Cedar Shake Roofing Installation in Monticello, MN
Premium cedar shake roofing from the Wright County contractor with its home-base office on Pine Street since 2002. TAMKO Pro Diamond Contractor, 1 of only 6 in the Twin Cities metro area.
Why Monticello Homeowners Choose Cedar Shake Roofing
Perfect Exteriors of Minnesota, LLC is the cedar shake roofing contractor in Monticello, MN that homeowners choose when the roof has to match the character of the home. Our home-base office at 516 Pine Street keeps crews inside city limits, not dispatched from a metro-area branch an hour down I-94.
Whether you need a full cedar shake replacement on a 30-year-old roof, a targeted repair on split or cupped shakes, or storm damage restoration after a hail event like the July 13, 2024 supercell, our team delivers craftsmanship backed by the highest credentials in residential roofing. Learn more about our roofing services in Monticello, MN.
Get a Free Roofing Estimate
Expect a call within 1 business day
"*" indicates required fields
No obligation. Licensed MN Contractor #BC635230
Why Monticello Homeowners Choose Cedar Shake
Cedar shake is a premium natural-wood roofing material used on a select share of Monticello homes, typically on custom-built properties in Carlisle Village, older homes near Broadway Street in the downtown historic district, and riverfront residences along the Mississippi where the architecture calls for a traditional or rustic aesthetic. The material's thickness, built-in natural oils, and hand-split texture deliver a 30 to 50 year lifespan and a visual depth that no asphalt product can replicate.
Monticello's housing stock spans a wide range. Pre-1940 homes concentrated in the downtown district account for 3.8% of the city's 5,565 housing units, 1970s-era ranches fill several established neighborhoods, and the 2000-2009 build wave produced 31.6% of the current stock in subdivisions like Sunset Ponds and Timber Ridge. Cedar shake is rarely specified for newer subdivision builds, but it is a strong fit for the older architectural styles downtown and for higher-end custom builds where homeowners want a roof material that matches the quality and character of the home.
Perfect Exteriors has been installing cedar shake roofs across Wright County since 2002. As a TAMKO Pro Diamond Contractor (1 of only 6 in the Twin Cities metro area) and a GAF Master Elite contractor (a designation held by fewer than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide), Perfect Exteriors carries the two most selective manufacturer credentials in residential roofing. Cedar shake installation is a craft-level specialty that not every roofing company has the experience to execute, and our Monticello crews have the training, tools, and field history to install cedar systems that perform through Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and summer UV exposure.
Cedar is a natural wood product with built-in properties that support long-term roofing performance. Natural oils in the wood resist insects, inhibit mold and fungus growth, and help repel moisture. Cedar shakes are thicker and heavier than most other residential roofing materials, which gives them superior resistance to wind uplift and impact from hail. The natural insulating value of wood also helps regulate attic temperatures in both Monticello's summer highs above 90 degrees and winter lows well below zero, reducing the HVAC load in older homes that may not have optimal attic insulation.
Types of Cedar Shakes We Install
Not all cedar shakes are the same. Several distinct styles exist, each with its own appearance, thickness, and installation requirements. Perfect Exteriors works with Monticello homeowners to select the right type of cedar shake based on architectural style, performance goals, and budget.
Cedar Shakes vs. Cedar Shingles
Cedar shakes are hand-split or split and resawn from blocks of cedar, which produces a thicker profile with a rough-hewn surface and visible natural grain. Cedar shingles are machine-sawn smooth on both sides, producing a thinner, more uniform appearance. Shakes typically measure 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch or more at the butt end, while shingles measure 0.4 to 0.5 inches. The thicker profile and preserved grain give shakes a longer service life and a more dimensional look with deeper shadow lines. Shingles produce a cleaner, more refined finish. Perfect Exteriors specializes in cedar shake installation for Monticello homeowners who want the textured, architectural appearance that defines traditional cedar roofing.
Tapersawn Shakes are sawn on both sides with a natural taper from butt to tip, producing a semi-textured appearance. They deliver the dimensional depth and shadow lines of cedar shake with a slightly more polished presentation than hand-split shakes. Tapersawn installs in tight, consistent courses and works well on a range of home styles across Carlisle Village and the newer higher-end neighborhoods.
