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Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Coverage for Real Wood Shake Roofs

For decades, real wood shake roofs have been a hallmark of classic, high-end homes—prized for their rustic charm and natural beauty. But in today’s climate of increased wildfire risk and extreme weather, many homeowners are getting a harsh reality check: insurance companies are refusing to cover properties with real wood shake roofing.

Across regions like California, Colorado, and parts of the Midwest, insurers are tightening their requirements and, in many cases, dropping policies altogether for homes with cedar or redwood shake roofs. If you're a homeowner with a wood shake roof—or considering purchasing a home with one—it’s critical to understand why this shift is happening, and what safer, insurance-friendly alternatives exist.

A Growing Wildfire Risk—and a Growing Concern for Insurers

Wildfires have grown more intense and more frequent across the western U.S., and real wood roofing is a known fire hazard. Even with fire retardant treatments, natural wood is still combustible. Insurance companies now view homes with untreated or aging wood shake roofs as too risky to insure, especially in high-risk zones.

This isn’t just speculation—homeowners are already feeling the effects. In places like Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto, CA, insurance companies have begun refusing policy renewals unless the wood shake roofs are replaced with fire-resistant alternatives.

Why Real Wood Shake Is Losing Favor

In addition to fire risk, insurers are also concerned about:

  • Durability: Wood roofs are susceptible to rot, warping, and splitting over time.
  • Moisture retention: Shakes can trap moisture, leading to mold and structural issues.
  • Maintenance: Wood requires frequent inspections, cleaning, and upkeep to remain effective.
  • Shorter lifespan: Compared to modern materials, wood shake roofs typically last only 20–30 years, often with expensive repairs in between.

All of these factors add up to higher risk—and higher costs—for insurers. Dropping coverage is their way of protecting themselves financially.

Alternatives That Look Like Wood—But Perform Like Steel

Fortunately, homeowners today don’t have to sacrifice the look of shake to get better protection. Roofing manufacturers now offer materials that mimic the appearance of natural wood but come with fire resistance, weather resilience, and insurance approval that real wood can’t match.
For example, EDCO's steel roofing includes shake-inspired profiles that deliver the warmth and dimensional texture of wood shakes—without the risk. These steel panels are:

Whether you're concerned about insurance, fire safety, or long-term performance, steel shake roofing offers peace of mind in a way real wood simply can’t.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you currently have a cedar shake roof, now is the time to:

  • Check your insurance policy to see if your coverage is at risk.
  • Talk to your agent about potential changes or requirements for continued coverage.
  • Consider safer alternatives that still maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal.

And if you’re building a new home or remodeling an older one, choosing a non-combustible roofing material like steel can help you avoid these insurance headaches altogether.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you have a question about EDCO products or want to connect with a qualified contractor, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.