Regular Roof Inspections And Maintenance Can Help Prevent Minor Issues From Becoming Major Problems
The best way to reduce the risk of experiencing a roof leak in the first place is for homeowners to maintain the roof. They shouldnt wait until theres a problem, because by the time a problem makes itself evident, it may be a big one. Regular roof inspections allow an expert to walk the roof, check the flashing, and look for any indications that theres a slow leak already in progress. The homeowner will then want to follow the inspectors recommendations for repair if any issues are found. That way, the homeowner can rest more comfortably knowing their roof is in good shape, and they will also have documentation of the inspection and maintenance to show their homeowners insurance company that the roof was in good shape and well maintained prior to any incident. Another benefit of regular inspections is that a qualified inspector can give the homeowner an estimate of when the roof may need to be replaced, allowing the homeowner to save and budget for the expense of replacement. In addition, keeping the gutters cleared and free-flowing will protect the edge of the roof from forming ice dams and will reduce the likelihood of pest damage to the wood underneath the shingles.
Why Is A Flat Roof More Expensive To Insure
Flat roofs are inexpensive and easy to install, but they can increase your home insurance. A flat roof is more susceptible to general wear and tear than a pitched roof. Brosnan Property Solutions is one of Corks leading roof repair companies. Typically, well use a roof repair material such as a waterproof sealant to prolong the life of bitumen and asphalt.
Roofing felt is prone to cracking due to ultra-violet rays from the sun. Its popular for a flat roof, but the design accumulates pools of water. When it freezes, ice encourages hairline cracks to widen, allowing rain to seep in. Flat roofs can also be damaged by burglars or vandals walking across them. Home insurers usually charge more for flat roofs. Its due to their higher risk of developing faults and increased need for regular maintenance.
How Much Does A Roof Leak Cost To Fix
Although repairs could be expensive depending on the scope of your loss, it’s a good idea to have a professional examine your home’s water damage rather than trying to fix it yourself.
The total cost to repair your leak and any damage it causes depends on the size of the leak, its source and the length of time it exists before you fix it. If you only need to apply a rubber sealant to a leaking vent, your repair could cost less than $100.
On the other hand, if you need to reshingle a section of your roof, the materials and labor may cost $400 to $700. Significant roof repairs including new shingles, plywood, cement and metal flashing could cost anywhere from $700 to $3,000. Other factors, such as the danger involved with working around and repairing a skylight or chimney, may also affect your total costs.
Except for the most basic leaks, it’s best to have a professional assess the damage and recommend repairs. Performing work on your roof can be dangerous, and while you may feel like you’re saving money by repairing a leak yourself, you could end up costing yourself far more if your repairs are inadequate and lead to wood rot or mold damage.
Additionally, if your insurance company realizes that new damage is the result of work you tried to perform yourself rather than having a professional do the job, they may claim that you’re responsible for the damage and deny your claim.
Don’t Miss: How To Install Modified Bitumen Roofing
When Are Roof Leaks Covered By Home Insurance
Roof leaks are covered by homeowners insurance if they are caused by a covered or named peril. A peril is a situation or weather-related event, such as a fire or hailstorm, that can cause damage to your home and personal belongings. If your home is damaged by a covered peril, insurance companies agree to compensate you for your losses.
Assume a major windstorm blew a large section of your roof off, and a subsequent rainstorm brought water into your attic through the leaky roof. In this case, the roof damage would be covered because the leak was caused by a windstorm, which is a covered peril under most insurance policies.
Any sudden and accidental roof damage is typically covered by homeowners insurance, but it depends on the type of policy you have.
How Does The Age Of The Roof Affect Insurance
Insurers consider a roofs age and condition when providing coverage.
Some insurers refuse to renew existing homeowner insurance policies on houses with roofs older than 20 years unless they pass an inspection. Insurers wont renew a policy that fails inspection without a roof replacement.