Medium Split and Resawn Shakes are hand-split on the face and sawn smooth on the back. The textured face creates the classic rustic cedar look on the visible side, while the flat back sits securely over the underlayment and felt interlays. Medium split and resawn is the most commonly installed cedar shake type and delivers an excellent balance between rustic appearance, durability, and installed cost.
Heavy Split and Resawn Shakes are the thickest and most dramatic option. The deeply textured, hand-split face carries pronounced grain patterns with significant variation from piece to piece, producing bold shadow lines and a distinctive visual presence. Heavy shakes are the most durable cedar option and suit larger homes or properties where the roof is intended as a defining architectural feature.
Not Sure Which Cedar Shake Style Is Right for Your Home?
Our certified team will walk you through the options specific to your Monticello property.
Our Cedar Shake Roof Installation Process
Cedar shake roofing demands a higher level of craftsmanship than standard asphalt shingle installation. The natural characteristics of wood, including thickness variation, moisture behavior, and ventilation requirements, mean every step of the process must be executed with precision. Every cedar shake roof installation in Monticello follows a detailed process designed to maximize the life and performance of the investment.
Pre-Installation Inspection and Planning
Every project begins with a Haag Certified inspection of the existing roof. We evaluate the condition of the decking, underlayment, flashing, ventilation system, and structural components. Ventilation is especially critical on cedar shake installations. Inadequate airflow traps moisture beneath the shakes, which leads to premature rot, cupping, and decay. We also confirm shake style preferences, grade selection, and architectural fit during this phase.
Tear-Off and Deck Preparation
The existing roofing material is fully removed to expose the deck. This allows full inspection for soft spots, rot, or prior water damage. Any compromised plywood or sheathing is replaced before the new roof goes on. Fresh drip edge is installed along eaves and rakes, and ice and water shield membrane is applied in valleys, around penetrations, and along every eave where ice dams form during Monticello's winter thaw cycles.
Underlayment and Felt Interlays
Cedar shake installations require roofing felt installed between each course of shakes. Shakes do not lay perfectly flat the way machine-sawn shingles do, and the gaps created by the natural texture can allow wind-driven rain and snow to penetrate the roof surface without a secondary barrier. The felt interlays channel any moisture that gets beneath the shakes safely down to the eave and off the roof. A full synthetic underlayment is also installed over the entire deck before the first course of shakes is applied.
Shake Installation
Our crews install each course of cedar shakes by hand to manufacturer specifications and industry best practices. Proper spacing is maintained between individual shakes to allow for natural wood expansion and contraction as temperature and humidity levels shift through the year. We use stainless steel ring-shank nails to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term holding power. Hip and ridge caps are carefully installed, and all flashing around chimneys, skylights, plumbing vents, and wall-to-roof transitions is installed or replaced with materials compatible with cedar.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
A project manager conducts a quality inspection after installation to verify every component meets our standards and the manufacturer's specifications. We perform a complete cleanup of the property, including a magnetic sweep for stray nails. Before we leave, we walk the finished project with the homeowner and confirm every item meets the scope agreed in the estimate.
Signs You Need Cedar Shake Roofing Service
Cedar shake roofing shows distinct warning signs as it ages. Catching these problems early prevents interior water damage, structural decay, and far more expensive repairs down the road.
-
Shakes are splitting, cracking, or missing
Exposure to Monticello's freeze-thaw cycles and UV radiation causes cedar shakes to split along the grain, develop surface cracks, or break apart over time. Missing shakes expose the underlayment and felt interlays and create direct entry points for rain and snowmelt.
-
Shakes are cupping, curling, or warping
Shakes that absorb moisture unevenly cup upward at the edges or curl away from the roof surface. Cupped and curled shakes no longer shed water effectively and often signal a ventilation problem or aging wood that is losing its natural oils.
-
Heavy moss, algae, or organic growth
Moss and algae thrive in the shaded, moist sections of cedar roofs, which are common on north-facing slopes and under tree cover. Light surface growth is manageable, but heavy buildup traps moisture against the wood, accelerates decay, and lifts shake edges enough to allow water penetration.
-
Soft or spongy areas underfoot
If sections of the cedar shake roof feel soft or spongy, the shakes and often the decking beneath them have absorbed excessive moisture and begun to rot. Soft wood loses its structural integrity and can no longer protect the home from the elements.
-
Interior symptoms
Water stains on ceilings, damp attic insulation, mold growth in the attic space, or frost buildup on the underside of the roof deck are all indicators that the cedar shake system or its ventilation is failing and needs professional evaluation.
