Common Cedar Shake Roof Problems in Minnesota & How to Manage Them
Cedar shake roofing brings a classic, natural look to Minnesota homes, but its beauty comes with unique maintenance and environmental challenges.
For many homeowners in colder climates, especially those across the Twin Cities, the distinct texture and insulation value of cedar make it a popular choice. However, Minnesota’s intense winters, seasonal humidity, and exposure to wildlife can test even the most well-installed cedar systems. As time and weather wear down this organic material, staying informed about what to expect is key to protecting your investment.
Heavy snowfall, common across Minnesota, can compress cedar shakes and lead to physical stress and damage over time, posing different risks. Understanding how it affects your roof will help you stay ahead of costly damage.
In the sections below, we’ll examine how snow accumulation stresses cedar shakes, what pests are known to infiltrate and degrade these roofs, and how moisture leads to long-term rot. We’ll also look at the fire risks associated with cedar and how ultraviolet light gradually breaks down cedar roofing materials. Restoration Geeks has extensive experience working with cedar shake roofing in Minnesota and thoroughly understands the seasonal and environmental stressors that affect this type of roofing.
Keep reading to understand the specific risks your cedar roof faces — and how to stay one step ahead.
How Heavy Snowfall Causes Structural Stress in Cedar Shake Roofs
Minnesota’s long winters often bring heavy snowfall that accumulates quickly and sits for weeks or even months.
This weight alone can place considerable strain on cedar shake roofing systems. Unlike composite shingles, cedar shakes are individual pieces of wood that expand and contract in response to changes in temperature and moisture. As snow piles up, the added weight can compress the shakes, forcing them to shift or buckle. This structural movement may lead to misalignment and eventually expose the roof underlayment to moisture infiltration.
Ice dams, another winter hazard, add to the problem. When the lower edges of a roof remain colder than the upper sections, melting snow refreezes at the eaves. This causes water to back up beneath the cedar shakes, saturating the wood and increasing the likelihood of rot, mold, and interior water damage. Prolonged exposure to these freeze-thaw cycles weakens the fasteners and shortens the lifespan of the entire roofing system.
Even high-quality installations, such as those performed by experienced contractors, require seasonal monitoring. When working with cedar shake roofing, homeowners must regularly inspect and maintain their roof during and after snowfall to prevent cumulative stress that can lead to premature failures.
Common Pests That Threaten Cedar Shake Roofs and How to Prevent Them
Cedar shake roofs provide an organic, textured surface that appeals to more than just humans — they’re also attractive to pests.
Woodpeckers, squirrels, and raccoons often investigate cedar roofs either to nest or forage. Over time, these animals can tear away or dislodge shingles, creating entry points for moisture to enter. Insect infestations, particularly those caused by carpenter ants and termites, pose another significant risk. These insects are drawn to damp or decaying wood, and once they establish a presence, they can tunnel through cedar shakes and framing materials underneath.
Prevention begins with proper installation and maintenance. Ensuring cedar shakes are treated with insect-repellent preservatives and maintaining dry roof conditions can significantly reduce the likelihood of infestations. Trimming overhanging tree branches removes easy access for climbing pests. Periodic inspections help detect early signs of pest activity, such as bore holes, sawdust, or damaged shingles. Immediate action is crucial, as delayed mitigation can lead to structural damage requiring full section replacements.
Reliable residential roofing contractors understand the local pest landscape and use best practices in both material treatment and design layout to minimize pest attraction. Addressing small vulnerabilities early helps keep your roof structurally sound and pest-free in the long term.
How Moisture Build-Up Leads to Rot in Cedar Shake Roofing Systems
Moisture is one of the most significant threats to the long-term integrity of cedar shake roofs.
Unlike synthetic materials, cedar is porous and absorbs moisture from snow, rain, and even humid air. When cedar shakes stay wet for prolonged periods, they lose their structural rigidity and become more susceptible to fungal growth. Over time, this leads to wood rot, which softens the shakes and compromises their ability to shed water.
