Cedar That Weathers Instead of Wearing Out
Wood Roofing in the Twin Cities for Split, Cupped, or Missing Cedar Shakes on Aging Roofs
Split shakes, cupped shingles, and dark streaks where moss has settled are the signs that a wood roof has lost its ability to shed water. Barnhouse Exteriors repairs, replaces, and installs cedar shake and cedar shingle roofs so the roof sheds water cleanly again. Across the Twin Cities, wood roofs often sit on older cottages, lake homes, and traditional houses where cedar was part of the original look.
Repairs start with an inspection to find cracked, split, or missing pieces and to check the flashing and underlayment beneath them. Full replacement removes the aging wood roofing, repairs the deck, and installs new cedar with flashing, underlayment, and ventilation that let the wood dry out after rain.
Book a free wood roof inspection to see which sections can be repaired and which need replacement.
Why Cedar Roofs Fail Early and How to Prevent It
Cedar shakes are split for a thick, rough texture, while cedar shingles are sawn smooth and tapered for a tighter, more uniform look. Both last longest when air can move beneath them, so the roof is installed with ventilation and an underlayment that lets moisture escape instead of trapping it against the wood. Corrosion-resistant fasteners keep nails from staining or rusting through the cedar.
After replacement, the roof lies flat with even reveals between courses, and no split shakes let daylight into the attic. The new cedar starts with a warm, uniform color and weathers to an even silver-gray rather than patchy dark streaks.
Wood roofs need more upkeep than shingles, including clearing debris from valleys and trimming overhanging branches that hold moisture on the roof. Barnhouse Exteriors gives maintenance recommendations with every wood roof, since regular cleaning and early replacement of damaged pieces extend its service life.
Questions About Cedar Shake and Shingle Work
These answers explain how cedar roofs are installed, repaired, and kept in good shape.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Shakes are split, thicker, and more textured, giving the roof a rustic, deep-shadowed look. Shingles are sawn, thinner, and tapered for a cleaner, more tailored appearance.
How are damaged wood shingles replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof?
The crew splits out the damaged piece, cuts the hidden nails with a shingle ripper, and slides a new piece into place. The replacement is fastened so its nails sit under the course above.
Why does ventilation matter more on a wood roof?
Cedar absorbs moisture and needs to dry from both sides to resist rot and cupping. Air movement under the roof and through the attic lets that drying happen.
What types of Twin Cities homes suit wood roofing?
Wood roofs fit older Twin Cities homes with traditional styling as well as modern houses where natural texture is part of the design. Steeper roof pitches shed water from cedar faster and help it last.
What maintenance keeps a cedar roof in good condition?
Keep valleys and gutters clear of needles and leaves, and trim branches so sunlight and air reach the roof. Replace split or missing pieces as soon as you spot them so water does not reach the underlayment.
Barnhouse Exteriors installs new cedar roofs and repairs storm and wind damage on existing ones, with flashing and ventilation set up for wood from the start. Talk with the roofing crew about whether shakes or shingles fit the style of your home.
