A homeowner in Minnetonka faced ongoing exterior decay as aging cedar shake shingles grayed, cracked, and lost fire resistance. High-end residential neighborhoods near Lake Minnetonka demand authentic visual charm alongside long-term structural reliability. Powers Premier Contracting completed a total shake-to-synthetic conversion using Brava composite materials, restoring pristine aesthetics without maintenance demands.
Located near the 101 and Minnetonka Boulevard corridor, this family residence required careful structural planning to manage snow accumulation along steep gables. Our certified installation crew added staggered snow stops and custom flashings to preserve walkouts and front entryways. Property owners searching for a dependable roofing contractor in Minnetonka, MN trust our specialized material training.
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGEAging cedar shakes were deteriorating, losing fire resistance, and creating maintenance headaches for the owner.
- THE SYSTEMInstalled Brava synthetic wood-look shakes with staggered snow stops and complete ice shield membrane coverage.
- THE RESULTDelivered a long-lasting, fire-retardant roof with natural wood aesthetics and lifetime color retention in 2.5 days.
This project called for replacing a worn cedar roof with an eco-friendly composite alternative that withstands freeze-thaw cycles. The homeowners wanted to preserve the original architectural style of their home while eliminating the need for periodic staining or wood treatment. Our factory-certified crew installed a synthetic shake system backed by manufacturer warranties to ensure permanent performance.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: |
Jon (Minnetonka Homeowner) |
| Project Location: |
Minnetonka, MN |
| Primary Objective: |
Replace deteriorating cedar shakes with synthetic materials to enhance fire safety and curb appeal via roof replacement. |
| System Installed: |
Brava Synthetic Wood-Look Shakes featuring specialized snow stops installed by a certified shingle roofer. |
| Key Outcome: |
Completed a 45-square synthetic shake build in 2.5 days with full warranty coverage and enhanced winter safety. |
Minnetonka Wood Shake Inspection
The existing wood shakes exhibited advanced weather degradation, rot, and edge curling typical of mature cedar installations in Minnesota climates. Moisture retention had loosened fasteners, raising concerns about wind uplift and water intrusion along valley lines. Furthermore, local insurance standards increasingly penalize untreated wood shakes due to fire exposure and accelerated decay.
Stripping the 40 to 45 square roof revealed several areas where historic moisture buildup required new roof deck sheathing. The complex roofline included long front walkways, gables, and a recessed basement walkout that required precise snow management planning. Upgrading to synthetic materials required specialized underlayment methods to maintain factory warranty standards and pass municipal code checks.
Executing Synthetic Shake Installation
Our field team completed intensive manufacturer training to earn Level 2 installer status before laying the first Brava synthetic shingle. After tearing off worn cedar shakes and repairing damaged deck sections, we applied full-coverage ice and water underlayment across eaves, valleys, and wall step flashings. The synthetic tiles were staggered precisely according to factory guidelines to ensure proper water shedding and aesthetic balance.
"John and his dedicated team exceeded my expectations! They installed a complicated, and high-end cedar shake roof with thought and precision. The communication was seamless from the start and the timeline was achieved. Most importantly, the roof looks amazing. I’ll continue to recommend PowersPremier to family and friends!" - Jon, Homeowner
To handle heavy snow loading over entryways, our crew integrated staggered snow stops along lower roof planes. These metal guards prevent large sheets of frozen snow from sliding off smooth synthetic surfaces onto walkways or window wells below. Homeowners considering high-end exterior updates can explore options for siding replacement or consult our team about storm damage repair.
Minnetonka Exterior Modernization Results
The completed Brava synthetic roof provided an immediate transformation, giving the home the classic charm of hand-split cedar without the upkeep. Unlike traditional wood, composite materials maintain their rich color profile permanently and carry class-leading fire and impact ratings. The 45-square build was completed efficiently in just two and a half days with zero jobsite debris left behind.
Integrations like the snow stops successfully protected front entryways and basement walkout structures during winter conditions. Neighboring homeowners noted the natural appearance and precise installation quality, while the client praised our team's clear communication and timeliness. The home's overall property value and defense against severe weather were significantly elevated.
Upgrade Your Minnetonka Exterior
Powers Premier Contracting offers expert guidance on synthetic roofing, composite conversions, and high-performance exterior upgrades. Our crew brings certified craftsmanship, clean job sites, and reliable scheduling to every residential project across the Twin Cities west metro.
Are you looking for a synthetic shake roof upgrade in Minnetonka? Contact our team today to request a quote or project consult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why switch from cedar shakes to Brava synthetic tiles in Minnetonka?
Brava synthetic tiles replicate the natural appearance of hand-split cedar while providing superior fire resistance, Class 4 impact defense, and lifetime color stability. Synthetic materials do not rot, gray out, or split, eliminating the regular maintenance, staining, and treatment costs associated with real wood shakes.
Why are snow stops necessary on synthetic roofs?
Synthetic roof tiles feature smooth non-porous surfaces that allow accumulated snow to slide off in large sheets during thaws. Installing staggered snow stops holds snow in place so it melts gradually, protecting walkways, gutters, landscaping, and basement window wells from sudden impact.
How long does a synthetic roof installation take?
Most residential synthetic roof installations take between two and three days depending on roof size, pitch complexity, and structural detail work. Our trained crew completed this 45-square Minnetonka project in two and a half days, including tear-off, deck prep, synthetic tile laydown, and complete site cleanup.