Cedar shakes take a beating in our humid continental climate. Cold snowy winters pile up ice dams along the eaves in houses from the North Loop to Powderhorn. Water backs up under the shakes and rots the decking fast. We always pull permits in Hennepin County before we start because inspectors want to see the new underlayment layer.
Cheap crews skip the 30-pound felt or use thin synthetic that tears when snow slides off. That mistake shows up two winters later as streaks of black mold on the shakes. We use 15-inch ice and water shield up the first four feet and around every penetration. It costs more on the front end but stops the leaks that hit older stock in Cedar-Riverside and Phillips.
Western red cedar number one grade lasts 25 to 30 years here when the ventilation is right. We check ridge vents and soffits on every job because warm humid summers trap moisture under the shakes if airflow is blocked. Homeowners in Longfellow and University often call after they see curled edges from the last big melt.
How do you know when shakes need full replacement versus spot repair? Look for widespread cupping or missing butts after heavy snow years. We walk the roof with a moisture meter and mark every bad spot before we quote.
Cedar Shake Roofing Services We Offer
✓Cedar Shake Roof Repair Minneapolis
Fix split or missing shakes and re-seal flashings on one or two slopes before the next snow load hits.
✓Emergency Cedar Shake Replacement
24/7 crew pulls damaged sections after wind or ice events and installs matching western red cedar the same day.
✓Cedar Shake Roof Replacement
Full tear-off, new decking where needed, ice shield, and number one cedar shakes on homes in Hennepin County.
✓Commercial Cedar Shake Installation
Install cedar shakes on small retail or mixed-use buildings with proper underlayment rated for commercial snow loads.
✓Cedar Shake Leak Inspection
Check for ice dam damage and rot around vents on houses near the Mississippi Riverfront or Lake Harriet.
Cedar Shake Roofing Cost in Minneapolis, MN
| Service | Typical Range | What Affects It |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cedar shake roof leak | $450–$1,100 | Varies by number of shakes and roof access in tight lots like Uptown. |
| Replace cedar shakes on one slope | $2,800–$5,200 | Depends on square footage and whether decking needs new plywood. |
| Full cedar shake roof replacement | $8,500–$17,000 | Larger homes near Minnehaha Falls or Target Field run higher due to pitch and waste. |
| Emergency cedar shake section fix | $650–$1,400 | After-hour or weekend calls add labor and rush material fees. |
| Free cedar shake roof estimate | Free | We come out Mon-Sat 7am-7pm or 24/7 for active leaks. |
Ranges are typical for Minneapolis, MN and confirmed with an exact written quote before any work starts.
How it works
- 1
Site Walk And Moisture Check
We inspect every slope, test decking with a meter, and note rot from past ice dams. Takes two to three hours.
- 2
Permit And Material Order
Pull Hennepin permit and order number one western red cedar plus 15-inch ice shield. Lead time runs five to seven days.
- 3
Tear Off And Deck Repair
Remove old shakes, replace soft plywood, and add new felt. One to two days depending on square footage.
- 4
Install And Final Walk
Lay shakes with proper exposure, flash valleys, and clean up. Final inspection by Hennepin takes one day.
Pricing
Cedar shake jobs cost more than asphalt because of the material grade and extra labor on older Minneapolis roofs.