Insurance Changes for Cedar Shake Roofs in Western Montana: What Homeowners Need to Know
Over the past year, many homeowners across Western Montana have received unexpected notices from their insurance companies:
coverage dropped, non-renewals issued, or new policies denied — all due to one thing: cedar shake roofing.
As wildfire risk continues to rise throughout our region, insurance providers are tightening their requirements. If your home has a cedar shake roof, it’s critical to understand what’s changing and what options you have.
Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Cedar Shake Roofs
Traditional cedar shake roofs are beautiful and have long been part of Montana’s architectural character. Unfortunately, from an insurance standpoint, they present a significant fire risk.
Many insurers now consider cedar shake to be:
- Highly combustible
- A wildfire exposure liability
- Unacceptable in moderate to high fire-risk zones
As a result, insurance companies are increasingly:
- Refusing to write new policies
- Declining renewals
- Requiring roof replacement as a condition of coverage
In most cases, insurers now require a Class A fire-rated roofing system before they will insure a home.
What Is a Class A Fire-Rated Roof?
A Class A fire rating is the highest level of fire resistance available for roofing materials. These roofs are designed to:
- Resist ignition from airborne embers
- Slow flame spread
- Provide maximum protection during wildfire events
For many Western Montana homeowners, upgrading to a Class A roof is no longer optional — it’s becoming a requirement to maintain insurance coverage.
A Cedar Shake Look — Without the Fire Risk
At Keith Roofing, we install synthetic shake roofing from Brava Roof Tile, a premium alternative that preserves the natural cedar shake appearance while meeting modern insurance and safety standards.
Brava synthetic shake roofs offer:
- ✅ Class A fire rating
- ✅ 50-year manufacturer warranty
- ✅ Maintenance-free performance
- ✅ Resistance to fire, rot, insects, and moisture
- ✅ Exceptional durability in Montana’s climate
Homeowners get the same architectural character they love — without the insurance headaches or wildfire risk associated with real cedar.
Why This Matters Now
If your home has a cedar shake roof and you haven’t heard from your insurance company yet, that doesn’t mean you won’t.
We’re already seeing:
- Policy non-renewals tied directly to roof type
- New buyers unable to insure homes with cedar shake
- Insurance deadlines requiring roof replacement within months
Being proactive can prevent:
- Gaps in coverage
- Forced last-minute decisions
- Higher premiums or limited insurer options
How Keith Roofing Can Help
We don’t just replace roofs — we help homeowners navigate the entire process, including:
- Evaluating your current roof and insurance requirements
- Recommending compliant roofing solutions
- Providing documentation insurers often request
- Installing long-term, fire-resistant roofing systems
Our approach is straightforward, honest, and focused on protecting your home and your investment.
Concerned About Your Roof or Insurance Coverage?
If you own a home with cedar shake roofing in Western Montana and have questions about insurance requirements or fire-rated alternatives, we’re happy to help.
📞 Contact Keith Roofing to schedule a consultation
🏔️ Local • Experienced • Trusted in Western Montana