Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Cedar Shake Roofs & What You Can Do Instead

Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Cedar Shake Roofs & What You Can Do Instead If you have a cedar shake roof – or are considering one – you may have heard that more and more insurance companies are refusing to cover them. Homeowners across North America are seeing their premiums rise or their.

By Enviroshake

2025-01-01

TL;DR: Insurance companies are dropping cedar shake roofs due to fire risk and high maintenance. Consider Enviroshake for a fire-resistant, low-maintenance alternative that looks like cedar and keeps your home insurable.

Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Cedar Shake Roofs & What You Can Do Instead

If you have a cedar shake roof – or are considering one – you may have heard that more and more insurance companies are refusing to cover them. Homeowners across North America are seeing their premiums rise or their policies dropped entirely, all because of the risks associated with traditional cedar roofing.

Key Points:

Florida's climate and hurricane exposure make proper roofing materials and installation critical for homeowners.
The Florida Building Code (FBC) sets minimum standards for wind uplift resistance and material performance.
Working with a GAF Master Elite certified contractor ensures access to the best warranties and installation standards.
Regular inspections — especially after tropical storms — can catch damage early and prevent costly repairs.
Understanding your roofing options helps you make informed decisions that protect your home and investment.

Factor	Details
Fire Resistance	Cedar shake roofs are highly flammable; composite alternatives offer superior fire resistance, often achieving Class A ratings.
Maintenance	Cedar requires regular treatment against rot, mold, and pests; composite materials are low-maintenance.
Durability	Cedar is prone to warping, cracking, mold, and insect damage; advanced composites withstand UV, wind, and hail.
Insurance Coverage	Many insurers are dropping cedar shake policies due to high risk; fire-resistant alternatives improve insurability.
Environmental Impact	Cedar harvesting can be unsustainable; composite options often use recycled materials and are recyclable.

What’s behind the shift?

While cedar shake roofs have long been valued for their rustic charm and natural appeal, insurance providers are viewing them as a liability. Here’s why:

Fire RiskCedar is a highly flammable material. In areas prone to wildfires or dry, hot weather, that beautiful natural roof can actually become a serious fire hazard FEMA. Insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to insure homes with this kind of risk exposure.
Natural DeteriorationCedar is an organic material, which means it’s vulnerable to rot, warping, cracking, mold, and insect damage. Over time, this natural breakdown leads to costly repairs – and claims insurance companies would rather avoid.
Ongoing MaintenanceCedar shake roofs require regular upkeep to stay in good condition NRCA. If not properly maintained, they degrade faster – something insurers see as another risk factor when evaluating coverage options.

So what’s the alternative? That’s where Hytz Roofing's premium roofing solutions comes in.

A Smarter, Safer Solution: Enviroshake

Key Benefits for Florida Homeowners

If you love the timeless look of cedar but don’t want the risk, maintenance, or insurance headaches, Enviroshake is your answer.

Engineered to authentically replicate the look of natural cedar shake and slate, Enviroshake is made from a proprietary composite blend of sustainable materials, often meeting standards like ASTM D3462 for performance. It’s designed to perform in even the harshest climates – and to keep your home, and your insurance policy, protected, potentially qualifying for a My Safe Florida Home grant.

✅ Fire-Resistant – Unlike traditional cedar, Enviroshake products are highly resistant to fire, which can help with insurance eligibility and peace of mind, often meeting stringent fire safety standards, crucial for compliance with the Florida Building Code (FBC).

✅ Durable & Long-Lasting – Built to withstand UV rays, high winds (offering excellent wind uplift resistance), hail (often achieving a Class 4 impact rating), and moisture without warping, cracking, or rotting IBHS, ensuring decades of performance. This durability is often verified by Miami-Dade NOA standards.

✅ Low Maintenance – No re-staining, re-sealing, or worrying about pests or decay, significantly reducing long-term ownership costs, and freeing up time for homeowners.

✅ Sustainable – Made with recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of its life, contributing to environmental conservation and supporting green building initiatives.

✅ Enhanced Curb Appeal – Replicates the aesthetic of natural cedar shake and slate, boosting your home's visual appeal without the associated risks.

✅ Increased Home Value – A durable, low-maintenance, and insurable roof can significantly increase your property's market value.

✅ Improved Insurability – With superior fire resistance and durability, Enviroshake can make your home more attractive to insurance providers like Citizens Insurance, potentially lowering premiums or preventing policy drops.

✅ Wind Mitigation Benefits – Our roofing solutions often qualify for significant discounts after a wind mitigation inspection, further reducing insurance costs in hurricane-prone Florida.

Whether you’re replacing a roof that no longer qualifies for insurance coverage or planning ahead for a new build, Enviroshake gives you the look you love – without the trade-offs.

Take a Closer Look 👀

🎧 Want to learn more?* Tune in to the latest episode of our Deep Dive podcast, where we break down the differences between cedar shake and Enviroshake, talk through what insurers are really looking for, and share stories from real customers who’ve made the switch.

Why Choose Hytz Roofing?

Ready to protect your home with a roof that’s engineered to perform?