If you’re considering a cedar shake roof for your home in St. Paul, Stillwater, Edina, or anywhere across the Twin Cities metro, you’re probably drawn to its unmistakable charm. Cedar roofs aren’t just eye-catching—they have a warmth and authenticity that synthetic and asphalt just can’t match.

At Anchor Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve helped plenty of Minnesota homeowners decide whether cedar is the right fit for their home and lifestyle. From restoring historic properties in Summit Hill to upgrading lake homes near Wayzata, we know that the decision usually comes down to one thing: Is cedar worth the commitment?

But in 2025, there’s a new factor to consider: insurance coverage. More and more homeowners are learning that even if they love their cedar roof, their insurance company may not. In fact, some providers are now dropping policies or refusing renewals simply because the home has a natural cedar roof—even if it’s in great condition.

Let’s walk through the pros, the realities, and what you need to know before making your decision.

Why Do Homeowners Choose Cedar Shake Roof Tile

Cedar shake roofing has been trusted for generations. It’s not just about looks—though the textured grain and natural variation are certainly part of the appeal. Cedar offers excellent thermal performance, helping regulate indoor temperatures throughout Minnesota’s long winters and hot summers. It also provides natural sound insulation, which homeowners in busier areas like Highland Park or Eagan really appreciate.

“Cedar has character,” says Stu Hudson, owner of Anchor Roofing. “It changes with the seasons. It weathers, it breathes, and it makes your roof feel like part of the landscape—not just a cover on top of it.”

That aging process is part of what makes cedar special. Over time, it fades to a soft, silvery gray that blends beautifully with Minnesota’s natural backdrop.

How Do Cedar Roofs Handle Minnesota Winters?

This is one of the biggest questions we hear from Minnesota homeowners—understandably so.

Cedar shake is a naturally smart choice for cold climates. Thanks to its insulating properties, cedar helps your home stay warmer in the winter by reducing heat loss through the roof. That means your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard, and you stay more comfortable on those long, sub-zero nights.

Unlike some roofing materials that become brittle or prone to cracking in the cold, cedar maintains its strength and flexibility. Its breathable structure also allows moisture to escape, helping prevent ice dam formation when properly ventilated and installed. That’s especially important in Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles, where trapped moisture can lead to bigger problems on less forgiving roofs.

With the right installation and care, cedar performs beautifully all winter long—making it a solid choice for homeowners across St. Paul, Stillwater, Woodbury, and beyond.

“We’ve had winters where temps swing from 40 above to 10 below in just a day—and cedar handles it like a champ. As long as it’s installed with proper ventilation, it sheds moisture well and doesn’t crack like some other materials do. I always tell folks, if you’re living through a Minnesota winter, you want a roof that works with the weather—not against it.” – Stu

How Do Cedar Roofs Handle Hail and Thunderstorms?

When it comes to hail—yes, cedar shake actually holds up well. Its natural thickness and resilience make it more impact-resistant than standard asphalt shingles, and many cedar roofs in Minnesota have weathered hailstorms better than expected. Unlike thinner materials that crack or shatter on impact, cedar has enough give to absorb the blow without immediate damage.

That said, like any natural product, older or neglected shakes can become more brittle over time, which may make them more vulnerable. Proper maintenance helps preserve cedar’s strength, and a well-installed cedar roof often outperforms lighter materials in moderate hail events.

Still, for homeowners in hail-prone zones or looking for maximum storm protection, synthetic Class 4-rated options may offer an added layer of confidence. But make no mistake—cedar is a tough, time-tested choice that’s well-suited for Minnesota’s unpredictable weather.

Cedar Roof Maintenance: A Worthwhile Investment—or a Dealbreaker?

Owning a cedar roof is a bit like owning a wooden deck or trim—you’ll need to take care of it to keep it looking and performing its best. That means seasonal inspections, cleaning, and periodic sealing or treatment to protect against moisture and mildew.

It’s not constant work, but it’s not hands-off either.

“Some homeowners are excited about cedar until they realize it isn’t ‘install it and forget it,’” Stu says. “We’re always honest about what it takes to keep a cedar roof in top shape, especially through the freeze-thaw cycles we see here in Minnesota.”

If you’re someone who takes pride in upkeep—or you’re preserving a historic property—cedar may be well worth the extra attention.

What Most People Don’t Know: Insurance Is Becoming a Barrier

In the past year, dozens of homeowners have contacted us after receiving shocking notices from their insurer: drop your cedar roof, or lose your coverage.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Some insurance companies no longer cover cedar roofs due to perceived cost of replacement—not actual damage.
• Others refuse renewals based on roof age (often around 20 years), even if the roof is in great shape.
• And unfortunately, Minnesota’s FAIR Plan—the fallback for those denied standard coverage—does not accept homes with cedar shake roofs.

This shift has left many homeowners with tough choices. You may love the look and performance of cedar—but if your insurance won’t cover it, your options narrow quickly.

“We’ve talked to homeowners with cedar roofs in perfect condition who still got dropped,” says Stu. “It’s not about safety—it’s about insurers avoiding replacement costs.”

How Does Cedar Compare to Other Roof Types?

If you love the look but want to weigh alternatives, here’s how cedar stacks up:

• Asphalt Shingles: Inexpensive and widely accepted by insurers, but lacks the character and longevity of cedar.
• Synthetic Shake (e.g., Brava): Mimics the look of real wood, but offers Class 4 impact ratings, fire safety, and often a 50-year warranty. Easier to insure.
• Metal Roofing: Long-lasting and great for snow shedding, with newer finishes that offer more natural curb appeal.
• Slate: Gorgeous and ultra-durable, but heavy and cost-prohibitive for most homes.

At Anchor Roofing, we’re a Preferred Brava Contractor and experts in Class 4-rated asphalt shingles from top brands like CertainTeed. We’ll show you options that fit your home’s style—and your insurer’s requirements.

When Cedar Still Makes Sense

Despite the insurance climate, there are cases where cedar is still a great choice:

• You’re restoring a historic property and committed to authenticity.
• You plan to stay in your home long-term and are willing to invest in the upkeep.
• Your current insurer is still willing to cover cedar and you’ve confirmed that in writing.
• You’re passionate about natural materials and don’t mind the extra care they require.

For those who meet these criteria, a natural cedar shake roof can still be one of the most beautiful and satisfying roofing systems available.

When It’s Time to Look at Alternatives

If you love the look of cedar but want to avoid the insurance headaches, you have great options:

• Brava Synthetic Shake: Long-lasting, beautiful, and insurance-friendly.
• Class 4 Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles: Cost-effective and durable enough for Minnesota weather.
• Standing Seam Metal or Metal Shake: Modern, snow-shedding, and increasingly popular in rural and suburban areas.

We’ll help you weigh each option based on your budget, home style, long-term goals, and insurance situation.

Let’s Talk—No Pressure

Cedar isn’t right for everyone—but for the right home and homeowner, it’s hard to beat.

If you’re exploring your options, Anchor Roofing & Exteriors is here to help. We’ll walk you through cedar’s pros and cons, show you high-performing alternatives, and help you make a confident decision—one that looks great and keeps you covered.

Serving homeowners across St. Paul, Stillwater, Edina, Wayzata, and the Twin Cities metro.

Contact Anchor today to schedule a free cedar roofing consultation.

Stu Hudson leads Anchor Roofing & Exteriors’ cedar shake roofing projects across Minnesota, bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience to every home. Backed by Anchor’s A+ BBB rating and membership with the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, Stu combines proven craftsmanship with trusted industry standards to deliver roofs that are both timeless and durable.