Preserving a Home’s Character with Brava Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing in Oak Brook, IL
Background
For one Oak Brook homeowner, replacing her aging cedar shake roof was about more than installing new roofing materials. It was about preserving the character and history of a home she had loved for decades.
Having owned the home since approximately the 1970s, she wanted to maintain its distinctive appearance rather than replace the original wood shake roof with something that would dramatically change its look. However, finding a suitable replacement presented several challenges.
Traditional cedar shake roofing had become increasingly expensive to insure, creating concerns about the financial practicality of installing another wood roof. The homeowner also faced restrictions from her homeowners association (HOA), which wanted homes in the neighborhood to maintain a consistent appearance.
Determined to preserve the look of her home, she turned to Lindholm Roofing for help finding a solution that would satisfy her preferences while addressing the insurance and HOA concerns.
Solution
Lindholm Roofing recommended Brava synthetic cedar shake roofing in Canyon Grey, a premium alternative designed to replicate the natural appearance and dimensional profile of traditional wood shakes.
Unlike conventional cedar, Brava’s synthetic roofing materials are engineered to resist deterioration, fading, insect damage, and fire exposure. The product offered the homeowner an opportunity to maintain the classic cedar shake appearance she loved while benefiting from the durability and reduced maintenance requirements of a modern roofing material.
The project involved more than selecting the right roofing materials. Lindholm Roofing worked with the homeowner to address insurance-related challenges and navigate HOA requirements that initially threatened to prevent her from getting the roof she wanted.
Once those obstacles were resolved, Lindholm installed the new Canyon Grey Brava synthetic cedar shake roof, complete with matching Brava ridge caps for a consistent finish along the roof peaks.
The roof also features Kynar-coated metal valleys, which provide a durable, weather-resistant finish while creating attractive architectural accents against the textured synthetic shakes. These details complement the home’s original architecture and give the finished roof a distinctive appearance.
Another unique feature of the project was the replacement of an existing sun tunnel.
A sun tunnel is a type of tubular skylight that captures daylight through a small roof-mounted dome and channels it through a reflective tube into the home’s interior. Unlike a traditional rectangular skylight, a sun tunnel typically requires a smaller ceiling opening and provides natural light through a fixture that resembles a recessed light.
Lindholm replaced the homeowner’s existing sun tunnel with a new VELUX sun tunnel as part of the roofing project, maintaining this unique source of natural light.
The completed roof beautifully complements the home’s original architecture while giving it a refreshed appearance. Most importantly, the homeowner was able to preserve the character that made her house special rather than compromise on a roofing style she didn’t want.
Find Out More
Replacing a traditional cedar shake roof doesn’t always mean giving up the appearance that makes your home unique. Brava synthetic cedar shake roofing offers an alternative for homeowners who appreciate the natural beauty of cedar but want the durability and performance benefits of modern materials.
For homeowners facing HOA restrictions, insurance concerns, or the challenge of matching an existing architectural style, selecting the right roofing material can make all the difference.
Whether you’re considering synthetic cedar shake roofing, replacing an aging wood roof, or updating skylights and sun tunnels in Oak Brook or the surrounding Chicago suburbs, Lindholm Roofing can help you explore your options and find a solution that respects your home’s character. Contact us today to get started.