If you like the look of cedar shake or slate but are concerned about maintenance, weather exposure, or the long-term realities of owning a natural-material roof in Minnesota, Brava is worth considering.

But Brava is also a premium roofing material, and that does not automatically make it the right choice for every home.

For some homeowners, the appearance, impact resistance, lower maintenance requirements, and ability to preserve the character of a cedar or slate roof make the additional investment easy to justify. For others, a high-quality asphalt roofing system may provide everything they need at a considerably lower initial cost.

The better question is not simply whether Brava is a good roofing product.

It is whether Brava makes sense for your home, your priorities, and the way you expect to own and maintain it.

“We install several different roofing systems, and Brava isn’t something we try to put on every house. It makes the most sense when a homeowner really values the look of cedar or slate and also wants a material designed to handle the weather we deal with in Minnesota.”

— Stu Hudson, Founder & Owner, Anchor Roofing & Exteriors

What Are You Actually Getting When You Upgrade to Brava?

Brava manufactures composite roofing tiles designed to recreate traditional roofing materials including cedar shake, natural slate, and Spanish barrel tile.

For most homeowners considering Brava, appearance is a major part of the decision.

A standard asphalt shingle can provide very good roofing performance, but it creates a different look. Brava tiles are thicker and more dimensional, which creates deeper shadow lines and more visual texture across the roof.

That difference becomes more important when the roof itself is a major part of the home’s architecture.

On a house with steep pitches, large gables, dormers, complicated roof intersections, or broad roof areas that are visible from the street, the roofing material can have a major influence on the overall exterior.

Anchor’s Atwater, Minnesota Brava project is a good example. The custom home has steep gables, dormers, long valleys, chimneys, curved eaves, and intersecting roof sections that make the roof visible from nearly every angle. Brava Cedar Shake in Weathered adds texture and variation across those roof planes instead of allowing such a detailed roofline to appear flat or uniform.

For homes like this, the roofing material is not simply covering the structure. It is part of the architecture.

This is especially relevant on homes that originally had cedar or slate. Those materials often contribute significantly to the character of the house. Replacing them with a flatter-looking roofing material may still protect the home well, but the exterior can feel noticeably different afterward.

Brava gives homeowners another path.

It allows them to retain much of the dimensional appearance associated with cedar or slate while moving to a composite roofing material with different maintenance and weather-performance characteristics.

That is also why Brava can make sense on custom homes. When roofing is being selected alongside siding, stone, windows, trim, gutters, and architectural metalwork, the roof becomes part of the design rather than simply a covering placed on top of the house.

The additional cost has the most value when that difference in appearance actually matters.

Brava Can Be an Especially Strong Option When Replacing Cedar Shake

One of the clearest situations where we see Brava make sense is a homeowner replacing an aging cedar shake roof.

Cedar has a distinct look because the individual shakes create natural variation in texture, thickness, color, and shadow.

Many homes with cedar roofs were designed around that appearance.

When the cedar eventually needs replacement, homeowners often find themselves facing a larger decision than simply choosing a new roofing product.

They are also deciding whether they want the house to continue looking like a cedar-roof home.

Brava Cedar Shake is designed to recreate much of that dimensional character without being natural wood. The individual tiles create variation across the roof, and blended colors can produce the weathered or natural cedar appearance many homeowners want to preserve.

That can make the transition from natural cedar less visually dramatic than moving directly to a conventional asphalt shingle.

Anchor’s Mound, Minnesota Brava project shows this decision in practice. The home originally had natural cedar roofing, and the replacement used Brava Shake in Weathered. The goal was not to redesign the character of the house. It was to retain the warm, dimensional cedar appearance while moving to a composite roofing system with different maintenance and durability characteristics.

That is one of the situations where Brava can make the strongest case. When the house already looks right with cedar, the homeowner may want to preserve that appearance without simply installing another natural cedar roof.

There are still important differences.

Brava is a composite product. It does not age like real wood, and it does not develop the same natural weathering patterns over time. Some homeowners genuinely prefer authentic cedar for exactly those reasons.

If the natural material itself is part of what you value, real cedar may still be the better choice.

But if your priority is maintaining the general architectural appearance of cedar while reducing some of the maintenance concerns that come with a wood roof, Brava becomes a much more practical option.

Minnesota Weather Is One of the Strongest Reasons to Consider Brava

Roofing materials in Minnesota are exposed to a demanding combination of conditions.

A roof may experience subzero temperatures, repeated freezing and thawing, heavy snow, high winds, summer heat, and severe thunderstorms with hail.

That makes durability more than a marketing point.

