Wood Roof Leak Repair: What You Need to Know

Wood roofing—especially cedar shakes and shingles—offers timeless beauty and great insulation. But like any roofing material, wood can develop leaks if not properly installed or maintained. Whether you’re in Denver or Atlanta, here’s what you need to know to protect your investment.

Why Do Wood Roofs Leak?

Wood roofs can leak due to:

• Aging and weather exposure – UV rays, hail, snow, and wind break down wood fibers over time.

• Improper installation – Poor nailing, inadequate underlayment, or low slope installation can allow water in.

• Cracked or missing shakes/shingles – Physical damage creates entry points for rain.

• Moss and debris buildup – Organic growth holds moisture and lifts shingles.

• Flashing failures – Leaks often start around chimneys, valleys, and skylights where flashing is cracked or missing.

Signs You Need Wood Roof Leak Repair

Look for:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls

• Visible rot or sagging spots on the roof

• Curling, split, or missing shakes

• Moss growth in roof valleys

• Daylight showing through attic boards

How to Repair a Leaking Wood Roof

If your wood roof is leaking, here’s a basic outline of what professional repair may involve:

1. Inspection and Diagnosis

A roofing professional will inspect the roof, identify the source of the leak, and evaluate the extent of damage.

2. Shake or Shingle Replacement

Broken or missing pieces are carefully removed and replaced with new, matching cedar shakes or shingles. Nails must be properly placed to avoid future splits.

3. Flashing Repair or Replacement

Leaky flashing near chimneys, walls, or valleys is replaced or sealed with high-grade materials and ice barrier underlayment where needed.

4. Underlayment Repair

If water has seeped below the wood surface, sections of underlayment may need replacement, especially in areas with heavy snow load or poor attic ventilation.

5. Preventative Sealing (if appropriate)

Wood preservatives may be applied to help prevent fungal growth and UV degradation—only if compatible with your roofing material.

Preventing Future Wood Roof Leaks

• Annual roof inspections

• Keep gutters and valleys clean

• Trim overhanging branches

• Install proper attic ventilation to control moisture buildup

• Use only CSSB-approved Certi-label™ cedar shakes and shingles for any repairs

FAQ

What’s the best wood for roofing?

Western Red Cedar is the most commonly recommended wood for shakes and shingles. It naturally resists rot and insects when properly installed and maintained.

Can you seal a wood roof to stop a leak?

No. Sealing or coating a wood roof is not a substitute for proper repair. In fact, many coatings can trap moisture and make the problem worse.

Do wood roofs need underlayment?

Yes. Underlayment provides critical secondary moisture protection. High-temp ice barrier membranes are recommended for valleys and eaves.

Serving Colorado and Georgia

At Roof Nuts, we specialize in cedar shake and shingle roof repairs and replacements throughout:

• Colorado: Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, and more.

• Georgia: Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, Athens, and surrounding cities.

📍 Need help with a leaking wood roof?
📞 Call Roof Nuts CO at 303-276-2403 or Roof Nuts GA at 404-476-6851
🌐 Visit RoofNutsCO.com or RoofNutsGA.com

We’re certified, local, and trusted for tough roofing jobs. Let’s stop that leak—before it causes more damage.