Composite Roofing Replacement: How a Minnesota Remodel Cut Home Insurance in Half
A new roof is a significant investment for your home, but it can also deliver a tremendous return (not to mention peace of mind). In fact, the most recent Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors found that roofing was one of the top three remodeling projects that made homeowners feel most happy, scoring a 10 out of 10 “Joy Score.”
Two homeowners in Minnesota recently discovered this first-hand after replacing their wood roof with composite shakes. Once the project was completed, they saw a significant reduction in their homeowner’s insurance premium along with lower maintenance costs and greater durability.
Replacing Failing Cedar with Low-Maintenance Composite Shakes
When Gary and Suzy purchased their home, they found that the weathered cedar shakes were curling and starting to fail. “After a hailstorm, we filed a claim with the insurance company, but it was initially denied,” Gary recalls. “That’s when we brought in Classic Construction & Consulting. They successfully worked with our insurer to secure a full roof replacement.”
Classic Construction recommended replacing the cedar with DaVinci® Roofscapes composite shakes — an engineered polymer roofing built to handle tough conditions year-round, with fire retardant and advanced UV and thermal stabilizers built in. Modeled from hand-split cedar shakes, it gives a home the authentic look and texture of natural wood, minus the rotting, cracking, splitting and constant upkeep that comes with natural wood.
It also outperforms cedar shake with best-in-class performance ratings against fire, hail and wind when installed properly.
“The Class A impact and Class 4 fire ratings stood out right away,” Gary says. “We also appreciate the low maintenance, long warranty and the fact that the DaVinci shake tiles will look just as good decades from now as they do today.”
Enhance Curb Appeal With Authentic, Weather-Resistant Roof Tiles
As the Classic Construction & Consulting team jumped into the project, they focused on refreshing the property’s look and adding long-term value. Plans included re-roofing both the main house and a lakeside building with the realistic-looking cedar shake synthetic roofing.
“The home’s lakeside setting demanded a roof that looked authentic to its natural surroundings, while also delivering durability in a climate known for hail, snow and ice,” says Jake Daniels, owner of Classic Construction & Consulting.
“We’ve installed DaVinci products for over a decade, so we know the value in using these sustainable products in our harsh environment,” Daniels continues. “We know that the right product, paired with the right installation, can truly elevate a home.”
Following installation, the homeowners agreed. “The subtle tones of the Aged Cedar color blend on our DaVinci roof add definition and warmth that really highlights the architecture of our home,” Gary says. “It feels like the finishing touch that ties everything together and elevates the entire property.”
The project was also recognized with a 2025 DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor Project of the Year Award, which recognizes excellence in installation, visual impact and the ability of the roofing work to transform the look of this home.
Maximize Project ROI: How Durable Roofing Can Lower Homeowners Insurance
The icing on the cake for the Minnesota homeowners came after the reroofing project was complete. When they reached out to their insurance company, they discovered their homeowner’s insurance had decreased by about 50%.
“For us, when talking about return on investment, the decrease in insurance is the cherry on top,” Gary says. “Primarily, though, the important aspects of selecting the DaVinci roof were a combination of its durability, low maintenance and warranty. Appearance mattered, too, but knowing that this roof will last for decades without constant upkeep was the biggest deciding factor.”
FAQ: Roof Replacement, Home Insurance & Composite Roofing
1. Can replacing my roof lower my homeowners insurance premium?
In some cases, yes. Insurance companies may offer lower premiums for roofs made with durable, impact- and fire-resistant materials that can better withstand severe weather. In this project, the Minnesota homeowners saw their homeowners insurance premium decrease by about 50% after replacing their aging cedar roof with composite shakes. However, savings vary by insurer, location and the roofing system installed.
2. What are the benefits of composite shake roofing over natural cedar shakes?
Composite shake roofing offers the authentic look of hand-split cedar without many of the maintenance concerns associated with natural wood. Unlike cedar, composite shakes are designed to resist rotting, cracking and splitting while providing enhanced durability, fire resistance and impact protection. They also require less upkeep and are built to maintain their appearance for decades.
3. Is composite roofing a good choice for homes in harsh climates?
Yes, composite roofing is engineered to withstand demanding weather conditions, including hail, high winds, snow and prolonged sun exposure. For homeowners in regions with severe weather, choosing a durable roofing material can provide greater peace of mind while helping protect the home’s long-term value.
4. What should homeowners consider when choosing a new roof?
While appearance is important, homeowners should also evaluate durability, maintenance requirements, weather resistance, warranty coverage and potential long-term savings. Selecting a roofing material that balances curb appeal with performance can help reduce maintenance, improve resilience and potentially lower ownership costs over time.
