CertainTeed ShingleMaster
F-Wave & Brava Installer
400+ Google Reviews at 4.6 Stars
21 Years in McHenry County
Your Insurance Company Is Dropping You Because of Your Cedar Shake Roof — Here’s What to Do
If you just got a non-renewal notice from your insurance company because of your cedar shake roof, you’re not alone. Roughly 60% of national insurers now refuse to cover homes with wood roofs or impose strict limitations that make the policies nearly useless. Across McHenry County and northern Illinois, thousands of homeowners are dealing with the same letter — the one that says your policy won’t be renewed unless that wood roof comes off. The good news: replacing your cedar shake with a synthetic or architectural shingle solves the problem permanently. The new roof is fully insurable, looks as good or better than cedar, and you never have to deal with this headache again.
IHC has been replacing cedar shake roofs in McHenry County since 2005. We’re CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified — the highest certification level CertainTeed offers — and we install F-Wave synthetic shingles and Brava composite tiles, two materials that replicate the cedar shake aesthetic without the insurance problems. We’ve done this conversion on homes throughout Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Cary, Lake in the Hills, Woodstock, and every town in between.
If your cedar shake was also damaged by a storm and you want to file a claim before replacing it, our sister company can help. Our insurance claims specialists can help you get coverage first — then we replace the roof with a material your new insurer will actually cover.
✓ CertainTeed ShingleMaster — The highest certification CertainTeed offers. Unlocks SureStart Plus warranty coverage for materials and workmanship. See all five of our certifications →
Why Insurance Companies Drop Cedar Shake Roofs
Fire Hazard
Cedar is combustible. Even treated wood shakes lose their fire retardant over time, and homes with wood roofs see 2–3x higher fire claim rates than those with asphalt, synthetic, or composite roofing. Insurance carriers view every cedar shake roof as a liability on their books.
Storm Vulnerability
Cedar shake roofs experience a 40% higher hail damage rate compared to asphalt or synthetic alternatives. McHenry County averages 60 thunderstorms a year, many carrying hail. That’s a lot of claim exposure for an insurer — and they’ve decided they don’t want it anymore.
Maintenance Requirements
Wood roofs rot. They grow moss. They warp, split, and attract insects. A cedar shake roof that isn’t maintained every 3–5 years deteriorates rapidly — and most homeowners don’t keep up with it. Insurers know this, and they’ve built the statistics to prove it.
Replacement Cost
Cedar shake costs 2–3x more than standard roofing materials to replace. When a storm hits, the claim is significantly larger than it would be on a comparable home with architectural shingles. Insurers are tired of writing big checks for a material they consider outdated.
Cedar Shake Replacement Materials
Three proven alternatives to cedar shake — all fully insurable, all installed to manufacturer specifications by our ShingleMaster-certified crews.
F-Wave Synthetic Shingles
Class 4 impact-rated, lightweight, and engineered to look like natural shake. F-Wave shingles won’t crack, curl, or lose granules because they don’t have any. Insurance companies love this material — and many carriers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofing.
Installed cost: $18,000 – $32,000 per average home
Best for: Homeowners who want the shake look with maximum hail protection.
✓ Class 4 Impact Rating
Brava Composite Tiles
Brava replicates cedar shake, slate, or Spanish tile profiles in a lightweight composite. Premium durability, premium look, and fully insurable from day one. These are the tiles you see on high-end homes in Barrington and Lake Geneva — without the weight that requires structural reinforcement.
Installed cost: $20,000 – $38,000 per average home
Best for: High-end homes where aesthetics are the priority.
✓ Class 4 Impact Rating
CertainTeed Landmark
The most popular roof in McHenry County for good reason. CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles deliver proven performance, the widest color selection available, and our ShingleMaster warranty — SureStart Plus coverage for both materials and workmanship. Fully insurable with every carrier.
Installed cost: $12,000 – $22,000 per average home
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a reliable, fully insurable roof.
✓ CertainTeed ShingleMaster Warranty
The Cedar Shake Replacement Process
Free On-Site Estimate
We come to your home with material samples so you can see and feel the F-Wave, Brava, and CertainTeed options in person. We measure your roof, inspect the existing cedar shake condition, and give you a written quote for each replacement option — no vague “per square” pricing.
Old Cedar Shake Removal
Full tear-off down to the deck. We strip every shake and the old underlayment, then inspect the sheathing carefully for rot, soft spots, and water damage. Cedar shake roofs often hide deteriorated sheathing that needs replacing before the new roof goes on — we handle all of it.