Other insurers dont write new policies for homes with roofs more than 20 years old. Or, theyll only pay actual cash value for roof replacement for older roofs when theyre damaged. This means they will only pay the depreciated value of the roof, not the cost of a new one.
“If you have a roof that has lasted 20 years, then you’ve probably exceeded the roofing membrane life expectancy, says Gerald Delaune, senior building envelope consultant at Childress Engineering Services Inc. in Richardson, Texas. Chances are that at that point, there are issues within the roofing system that cannot be seen , which could potentially deteriorate the deck it would be worth your money to replace the roof.
Replacing a roof can cost $10,000 or more, but you might need to make that investment to keep coverage.
Chip Merlin, president of Tampa-based Merlin Law Group, said home insurers have tightened underwriting requirements for older homes, especially when it comes to roofs, plumbing and electrical systems.
Also Check: What Is A Michigan Roof
Who Or What Caused The Damage
If the cause of the leakage was negligence, poor maintenance, or faulty workmanship, you wouldnt be able to make a claim for a leaking roof. However, if a natural disaster or a fire caused the damage, you can file a claim.
It all comes down to the fine print of your insurance policy. So, be sure to read every little detail before signing your insurance policy.
Review Your Insurance Policy
The first good step in making a roof claim is to try to understand your policy. Theres no point going to battle for coverage that you never had. For example, is the roof damage actually covered, or did you choose to exclude wind and hail damage? Is your coverage for replacement cost or actual cash value?
You May Like: A Best Roofing Tulsa Ok
Ac Leak Claims Can Be Complicated
AC leak claims have several moving parts. Damages may include the unit itself as well as water damage to the surrounding areas of the home. Whether your homeowner policy will cover your cost depends on your policy and the type of damage you have to the unit. Contact Bulldog Adjusters today for help with an AC leak claim.
Does My Home Insurance Provider Choose A Roofer To Repair My Roof Or Can I Choose One Myself
If your roof is brand new, your insurer might want to use one of their contracted roofing companies. In most cases, you’re on your own. It is up to you to contact local roofers and ask them for a quote. If you want to avoid the hassle of contacting multiple roofing companies, I recommend you visit this website and they will contact you!
You May Like: How Much For A Tile Roof
Compare Home Insurance Policies
We help you find home insurance with coverage for leaking roofs by comparing policies from up to 50 different providers
This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybodys specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.
Compare Home Insurance
Will Homeowners Insurance Cover The Water Damage If My Roof Leaks
The initial cause of the roof leak will determine if your homeowners insurance will cover the water damage. Typically, if the initial cause of loss is a covered peril, then it will be covered by home insurance. The dwelling coverage will pay to fix the damage to the structure of the home while personal property coverage will pay if your belongings are damaged.
Depending on the extent of the roof damage, your homeowners insurance may pay for a roof repair or replacement. If you have an old roof, there is a chance your home insurance company will only pay actual cash value rather than replacement cost. Mold may be covered, in some circumstances, depending on your home insurance policy, the time passed since the initial cause of loss, how quickly your claim is resolved and repairs are able to be completed, as well as any specific endorsements you may have.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Your Roof Covered By Insurance
When Doesnt Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage
If your roof suffers from neglect or wear and tear, your homeowners insurance probably wonât cover the cost of a roof replacement. The average lifespan of a roof is twenty years. If your roof is older than that, your insurance may provide limited coverage or none at all, depending on your provider and policy.
How Insurance Companies Typically View Roof Leaks
When talking about the most common homeowners insurance claims, roof damage is high up on the list. Unfortunately, not all claims are valid or paid out.
It is likewise vital to note that not all insurance companies pay to the same degree. Most roof leaks are covered by homeowners insurance as long as the root cause of the leak is included in the open peril list of the insurance policy.
The insurance company will not reimburse the repair cost if the cause of roof leaks is from natural wear and tear or lack of maintenance on your part.
