

• Thicker profile – more shadowline and durability than machine-cut shingles

• Natural insulating properties – beneficial in both cold and hot climates

Key Installation Details

1. Decking Requirements

• Must be solid sheathing (not spaced) per Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB) and IRC codes

• Minimum 15/32” plywood or equivalent

• Must be clean, dry, and well-fastened

2. Underlayment

• For Colorado: use a minimum of two layers of #30 felt interlayment between courses

• For Georgia: single-layer #30 felt may be acceptable, but double-layer is ideal in high-humidity areas

3. Starter Course

• Begin with a starter strip or starter shakes trimmed to lie flat at the eave

• Leave 1½” to 2” overhang for proper water runoff

4. Exposure

• Exposure is based on shake length and roof pitch

  • 18” shakes: max exposure 7½”

  • 24” shakes: max exposure 10”

  • Steeper roofs allow larger exposure

5. Fasteners

• Use two stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails per shake

• Nails should penetrate at least ¾” into the sheathing

• Avoid overdriving—nails should be snug, not sunk

6. Spacing

• Maintain ⅜” to ⅝” between shakes to allow expansion and drainage

• Offset joints by at least 1½” from the course below

7. Ventilation

• Required by building codes to reduce trapped moisture

• Ridge and soffit vents or other approved ventilation must be included

Regional Considerations

For Colorado Homes

• Must withstand snow loads and freeze-thaw cycles

• CSSB recommends Class C fire-rated treated shakes or assemblies with Class A underlayment for code compliance

• High-altitude UV exposure accelerates wood aging—consider oil treatments or pre-finished options

For Georgia Homes

• Watch for humidity and moss—good ventilation and periodic cleaning are key

• Termite resistance is a plus for cedar, but monitor flashing areas for buildup

• Gutter maintenance is critical to prevent roof edge decay

Maintenance Tips

• Replace broken or curled shakes promptly

• Remove moss and debris at least once per year

• Avoid foot traffic; use roof jacks and ladders when necessary

• Inspect flashings and valleys for leaks after storms

FAQs

How long do hand-split cedar shakes last?

With proper installation and maintenance, they can last 30–40 years or more, especially in drier Colorado climates.

Are hand-split shakes fire-resistant?

Not inherently. Use Class C fire-retardant treated shakes or install over a fire-rated underlayment assembly to meet building codes.

Do cedar shakes need to be sealed?

Not always. Left untreated, cedar weathers naturally. In high UV or wet environments, an approved preservative oil may extend life.

Ready to Upgrade Your Roof?

At Roof Nuts CO and GA, we install cedar shakes with craftsmanship backed by CSSB and IRC code compliance. Whether you’re in the Rockies or the Peach State, we’ll help you get it done right.

📞 Colorado: 303-276-2403
🌐 RoofNutsCO.com

📞 Georgia: 404-476-6851
🌐 RoofNutsGA.com