How much does cedar shake roof replacement cost in 2026?
Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) installs cedar shake roofing across Minneapolis and the western metro. Most cedar shake roof replacements run $35,000 to $70,000 in 2026. Western red cedar tapersawn shake. 25-30 year service life with proper maintenance. Class A fire treatment available. Best for period-correct restoration on 1920s craftsman and historic homes.
Premium
Cedar shake roofing
Cedar shake is split western red cedar, hand-cut for irregular texture and natural color variation. Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) installs natural cedar and synthetic alternatives on Twin Cities historic homes, from Country Club Tudors to Morningside craftsman estates.
Climate
Why cedar shake works in Minnesota
Natural cedar's inherent oils provide rot resistance in Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles. Period-correct material for 1920s–1950s historic neighborhoods across Edina, Wayzata, and Excelsior. Class A fire-rated cedar is required only in specific zoning overlays, not Twin Cities-wide.
Options
Four shake profiles for Twin Cities homes
Compare natural cedar with synthetic alternatives
Natural
Western red cedar shake
$35K–$70K full roof, 25–30 years lifespan
Synthetic
CeDUR synthetic shake
$40K–$80K full roof, 50-year warranty, zero maintenance
Premium
DaVinci Bellaforté shake
$50K–$90K+, 50-year limited lifetime warranty, best resale value
Composite
Brava cedar shake profile
$40K–$70K full roof, 50-year warranty, cedar aesthetic
Comparison
Natural vs synthetic shake
Natural cedar and synthetic alternatives each solve different priorities
Western red cedar
Natural, hand-split cedar
Material cost range
$35K–$70K
Lifespan with maintenance
25–30 years
Maintenance schedule
Every 3–5 years
Period-correct aesthetic
Yes
Authentic irregular texture
Natural color variation
Requires staining or sealing
Best for historic restoration
CeDUR synthetic shake
Polymer, Colorado-made
Material cost range
$40K–$80K
Warranty coverage
50 years
Maintenance required
None
Period-correct aesthetic
Yes
Cedar look without upkeep
Durable polymer construction
No staining or sealing
Best for low-maintenance homes
Reality
What natural cedar shake actually requires
Natural cedar shake demands staining or sealing every 3–5 years to prevent UV degradation, moss growth, and premature splitting. Skip the maintenance schedule and your 25–30 year lifespan drops to 15–20 years.
- Staining every 3–5 years prevents UV damage
- Skipped maintenance shortens lifespan significantly
- Synthetic shake eliminates the maintenance burden
Pricing
Cedar shake cost
Natural cedar shake and synthetic alternatives range from $35K to $90K+ for a full roof installation in the Twin Cities
Western red cedar shake
$35K–$70K
Includes
Hand-split western red cedar
25–30 year lifespan
Staining every 3–5 years
Period-correct on historic homes
Modex installation and warranty
CeDUR synthetic shake
$40K–$80K
Colorado-made polymer alternative
Includes
Synthetic cedar shake profile
50-year warranty
Zero maintenance required
Cedar aesthetic without upkeep
Modex installation and warranty
Why Modex
Why Modex handles cedar shake right
Modex installs both natural cedar and synthetic shake on Twin Cities historic homes. We don't push a single brand—we match the material to your maintenance commitment and budget.
Both natural and synthetic shake
We install western red cedar, CeDUR, DaVinci Bellaforté, and Brava profiles based on your priorities.
Owner-led on premium installs
Joe Dvorak oversees every cedar shake project $40K and above to ensure period-correct detail and craftsmanship.
Lifetime workmanship (current owner)
Our crews stand behind every install with a lifetime workmanship warranty — for as long as you own the home.
Recent projects
Cedar shake installations across Twin Cities historic neighborhoods
Questions
Common questions about cedar shake roof replacement in Minnesota
Ready to discuss cedar shake?
Call Modex at 952-206-6339 for a free estimate on natural cedar or synthetic shake roof replacement.
About this page
Reviewed by Joe Dvorak, Owner, Modern Exterior Systems
This page was written by the team at Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) and reviewed by owner Joe Dvorak. Updated May 2026. For questions about cedar shake roof replacement in the Twin Cities, call 952-206-6339.
Further reading
Deeper writeups on the topics this page covers — written for homeowners by a Twin Cities installer.
May 31, 2026
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