Brava roofing products have undergone impact and weather-related testing, including UL 2218 Class 4 impact testing.

Class 4 is the highest classification within the UL 2218 impact-resistance test and is commonly considered when homeowners are evaluating roofing materials for hail-prone areas.

That matters in Minnesota, but it should still be understood correctly.

A Class 4 rating does not mean the roof is hail-proof.

Very large hail, unusual storm conditions, debris, or other extreme impacts can still damage roofing materials. The value of the rating is that it gives homeowners a standardized way to compare tested impact performance rather than relying only on general durability claims.

Brava’s composite construction also avoids some of the moisture-related characteristics of natural wood.

Natural cedar is affected by the environment around it. Moisture, drying, sun exposure, biological growth, and the way the roof is maintained all influence how it ages.

A composite tile does not behave the same way as wood, which can be attractive to homeowners who like the cedar look but would rather not own another natural wood roof.

Minnesota’s freeze-and-thaw cycles are another important consideration.

Water repeatedly freezes and expands in exterior building materials throughout the year. A roofing system therefore depends not only on the exposed material but also on properly installed underlayment, flashing, roof transitions, and drainage.

That brings us to an important limitation.

Brava Does Not Fix Problems Elsewhere in the Roofing System

A premium roofing material can only do its job when the rest of the roof is built correctly.

Installing Brava does not prevent an ice dam caused by attic heat loss. It does not correct poor ventilation. It does not compensate for deteriorated decking or improperly installed flashing.

Those problems have to be addressed as part of the roofing system.

A complete installation may involve much more than replacing the visible roof covering.

Depending on the home, important details can include:

• The condition of the existing roof deck
• Ice-and-water protection
• Underlayment
• Valley construction
• Chimney and wall flashing
• Plumbing and ventilation penetrations
• Roof-to-wall transitions
• Ridge and attic ventilation
• Hips and ridges
• Correct fastening patterns
• Snow and water drainage

This is particularly important on the kinds of homes where Brava is often used.

Steep roofs, dormers, multiple gables, chimneys, valleys, and architectural transitions can look beautiful, but they also create more places where installation details matter.

A premium tile placed over poor flashing is still a roof with poor flashing.

The Atwater project helps illustrate why experience matters on a complicated Brava installation. That roof required work across multiple steep and intersecting roof planes, dormers, valleys, hips, ridges, chimney areas, and curved eave sections.

Those details have to work technically while still reading as one consistent finished roof.

That is very different from simply laying material across a straightforward roof plane.

For homeowners considering Brava on a complicated home, asking a contractor to show completed projects with similar roof details can tell you much more than simply asking whether they install the product.

Anchor Roofing & Exteriors is a Brava Preferred Contractor and has installed Brava on both replacement roofs and custom-home projects in Minnesota.

How Much of the Brava Upgrade Is Really About Curb Appeal?

For many homeowners, quite a bit. That does not make curb appeal a superficial reason to choose a roof.

The roof is one of the largest visible surfaces on many homes, and on certain architectural styles it may be one of the first things you notice.

The effect is strongest on homes with:

• Steep roof pitches
• Large front-facing roof planes
• Multiple gables
• Dormers
• Turrets or rounded sections
• Complex rooflines
• Strong traditional or cottage-style architecture
• Existing cedar, slate, stone, or premium exterior details

On these homes, changing the roof material can noticeably change the character of the entire exterior.

Brava’s texture and blended color options give homeowners more ability to treat the roof as part of the design.

The roof also needs to work with the rest of the exterior.

Anchor’s Independence, Minnesota project is a useful example because Brava was only one part of a larger exterior renovation. The original cedar roof was replaced with Class 4 Brava Shake, while the home also received Diamond Kote prefinished LP siding and custom copper flashing, half-round gutters, downspouts, and leaf protection.

The result illustrates why roof selection should not happen in isolation. Roof texture, siding, trim, masonry, gutters, and architectural metalwork all contribute to how the finished home reads from the curb.

For homeowners planning several exterior improvements at once, Brava can work particularly well when the roof is being selected as part of a complete design rather than as a separate product decision.

That does not mean every home receives the same visual benefit.

A low-slope home with very little roof visible from the street may not gain nearly as much from a heavily dimensional roofing product. In that situation, spending substantially more for Brava may provide less aesthetic return.

Color selection also becomes more important with a dimensional roof.

A Brava roof should be considered alongside:

• Siding color
• Brick or stone
• Trim
• Window color
• Garage doors
• Gutters and downspouts
• Copper details
• Existing architectural features

A small product sample cannot always show how a blended roof color will appear across a large surface.

