Cherry Hills Village Estate: Wood Shake Evaluation & Restoration

Property context

A 1990s-era estate home in Cherry Hills Village with an original cedar wood shake roof. The property had not received a documented roof evaluation in over a decade. The homeowner requested an independent assessment following a hail event in the summer of 2026 and was uncertain whether the roof required spot repair, partial replacement, or full replacement.

Evaluation scope and limitations

Evaluation covered all accessible roof slopes from ground level and from the roof surface on slopes with safe footing. Concealed components — underlayment, decking, and flashing details beneath intact shake — were not accessible without destructive investigation. Findings reflect surface-observable conditions only.

Dated observations

• South-facing slope: significant granule loss and surface weathering consistent with 30+ years of UV exposure. Multiple shingles showing longitudinal splitting along the grain.
• West-facing slope: hail impact evidence present — circular impact marks with fiber separation visible on approximately 15–20% of shingles inspected. Consistent with a 1.25–1.5 inch hail event.
• North-facing slope: moss and lichen colonization covering approximately 40% of surface area. Moisture retention beneath organic growth accelerating shake deterioration in affected zones.
• Ridge cap: original ridge cap showing significant weathering and separation at joints. Several sections lifted, creating potential water infiltration pathway.
• Gutters: hail denting consistent with roof impact evidence. Gutter attachment intact. Downspout routing adequate.
• Flashing at chimney and skylights: surface rust visible on step flashing. No active leak evidence at time of evaluation, but condition warrants monitoring.

Options considered

1. 1Preservation and targeted spot repair: treat moss/lichen, replace split and impact-damaged shingles on west slope, replace ridge cap. Appropriate if homeowner intends to sell within 3–5 years and wants to present a maintained roof without full replacement cost.
2. 2Partial replacement of west and north slopes: replace the two most affected slopes with new cedar shake, preserve south slope with treatment and spot repair. Balances cost with material life extension.
3. 3Full replacement: remove all existing shake, inspect and address any decking or underlayment issues found, install new Class B fire-rated cedar shake with synthetic underlayment. Appropriate for a homeowner intending to hold the property long-term.

Agreed scope of work

Full replacement of all roof slopes with new Class B fire-rated cedar shake (Certi-Split heavy hand-split and resawn). Synthetic underlayment throughout. New copper step flashing at chimney and skylights. New ridge cap to match. Moss and lichen treatment applied to adjacent hardscape. Written price agreed before work began.

Outcome

Replacement completed over four days. Decking inspection revealed two sections of soft decking on the north slope — replaced before new underlayment was installed. Final roof presents consistent color and texture across all slopes. Homeowner received written documentation of all work performed, materials used, and warranty terms.

Your property deserves the same standard.

Crown Eagle conducts written exterior reviews throughout the South Denver metro. No charge, no obligation — just an honest picture of what is there.