Poor attic ventilation and clogged gutters compound the issue. Without airflow to help dry the roof system, condensation builds up beneath the cedar shakes and seeps into the sheathing. Likewise, gutter backups allow water to collect at the roof's edge, soaking the lower rows of cedar shakes. Moss and algae growth — common in shaded or tree-covered areas — trap moisture even longer, accelerating deterioration. The result is a patchy roof with weakened areas that allow water intrusion into the interior structure.
Rot doesn’t just damage the appearance of your roof; it also shortens its lifespan and invites secondary issues like mold, insect infestations, and energy loss. Preventing moisture buildup requires a combination of regular roof inspections, proper ventilation systems, and removing organic debris that traps water between shakes.
Understanding the Fire Risks of Cedar Shake Roofing and How to Reduce Them
Cedar shake roofing is classified as a combustible material, which means it presents a higher fire risk than other modern roofing systems.
In dry summer months, especially during wildfire season or extreme heat events, untreated cedar can ignite from airborne embers. Homes in wooded or rural areas are more susceptible to exposure to these types of external ignition sources. Additionally, sparks from nearby grilling, fireworks, or power lines pose threats that are magnified when roofing materials are flammable.
Modern building codes in Minnesota often require that cedar shake roofs be treated with fire-resistant chemicals or combined with protective underlayments to meet minimum safety standards. There are also “Class B” and “Class A” fire-rated cedar products available, with Class A being the most fire-resistant. These are achieved through pressure treatments and special construction techniques, but they must be reapplied or updated over time as weather degrades their effectiveness. Roofing ventilation can also influence fire behavior, as improper venting may allow embers to enter attic spaces, potentially increasing the risk of fire spread.
Fire risks can be reduced by routinely cleaning gutters and roof surfaces of pine needles, leaves, and other flammable debris. Homeowners should also maintain a defensible perimeter by trimming nearby tree branches and removing clutter.
While cedar shakes are undeniably beautiful, responsible fire prevention strategies are necessary to keep them safe throughout the year.
Impact of UV Exposure on the Longevity and Appearance of Cedar Shakes
Sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) radiation, causes gradual but significant degradation of cedar shake roofs.
In Minnesota, even the colder months allow for UV exposure that bleaches and breaks down the wood fibers. Over time, this exposure causes cedar to change from a warm, reddish-brown to a dull gray. While the color change is cosmetic, it signals deeper chemical changes in the wood, including lignin breakdown and surface fiber deterioration. These changes make the shakes more brittle and prone to cracking under physical stress.
UV degradation accelerates in homes with south- or west-facing rooflines, where direct sun exposure is more intense. Combined with freeze-thaw cycles and moisture absorption, this sun damage contributes to splitting and curling, two common signs of aging cedar. Regular treatments with UV-resistant oils or stains can slow the graying process and maintain some of the wood’s original flexibility and resistance.
Roof longevity depends heavily on early intervention. Once cedar shakes become brittle from UV damage, they're less able to shed water effectively, leading to leak points and water damage. Restoration Geeks recommends regular maintenance routines tailored to local climate conditions to help preserve both the aesthetic and functional integrity of cedar shake roofs in Minnesota.
How Restoration Geeks Can Help Protect and Maintain Cedar Shake Roofs in Minnesota
At Restoration Geeks, we understand that Minnesota homeowners encounter distinct challenges when it comes to maintaining cedar shake roofs—from snow load damage and pest infestations to moisture rot, fire risks, and UV degradation. These problems aren't one-size-fits-all, and protecting your roof long-term takes local experience, specialized materials, and a proactive approach.
If you're dealing with ice dam damage, pest deterioration, or signs of aging from sun exposure, our team is here with targeted solutions that go far beyond basic repairs. We install proper ventilation, fire- and rot-resistant treatments, and pest barriers—all while preserving the natural look and character of your cedar shake roof. With every project, we begin with a thorough inspection and conclude with detailed, durable craftsmanship designed to withstand Minnesota’s toughest weather.
Give us a call at 952-500-9546 or reach out online to book a consultation. Whether it’s a repair or a full restoration, Restoration Geeks is ready to protect your investment with expert service and region-specific solutions.