Cedar Shake Vs Composite Shake shingles

Comparing Cedar and composite shake roofing for mn homeowners

Thinking About installing shake shingles?

Enhance your curb appeal with cedar or composite shakes

Cedar shake and composite shake roofing both produce a distinctive textured, layered appearance that no asphalt or metal product fully replicates. Natural cedar is the original material and delivers the most authentic look, but it requires consistent maintenance and has a compressed effective lifespan compared to its rated life when that maintenance is not performed. Composite shake is engineered to replicate the cedar appearance with less maintenance burden, better impact resistance, and a more consistent lifespan. The choice between them is primarily about authenticity versus practicality.

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cedar shake roofing installation in coon rapids mn

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Roofing Solutions Built to Last

Clear Communication From Start to Finish: A roof should do more than look good from the street. We focus on roofing systems designed to handle Minnesota weather year after year while helping reduce long-term repair costs.
Roofing Solutions That Age Better Over Time: Small details during installation can have a big impact years later. Our process focuses on preventing common problems like premature shingle wear, moisture buildup, and ventilation issues before they start.
Quality That Starts Before Installation Begins: Even the best roofing materials can fail early if installed incorrectly. Proper ventilation, flashing, underlayment, and drainage all play a major role in how long a roof lasts.

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Everything to know about shake shingles

Are cedar or composite shakes right for your home?

Natural Cedar Shake: Appearance, Performance, and Maintenance Reality

Cedar shake roofing has a look that is hard to replicate exactly. The natural grain variation, the way it weathers to a silver-gray over time, and the depth of shadow the texture creates are characteristics homeowners choose it for. Performance-wise, new cedar is a reasonable roofing material: naturally resistant to insects and rot, with decent insulating properties. The challenge is maintenance. Cedar requires cleaning, treatment, and periodic re-staining or sealing to prevent moss growth, moisture retention, and the accelerated rot that follows when these are neglected. A cedar roof that is properly maintained can last 20 to 30 years. One that is not typically performs in the 15-year range.

Composite Shake: What It Is and How It Compares

Composite shake products are manufactured from combinations of plastic, rubber, polymer, and sometimes recycled materials, molded to replicate the appearance of cedar shake. The better products are difficult to distinguish from cedar at a normal viewing distance and deliver a consistent profile across the entire installation that natural cedar, with its variability, does not. Composite does not rot, is not susceptible to moss or insect damage, and does not require the periodic maintenance cedar demands. Impact resistance is generally better than cedar, and many composite products carry Class 4 ratings, which matter for insurance purposes in hail-prone areas.

Performance in Minnesota: What the Climate Does to Each Material

Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and hail exposure are the relevant performance variables for both materials. Natural cedar is more vulnerable to moisture-related issues in this climate than in drier regions. Without proper treatment, the moisture cycles accelerate checking and cracking. Composite handles these cycles better because it does not absorb moisture the way wood does. For hail specifically, composite shake with a Class 4 rating outperforms natural cedar, which does not hold an impact resistance rating.

How to Choose Between Cedar and Composite in Coon Rapids

If the authentic look of natural cedar is the non-negotiable priority and you are prepared for the maintenance commitment, cedar delivers what nothing else does. If you want the shake aesthetic with less ongoing attention and better storm performance, composite is the more practical choice for Minnesota. Ask about Class 4 ratings when evaluating composite products, and confirm with your insurance carrier whether the product qualifies for a premium discount.

What this means for you

How timber exteriors approaches roof replacements

ways we can help:

Provide A Thorough 16-Point Inspection: It’s almost impossible to spot most roofing problems from the ground. Our team walks the entire property, including the attic, to fully inspect the roof, identify any potential risks, and understand the full scope of your property.

Detailed Reporting & Documentation: We capture detailed photos and compile them into a clear report. After the inspection, we explain our findings in simple terms and walk through repair and replacement options so homeowners can make informed decisions without pressure.

Project Planning & Communication: Before work begins, we review timelines, materials, scheduling, and project expectations so homeowners always know what comes next during the process.

Final Walk-Through & Ongoing Support: Once the project is complete, we perform a final walkthrough, answer any remaining questions, and remain available for future support and maintenance needs.

residential roofing replacements in coon rapids mn

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FAQs

Questions to Ask Before Calling

Does insurance cover cedar shake or composite shake roofing in Minnesota?

Both can be covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Insurance claim replacements typically cover like-for-like material, so a cedar roof damaged by hail would be replaced with cedar under most policies unless you choose to upgrade or downgrade and pay the difference. Composite products with Class 4 ratings may qualify for premium discounts that cedar does not.

How do you maintain a cedar shake roof in Minnesota?

Annual cleaning to remove debris and moss, treatment with a wood preservative every three to five years, and prompt attention to any areas showing rot or moisture damage. The specific schedule depends on the amount of shade and moisture your roof is exposed to. Roofs in heavily shaded areas accumulate moss and moisture faster and require more frequent maintenance.

Can composite shake be distinguished from real cedar?

From the ground and at normal viewing distance, quality composite shake products are difficult to distinguish from cedar. Up close, the manufactured consistency of composite is more apparent. The gap has narrowed significantly as manufacturing has improved, and most homeowners are satisfied with the aesthetic result.