The same shade can also look different depending on roof pitch, sunlight, surrounding trees, siding color, and the amount of roof visible from the ground.

For that reason, seeing completed installations and considering the entire exterior is more useful than choosing the roof color in isolation.

Brava vs. Asphalt Shingles Comes Down to What You Want the Roof to Do

A quality asphalt roofing system should not be treated as the inferior choice simply because Brava costs more.

Modern architectural shingles and Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingles can provide excellent performance for Minnesota homes.

They are also widely available, familiar to installers, available in many colors, and generally less expensive than premium composite roofing.

If your main goals are dependable protection, good appearance, and reasonable project cost, asphalt may be the better choice.

Premium Class 4 Asphalt Shingles Can Close Some of the Gap

It is also worth pointing out that not all asphalt shingles look or perform the same.

Some premium asphalt products are designed specifically to create more dimension and a stronger cedar-shake appearance while still keeping the familiar construction of an asphalt roofing system.

CertainTeed Presidential® Shake® TL is a good example. It uses a triple-layer laminated design to create a heavier, more dimensional appearance than a typical architectural shingle, and CertainTeed offers it in colors such as Weathered Wood for homeowners who want a more traditional shake-inspired look.

Presidential Shake TL also carries a UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistance rating and UL Class A fire rating. CertainTeed lists a standard 110 mph wind-resistance warranty, with an upgrade to 130 mph when qualifying CertainTeed starter and hip-and-ridge components are used.

That makes a product like Presidential Shake TL worth considering for homeowners who want something between a conventional architectural shingle and a full composite system such as Brava.

The important distinction is still appearance with asphault vs Brava.

A premium laminated asphalt shingle can create substantially more depth and character than an entry-level shingle, but it is still an asphalt shingle system. Brava uses individually molded composite tiles intended to produce the thicker profile, variation, and shadowing associated with cedar shake or slate.

“Class 4 asphalt shingles are durable, practical roofing products, and for a lot of Minnesota homes they’re a very good choice. But when a homeowner wants the combination of durability and the depth and character of a true shake-style roof, I think Brava is unmatched. You can see the difference in the finished roof, especially on a home where the roof is a major part of the architecture.”

— Stu Hudson, Founder & Owner, Anchor Roofing & Exteriors

For some houses, that difference will be immediately noticeable. On others, particularly where little of the roof is visible, it may be much less important.

This is why comparing actual material samples and completed roofs can be more useful than comparing product categories on paper.

Where Brava begins to separate itself is when you want the roof to accomplish more visually.

For example, Brava becomes easier to justify when:

• You are replacing natural cedar and want to preserve the existing character of the home.
• The roof is highly visible and is a major part of the architecture.
• You want a slate or shake appearance without using the natural material.
• You are designing a custom home where the roof is part of the exterior design plan.
• Reduced maintenance compared with natural cedar is important.
• Impact resistance is a major consideration.
• You expect to remain in the home long enough to value the long-term upgrade.

Asphalt often makes more sense when:

• The roof is relatively simple.
• Little of the roof can be seen from the street.
• Your primary concern is controlling project cost.
• You do not particularly want the appearance of cedar or slate.
• You are making several exterior improvements and would rather direct more of the budget toward siding, windows, gutters, insulation, or other work.
• You expect to sell the home soon and are less likely to personally benefit from the premium upgrade.

“A big part of our job is figuring out what the homeowner is actually trying to accomplish. If they mainly want a good roof and want to control the cost of the project, we have excellent asphalt options. If they want to preserve a cedar look or make the roof a major part of the architecture, that’s where Brava starts to make a lot more sense.”

— Joe Larson, Estimating & Project Management, Anchor Roofing & Exteriors

There is no reason to make this decision more complicated than it needs to be.

If Brava solves a problem or creates an architectural result you genuinely value, the premium may make sense.

If it does not, a quality asphalt system—including a premium Class 4 option such as Presidential Shake TL—may be the smarter investment.

Can Brava Roofing Help With Homeowners Insurance?

Possibly, but this should never be assumed.

Some insurers recognize qualifying impact-resistant roofing products and may offer discounts or other favorable treatment.

However, insurance companies establish their own underwriting rules, documentation requirements, coverage terms, and discounts.

A Class 4 impact rating does not automatically guarantee lower insurance premiums.

This becomes particularly important for homeowners replacing natural cedar.

Some insurance carriers have different underwriting concerns around wood roofing, and moving to a composite material may affect how the roof is viewed.

But the answer is carrier-specific.

