Expert Insights from Anderson Builders – Your Trusted Littleton Residential Roofing Contractor

If your home was built between the 1970s and 1990s in Littleton, CO, there’s a good chance it once had a shake roof. Back then, shake roof shingles were prized for their natural beauty and durability. However, in today’s market, homeowners should carefully consider the drawbacks of shake roofing, especially in Colorado’s fire-prone climate.

As Littleton’s leading residential roofing contractor, Anderson Builders LLC wants homeowners to make informed decisions when it comes to choosing the right roofing material. From fire risks to higher insurance costs, here are the key reasons why Littleton homeowners should think twice before installing or keeping wood shake shingles.

1. Fire Risk – A Major Concern for Littleton Homeowners

One of the most significant disadvantages of shake shingles is their high fire risk. Shake roofs are made from wood, which—even when treated with fire-resistant chemicals—still pose a fire hazard. In Littleton, CO, where dry summers and wildfire risks are increasing, having a shake roof can put your home at greater risk.

Many homeowners are unaware that if a shake roof catches fire or sustains damage from embers, it may no longer comply with local fire safety regulations. Additionally, many cities near Littleton and Denver have begun prohibiting new installations of shake roofs to prevent fire spread in residential neighborhoods.

Anderson Builders recommends replacing shake roofing with more fire-resistant materials like asphalt shingles, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, or metal roofing to better protect your home from fire hazards.

2. Higher Home Insurance Premiums for Shake Roofs

Another often overlooked drawback of shake shingles in Littleton is the impact on home insurance coverage. Insurance companies in Colorado consider shake roofs a higher risk due to their susceptibility to fire damage. As a result, homeowners may face:

✅Increased Insurance Premiums
Many insurers will significantly raise your monthly premiums if you have a shake roof, as the risk of fire or weather damage is higher. This could cost you hundreds of dollars more per year just for having wood shingles.

✅Policy Cancellations or Restrictions
Some insurance companies have outright refused to insure homes with shake shingles. Others have canceled existing policies or imposed stricter terms for homes with wood roofing materials.

✅Limited Insurance Options
As wildfires become more frequent across Colorado, fewer insurers are willing to provide coverage for homes with shake roofing. This can make it difficult or expensive for Littleton homeowners to obtain affordable insurance coverage.

Tip: Switching to a fire-resistant roofing material like asphalt shingles, composite, or metal roofing can significantly reduce your insurance costs. Anderson Builders can help you explore affordable roofing options that are covered by most major insurers.

High Maintenance & Repairs for Shake Roofs

Shake roofs require ongoing maintenance to maintain their structural integrity and visual appeal. Unfortunately, Littleton’s climate—with its intense sunlight, heavy snowfall, and occasional hailstorms—accelerates the deterioration of wood shake shingles.

Common Maintenance Issues:

  • Rotting or splitting wood shingles due to moisture exposure.
  • Clogged gutters from wood particles or fallen debris.
  • Cracks or leaks caused by shrinking, warping, or splitting wood.

Homeowners who fail to maintain their shake roof may face expensive repairs or premature roof replacement. Anderson Builders recommends replacing old shake roofs with low-maintenance, longer-lasting materials like architectural asphalt shingles or metal roofing.

 

4. High Installation & Replacement Costs

Another downside to wood shake shingles is their high upfront installation cost. Compared to other popular roofing materials, shake roofs typically cost:

  • ✅ 30% – 50% more than standard asphalt shingles.
  • ✅ Require specialized labor, adding more to the overall installation cost.
  • ✅ Have a shorter lifespan in harsh climates like Littleton.

Anderson Builders often advises homeowners to invest in a more durable and affordable roofing material, such as:

  • Architectural asphalt shingles – Affordable, durable, and low maintenance.
  • Composite shingles – Designed to mimic the look of shake without the high cost.
  • Metal roofing – Extremely durable, fire-resistant, and energy-efficient.

💡 Switching to a low-maintenance roofing material can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

5. Vulnerability to Hail and Weather Damage in Littleton, CO

Living in Littleton, CO means facing harsh weather conditions like:

  • Hailstorms
  • Heavy snowfall
  • Strong winds

Unfortunately, wood shake shingles are highly vulnerable to these elements. In the event of a major hailstorm or high winds, shake shingles often crack, split, or dislodge, requiring frequent repairs.

According to Anderson Builders, many homeowners who stick with wood shake roofs find themselves replacing their roofs prematurely due to storm damage. Upgrading to a Class 4 impact-resistant asphalt shingle or metal roof offers better protection against:

What’s the Best Alternative to Shake Roofs in Littleton, CO?

If you currently have a shake roof or are considering a roof replacement, here are some of the best roofing options for Littleton homeowners:

✅ Architectural Asphalt Shingles

  • Affordable, durable, and stylish.
  • Fire-resistant and impact-resistant.
  • Wide range of colors and designs.

✅ Metal Roofing

  • Extremely durable and energy-efficient.
  • Fire-resistant and low maintenance.
  • Can last 50+ years.

✅ Composite Roofing (Synthetic Shake)

  • Mimics the look of wood shake without the fire risk.
  • Highly resistant to weather damage.
  • Lower maintenance and longer lifespan.

👉 Anderson Builders specializes in helping homeowners in Littleton, CO find the best roofing material for their homes. Contact us today for a free roofing consultation.

Conclusion: Should You Replace Your Shake Roof?

While shake roof shingles once offered timeless beauty, the drawbacks are hard to ignore—especially in a climate like Littleton, CO. From high fire risks and insurance complications to expensive maintenance and weather vulnerability, it’s clear that replacing your shake roof is often the best long-term solution.

Why Choose Anderson Builders for Your Roof Replacement?

  • ✅ Local Expertise: We understand Littleton’s climate and roofing challenges.
  • ✅ High-Quality Materials: We install durable, fire-resistant roofing materials.
  • ✅ Trusted by Homeowners: Our team has helped hundreds of Littleton homeowners upgrade their roofs.

For more information about how we can help you with roof repairs,  installing a new roof in Littleton or Denver, or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 303-829-6276 or visit our website andersonbuilders.com. Your roof’s health is our top priority!