Cedar Shake Roofing in Minnetonka, MN
Cedar shake is a different kind of roof to work on. It moves, weathers and breathes differently than asphalt or metal, and it shows up a lot on the older and lakefront homes around Lake Minnetonka.
Cedar shake roofing has a distinct look that a lot of homeowners around Lake Minnetonka want to keep, especially on older homes where it was the original roofing material. We install new cedar shake roofs and repair existing ones, working with the material's natural movement instead of fighting it.
Because cedar is wood, it needs airflow underneath it to dry out properly after rain and snow. We pay close attention to the spacing and underlayment so the shakes can breathe, which is one of the biggest factors in how long a cedar roof actually lasts in Minnesota's wet springs and humid summers.
Repairs on cedar shake are usually about replacing individual damaged or split shakes rather than tearing off a whole section. We match the weathering and profile of the surrounding shakes as closely as we can so a repair doesn't stand out against an older roof.
Valleys, flashing and ridge details matter even more on cedar than on asphalt, since those are the spots most likely to trap moisture and start rot if they're not detailed correctly. We check those areas closely on every inspection.
If a cedar roof has reached the point where widespread rot, curling or missing shakes make patch repairs impractical, we'll walk you through full replacement options, including whether you want to stay with cedar or move to a different material that mimics the look.
Cedar shake work is backed by the same 100% satisfaction guarantee we apply to every roof we touch.
- Cedar Shake
- Cedar Shingle
Proper airflow
Spacing and underlayment set up so cedar shakes can dry out between storms instead of trapping moisture.
Shake-by-shake repair
We replace individual damaged shakes and match the weathering, not a wholesale tear-off for one bad spot.
Detail-focused
Valleys, flashing and ridges get extra attention since those are where cedar roofs fail first.
Cedar Shake Roofing in Minnetonka, MN and the west metro
Cedar shake shows up most on the older and lakefront homes around Wayzata, Excelsior, Deephaven, Orono, Minnetrista and Shorewood, where the material fits the character of the neighborhood. We install and repair cedar roofs throughout these communities.
We also handle cedar shake work in Mound, Tonka Bay, Spring Park, Long Lake, Minnetonka and Chanhassen. If you've got a cedar roof that's original to an older home, we're comfortable working on it and will tell you honestly whether it needs spot repair or full replacement.
See every city we serve- Minnetonka
- Wayzata
- Excelsior
- Deephaven
- Orono
- Hopkins
- Eden Prairie
- Plymouth
- Chanhassen
- St. Louis Park
- Edina
- Golden Valley
- Long Lake
- Shorewood
- Minnetrista
- Mound
- Spring Park
- Tonka Bay
Cedar Shake Roofing FAQ
How long does a cedar shake roof last in Minnesota?
Properly installed with good airflow and maintained, cedar shake can last several decades, but it depends heavily on sun exposure, tree cover and moisture. Shaded, heavily wooded lots around the lake tend to see more moss and moisture issues than open, sunny roofs.
Can you repair just a few damaged cedar shakes instead of replacing the whole roof?
Yes, in most cases. Isolated splitting, curling or missing shakes can be replaced individually and matched to the surrounding weathering. Widespread rot or decking damage underneath is a different conversation.
Does cedar shake need special maintenance?
Keeping debris and moss off the roof and making sure nearby trees aren't dropping excess shade and moisture onto it goes a long way. We'll point out problem areas during an inspection.
Is cedar shake more expensive than asphalt?
Generally yes, both for materials and installation, since it requires more careful detailing around spacing, airflow and flashing. We'll walk you through the real cost difference for your specific roof.
Can I replace an old cedar roof with a different material that looks similar?
Yes, synthetic shake products are designed to mimic the look of cedar with different durability and maintenance needs. We can walk you through that comparison if you're not set on sticking with real wood.
Helpful reading
MaterialsCedar Shake vs. Metal Roofing for Minnesota Lakefront HomesTwo of the most popular upgrades on lakefront homes around Minnetonka, side by side, so you can figure out which one actually fits your house.
Homeowner GuidesHow Long Does a Roof Last on Lake Minnetonka?Asphalt, cedar shake, and metal all age differently once wind off the lake and Minnesota freeze thaw cycles get involved. Here's what to actually expect.
HiringChoosing a Roofing Contractor in the West Metro: Questions to Ask Before You SignA roof is one of the largest purchases a homeowner makes, and the bid tells you far less than the conversation does. Here's what to ask.Other services
Roof ReplacementA full tear-off and install done in the right order, from decking to the last ridge cap.
Roof RepairLeaks, missing shingles, and flashing failures, fixed without pushing you toward a replacement you don't need.
Commercial RoofingFlat, low-slope, or steep, we keep your building dry and your business open with systems built to last.
Gutter SystemsA great roof needs somewhere to send the water. We repair and replace gutter systems that actually move it away.
Metal RoofingStanding seam and panel metal roofing built to shed snow and shrug off hail better than most materials.Flat RoofingLow-slope and flat sections done with the drainage detail that keeps water from pooling in the first place.
Storm & Hail DamageFast inspections after a storm, with clear photos of what's actually damaged before any work begins.
Insurance Claim RoofingWe document the damage thoroughly and meet your adjuster on-site so the scope reflects what's actually up there.Ready to get started?
Fill out the form or call us at 952.649.6449 to schedule your free evaluation or request an estimate.