Dear Monica: We just got a Notice of Nonrenewal from our insurance carrier because we have a wood shake roof. We got a new composition roof two years ago and are not in a Wildland Fire area. Is this a new standard? Stephen G.

Dear Stephen: Yes, wood shake roofs are considered fire hazards wherever they are located and insurance companies are ceasing to cover them. Cities have made requirements for building new shake roofs more stringent than before. If homeowners know they might lose fire coverage, these roofs will be less popular.

If you change your roof from wood to composition, let your insurance company know and send them paid receipts and photographs of your home to support this.