Before choosing the material based partly on insurance considerations, ask your agent:

• Does my policy recognize this specific Brava product as impact-resistant roofing?
• Does it qualify for any premium discount?
• Will replacing natural cedar with Brava change the way the home is underwritten?
• What documentation will you need from the contractor?
• How would a future roof claim be handled?
• Is the roof covered at replacement cost or actual cash value?
• Are there any cosmetic-damage exclusions or special endorsements that apply?

Getting those answers before the roof is installed is much more useful than discovering the details after a future claim.

Insurance can be part of the Brava decision, but it should not be the only reason to choose the material.

What Are the Real Downsides of Brava Roofing?

There are several, and they deserve more than a quick disclaimer.

Brava Has a Higher Initial Cost

This is the biggest issue for most homeowners.

Brava is a premium roofing system, and the difference becomes even more significant on large, steep, or complicated roofs.

Material cost is only part of the equation.

Complex layout, hips, ridges, valleys, flashing, tear-off, roof access, waste, and installation labor can all affect the total project cost.

That makes Brava difficult to justify when the homeowner does not place much value on its appearance or other specific advantages.

It Is Not Natural Cedar or Natural Slate

Brava is designed to reproduce those materials, not become them.

Some homeowners specifically want real cedar or quarried slate because they value authenticity, natural aging, or traditional construction.

For those homeowners, a composite substitute may never feel quite the same.

That is a preference rather than a product failure, but it is still an important part of the decision.

Specialized Installation Matters

Premium roofing systems are less forgiving of poor planning and execution.

Layout, fastening, flashing, accessory selection, and transitions all matter.

The more complicated the roof, the more important contractor experience becomes.

This is one reason homeowners should ask to see actual completed Brava projects rather than choosing a contractor based only on whether they say they can install it.

Future Repairs May Require More Planning

As with any specialty material, future repair work may involve matching the existing product, color blend, and installation details.

That can be different from repairing a widely available asphalt shingle roof.

It does not mean the roof cannot be repaired, but homeowners should recognize that specialty roofing may require a contractor familiar with the product.

Impact Resistance Is Not the Same as Damage Immunity

Class 4 is valuable, but it should not become a false promise.

Severe weather can damage virtually any exterior building material under the right conditions.

Homeowners should still inspect the roof after major hail or wind events when damage is suspected.

The Warranty Does Not Cover Every Possible Roofing Problem

Manufacturer warranties have terms, limitations, and exclusions.

They are not substitutes for correct roof design, proper installation, maintenance, or insurance.

Homeowners should review the actual warranty rather than relying on the length of the warranty alone as proof that every future problem will be covered.

So, Who Is Brava Really a Good Fit For?

Brava tends to make the most sense for homeowners who care about both roofing performance and architecture.

That may include someone replacing an aging cedar roof, designing a custom home, restoring the character of an older property, or simply wanting a more dimensional roofing material than a standard asphalt shingle can provide.

It can also appeal to homeowners who like traditional cedar or slate but would rather own a composite roofing product.

For those homeowners, the additional expense may provide value every time they look at the house as well as through the material’s performance characteristics.

But Brava is not necessary simply because a house needs a new roof.

If the architecture does not benefit much from the material, if budget is the primary concern, or if a quality asphalt system accomplishes everything you want, there may be little reason to spend more.

That is the decision we think homeowners should make.

Not:

“What is the most expensive roof I can buy?”

But:

“Which roofing system makes the most sense for this particular home?”

Talk Through Brava and Your Other Roofing Options With Anchor

Anchor Roofing & Exteriors installs Brava along with asphalt shingles, natural cedar, metal roofing, and other roofing systems throughout the Twin Cities.

As a Brava Preferred Contractor, we can show you the material, discuss completed projects like our Atwater custom home, Mound cedar replacement, and Independence exterior renovation, compare appropriate roofing options, and help determine whether Brava’s advantages are actually useful for your home.

If Brava is the right fit, we’ll explain why.

If another roofing system makes more sense, we’ll explain that too.

Get a Free Estimate and explore the roofing options that make sense for your Minnesota home.

Stu Hudson, Founder & Owner of Anchor Roofing & Exteriors

Stu Hudson founded Anchor Roofing & Exteriors in 2002 and brings more than 25 years of hands-on experience in roofing, exterior construction, and complex residential projects across Minnesota. He has worked extensively with cedar, composite roofing, metal, and other premium systems, including Brava installations on custom homes and cedar roof replacements. Stu is especially experienced in evaluating how roofing materials, architectural details, flashing, and exterior design work together on demanding projects.