If any of these show up during a seasonal check, a cedar shake roofing inspection is the right next step.
Roofing Brands We Trust
We install only premium products from industry-leading manufacturers
Cedar Shake Roofing Cost in Monticello, MN
The cost of a cedar shake roof in Monticello depends on the size and pitch of the roof, the type and grade of shakes selected, the complexity of the roof design (valleys, dormers, chimneys, and other penetrations), whether a full tear-off is required, and the condition of the decking and ventilation system beneath the existing roof.
Monticello sits in Wright County, which is Perfect Exteriors' baseline pricing tier. Homeowners here do not pay the Hennepin County premium that Rogers, Maple Grove, and Osseo homeowners see on the same scope of work. Typical cedar shake roof installations in Monticello run between $19,000 and $40,000 depending on the above factors. Tapersawn shakes fall on the lower end of the range, medium split and resawn in the middle, and heavy split and resawn at the upper end. The additional cost over asphalt reflects both the higher material price and the hand-installed labor with felt interlays between every course.
Financing Your Monticello Cedar Shake Roof
A cedar shake roof is a significant investment. Perfect Exteriors offers 0% financing options that make the project manageable without straining a household budget. Financing terms are walked through during the free estimate consultation so there are no surprises at contract signing.
Return on Investment
A cedar shake roof is one of the most visually distinctive improvements a homeowner can make, and it delivers strong returns in both daily living and resale position. Cedar is widely recognized as a premium upgrade that signals quality construction to prospective buyers. In a market where the Monticello median home value runs between $324,400 and $356,000, a well-installed cedar shake roof on a custom home in Carlisle Village or a restored property near the downtown historic district sets the property apart and protects the investment for decades.
Ready for a Free, No-Obligation Estimate?
Find out exactly what your new Monticello cedar shake roof will cost. No surprises, no hidden fees.
Storm Damage and Insurance Claims for Monticello Cedar Shake Roofs
Monticello sits inside one of the more active convective storm corridors in the Twin Cities region, and Wright County takes repeated hits during storm season from May through September. The July 13, 2024 supercell dropped hail up to 3.5 to 4 inches in diameter near Monticello and Big Lake, with 60 mph wind gusts. HailTrace and the National Weather Service Twin Cities office documented more than 6,500 properties impacted across the event footprint. Cedar shake roofing offers excellent impact resistance because of the thickness and natural flexibility of the wood, but hail of that size can still cause cracked shakes, displaced pieces, damaged ridge caps, and compromised flashing.
Perfect Exteriors is experienced in helping Monticello homeowners navigate the insurance claims process after storm damage to cedar shake roofs. As Haag Certified inspectors, our team is trained to the same standard as the adjusters your insurance carrier sends, which means we identify, document, and report all storm-related damage using the exact criteria your carrier uses to decide the claim.
What to Do After a Storm Hits Your Monticello Home
If you suspect storm damage to your cedar shake roof, the first call is to Perfect Exteriors for a free storm damage inspection. We evaluate the roof, document any damage with photos and measurements, and provide a written report. If the damage warrants a claim, we assist with filing and coordinate the adjuster walkthrough directly, which reduces the chance of an underscoped estimate leaving the homeowner with an out-of-pocket gap on the final invoice.
Why Monticello Homeowners Trust Perfect Exteriors
Choosing a contractor for a cedar shake roof is one of the most consequential decisions a homeowner makes. Cedar shake installation requires a higher level of skill and experience than standard roofing materials, and the quality of the workmanship directly determines how the roof performs and how long it lasts.
Family-Owned Since 2002. Perfect Exteriors is not a franchise or a national chain chasing a storm market. The company is locally owned and operated, with the home-base office on Pine Street in Monticello and a second location in Coon Rapids. That means Monticello crews are dispatched from inside the city, not from a metro branch that treats Wright County as a drive-out zone.
TAMKO Pro Diamond Contractor. This is the highest credential TAMKO awards, and it is held by only six contractors in the entire Twin Cities metro area. The certification requires a proven installation track record, verified licensing and insurance, and ongoing professional training. For Monticello homeowners, Pro Diamond status is a signal that the installer has been vetted to the highest manufacturer standard available in residential roofing, which matters whether the product is TAMKO asphalt or a specialty material like cedar shake.