New Roof Installation
Installed to CertainTeed ShingleMaster standards: proper ice and water shield in valleys and eaves, correct nail patterns per manufacturer specs, adequate ventilation, new drip edge, and flashing at every transition point. This is not a slap-it-on job — it’s done right so your warranty is valid and your roof performs for decades.
Insurance-Ready Documentation
We provide your new insurance company with everything they need to write your policy: material specifications, warranty documentation, installation certificate, and photos of the completed work. Most carriers will write a standard homeowner’s policy on F-Wave, Brava, or CertainTeed the same week the roof is finished.
What Happens to Your Insurance After Replacement
Once the cedar shake is gone and replaced with an approved roofing material, you can shop for insurance again on normal terms. The non-renewal letter becomes irrelevant — you no longer have a wood roof. Most carriers will write a standard homeowner’s policy on F-Wave, Brava, or CertainTeed immediately. Some may even offer premium discounts for Class 4 impact-rated materials like F-Wave and Brava, which means your new roof could actually lower your insurance costs compared to what you were paying before.
We work with homeowners across McHenry County who’ve been through this exact process. The relief on their faces when they get that new policy in hand — at a normal rate, with normal coverage — makes this one of the most satisfying projects we do.
Ready to Keep Your Insurance and Get a Better Roof?
Free on-site estimates with material samples. We’ll show you exactly what your cedar shake replacement will look like and cost — no pressure, no obligation.
Call or Text (815) 356-9020
Get a Free Estimate
CertainTeed ShingleMaster • F-Wave & Brava Installer • Women-led • Financing available
GreenSky Financing for Cedar Shake Replacement
Most homeowners replacing a cedar shake roof are paying retail — out of pocket, not through an insurance claim. That’s a significant investment, and we get it. GreenSky financing is available for all roofing projects through IHC. Low monthly payments, competitive rates, and quick pre-approval right at your free estimate appointment. You don’t have to wait until you’ve saved the full amount to solve your insurance problem.
Cedar Shake Replacement FAQs
Why is my insurance company dropping me for having a cedar shake roof?
Cedar shake roofs carry higher fire risk, 40% higher hail damage rates, and significantly higher replacement costs than asphalt, synthetic, or composite alternatives. Roughly 60% of national insurers now refuse to cover homes with wood roofs or impose limitations that make the policies impractical. It’s an industry-wide shift — not something specific to your home or your carrier.
What’s the best replacement for a cedar shake roof in Illinois?
F-Wave synthetic shingles give you the shake look with a Class 4 impact rating — the highest available — and may qualify for insurance premium discounts. Brava composite tiles are the premium option for homeowners who want tile or shake aesthetics. CertainTeed Landmark is the most popular and affordable choice in McHenry County. All three are fully insurable.
How much does it cost to replace a cedar shake roof?
For an average-sized home in McHenry County: F-Wave synthetic shingles run $18,000–$32,000, Brava composite tiles run $20,000–$38,000, and CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles run $12,000–$22,000. The final cost depends on roof size, pitch, complexity, and the condition of the sheathing underneath the existing cedar shake. Get a Free Estimate for an exact quote.
Will my insurance be easier to get after replacing cedar shake?
Yes. Once the wood roof is removed and replaced with an approved material, standard carriers will write a normal homeowner’s policy. Some carriers even offer premium discounts for Class 4 impact-rated materials like F-Wave and Brava. We provide all the documentation your new insurer needs — material specs, warranty info, and installation certificate.
Do you offer financing for cedar shake replacement?
Yes. GreenSky financing is available for all roofing projects through IHC. Low monthly payments, competitive rates, and quick pre-approval at your free estimate appointment. Most homeowners replacing cedar shake are paying retail, and financing makes it manageable without waiting to save the full amount.
Related Services
Replace Your Cedar Shake — Keep Your Insurance
Got a non-renewal notice? We’ve helped hundreds of McHenry County homeowners replace their cedar shake roof and get insurable again. Free estimates with material samples — no pressure, no obligation.
Free estimates • GreenSky financing available • CertainTeed ShingleMaster
Innovative Home Concepts, Inc.
4410 IL-176, Ste 1
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 356-9020
Email: info@innovativehomeconcepts.com
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
CertainTeed ShingleMaster
F-Wave & Brava Installer
Women-led — 21 Years in McHenry County