GAF Master Elite Contractor. GAF Master Elite status is held by fewer than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. The certification requires verified financial stability, proper licensing and insurance, ongoing training, and a documented reputation for quality installation. Master Elite is a third-party confirmation of installation quality that carries over into every project we take on, including cedar shake.
Haag Certified Inspector. Haag Engineering sets the industry standard for roof damage assessment. Our Haag certification means inspectors are trained to the exact criteria insurance adjusters use. This protects Monticello homeowners from underpaid claims and ensures all damage is properly accounted for during the adjuster walkthrough.
EPA Lead Certified. For older Monticello homes that may contain lead-based paint or materials, EPA Lead Certified status ensures we follow all required safety protocols during roof replacement. This matters on pre-1940 downtown properties where lead paint is more likely to be present on exterior trim and soffits.
Cedar Shake Expertise. Cedar shake is a specialty product that not every roofing company is qualified to install. Our team has extensive experience with all types of cedar shakes, from tapersawn through heavy split and resawn, and understands the specific installation techniques, ventilation requirements, and material handling practices that cedar demands in Minnesota's climate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Shake Roofing in Monticello
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof in Monticello can last 30 to 50 years. The actual lifespan depends on the type and grade of shakes used, quality of installation, ventilation performance, and how consistently the roof is maintained. Minnesota's harsh winters, hail events, and UV exposure will shorten the lifespan if the roof is not properly ventilated or if maintenance tasks like moss removal and debris clearing are neglected.
Typical cedar shake roof installations in Monticello run between $19,000 and $40,000 depending on roof size, pitch, complexity, shake type and grade, and any necessary repairs to the decking or ventilation system. Monticello sits in Wright County, which is Perfect Exteriors' baseline pricing tier, so homeowners here do not pay the Hennepin County premium. Free estimates and 0% financing options are available. Call 763-271-8700 to schedule.
Cedar shakes are hand-split or split and resawn, which produces a thicker, rougher, more textured profile. Cedar shingles are machine-sawn on both sides, resulting in a thinner, smoother, more uniform appearance. Shakes are generally more durable and longer-lasting because they are thicker and the splitting process preserves the natural wood grain. Shakes create a bold, rustic look with deep shadow lines. Shingles produce a cleaner, more refined appearance. Perfect Exteriors specializes in cedar shake installation.
Yes. Cedar requires more ongoing maintenance than asphalt. Key tasks include keeping the roof clear of leaves, branches, and other debris that trap moisture; removing moss and algae growth; keeping nearby trees trimmed back to allow even sunlight exposure; and scheduling periodic inspections to catch early signs of splitting, cupping, or decay. With consistent care, a cedar shake roof delivers decades of reliable performance and curb appeal.
Untreated cedar shakes are combustible. Cedar shakes can be chemically treated with fire retardants to improve their fire resistance rating, and treated cedar can achieve a Class B or Class C fire rating depending on the product and treatment method. Perfect Exteriors can walk through fire-treated cedar shake options during the consultation to confirm your Monticello home meets local building code requirements and personal safety standards.
Yes. Our Haag Certified inspectors identify and document storm damage to the exact standard insurance adjusters use. We perform the inspection, create a written damage report, and coordinate directly with your adjuster during the on-site walkthrough. This reduces the chance of an underscoped estimate being approved on a Monticello cedar shake roof that needs a full replacement.
No. Cedar shake roofing should always be installed on a clean deck after a complete tear-off of the existing roofing material. Cedar requires felt interlays between each course, proper spacing for wood expansion, and a well-ventilated deck system. Installing over existing shingles would compromise all of these requirements and lead to premature failure. Perfect Exteriors always performs a full tear-off and deck inspection before installing a new cedar shake roof.
Medium split and resawn shakes are the most common choice for residential cedar installations in Monticello, offering the best balance of rustic texture, durability, and value. Tapersawn shakes work well for homeowners who prefer a slightly more uniform appearance, and heavy split and resawn delivers the boldest look and the highest durability. Heavy shakes are often specified on larger custom homes in Carlisle Village and on riverfront properties where the roof is intended as a defining architectural feature.
Visit Perfect Exteriors of Minnesota
Contact Perfect Exteriors of Minnesota, LLC
Cedar shake roofing in Monticello, MN is available during business hours:
Business Hours
- Monday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Ready to Protect Your Monticello Home with Cedar Shake?
Schedule your free roof inspection and estimate today. Our certified team is ready to help.
763-271-8700