The reality is that many homeowners donât know how to care for their roofs properly. They let leaves rot on their roof and in the gutters and dont replace missing or cracked shingles in a timely fashion. In short, the roof is neglected until problems arise, with homeowners often thinking insurance companies will cover any damage that results.
Its important for homeowners to get roof inspections often, particularly after major storms or natural disasters, to accurately align the roof damage to open perils and not roof care neglect. Otherwise, insurance companies will question the legitimacy of any claims.
If you have multiple inspections and documented maintenance records, any claims you file will have a much higher chance of approval.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A New Roof Cost In California
Also Check: Are Roof Leaks Covered By Homeowners Insurance
File A Claim With Your Insurance Company
In order to notify your insurance company of the roof leak, call them. A claims representative will send you the necessary paperwork and request that you share photos of the damage. After you file a claim, the insurance company will inspect the damage, calculate your payout based on documentation and repair estimates, and issue you a check for the cost of repairs, less your deductible.
When Should An Insurance Claim Be Made For Roof Repairs
So, what to do if the ceiling is leaking?
My advice to home owners is to submit an insurance claim if a storm has caused water ingress into the house and caused internal damage. A home owner will stand a good chance of insurance coverage to repair all the internal damage since these are all the result of a storm event.
Mostly, any internal damage will be repaired by the insurance company under the claim. It is the roof repair work that is usually challenged by the insurance companies.
Some insurance companies even go as far as saying that since the leaking and subsequent damage is because the roof has not been maintained properly, the whole claim is rejected. They will not even do the repair to the internal damage! But this is quite rare.
So, if there is substantial damage to the inside of the home, a homeowner is better off making a claim and pay the excess.
However, if the internal damage is only slight staining to the ceiling, then the excess may be more than the cost of a re-paint. And now that the homeowner knows that most insurance claims for the actual repair to the roof will be rejected it will be cheaper NOT to make a claim.
Just find a good roof repairer and get the roof fixed first. Then wait a while to be confident that the roof repair is good before repainting the ceiling.
Read Also: What Is A Palapa Roof
Does My Home Insurance Cover Roof Damage Caused By A Hurricane
Home insurance for hurricane-related damage can be a bit tricky. Home insurance generally covers wind damage to roofs, but some insurers exclude certain types of hurricane-related damage. For example, some insurers in Atlantic coastal states will exclude wind-related damage, meaning roof damage wont be covered by a standard home insurance policy.
You might need windstorm insurance as an endorsement to your home insurance policy or as a standalone policy. If you live in an area thats prone to hurricanes, talk with an agent to make sure there are no gaps in your coverage. A good hurricane insurance plan is typically a mix of homeowners insurance, flood insurance and wind insurance .
My Roof Is Leaking: Is It Covered By Insurance
Part of being a homeowner means keeping up on important repairs, especially roof repairs. Owning a home is expensive, but it becomes even more expensive when you have to come up with thousands of dollars for an unexpected roofing job. Having the right home insurance can help save you hundreds of dollars when it comes to repairs, but if you havent looked at your homeowners policy recently, you may be surprised what is and isnt covered by your home insurance.
Read Also: How To Fix Leaking Roof Tiles
Should You File A Claim For A Roof Leak
Whether you should file a homeowners insurance claim for a roof leak depends on the significance of the leak, the size of your deductible and whether you’ve filed any other claims in the past few years.
Additionally, filing a claim may incur a premium increase when you renew your policy, as insurers will view your home as riskier to cover. So, unless your repair costs are significantly higher than your deductible, it might cost less over the long term to pay for it yourself.
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
How Do Insurance Carriers Handle Roof Damage
When damage to your roof results in a leak, its important to contact your insurance carrier right away. After you file a claim, the carrier will send an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate how much repairs might cost.
Depending on the situation, you may not need to replace the roof entirely. A contractor can help you make this determination.
If your claim is approved, youll pay your deductible and the insurance carrier will issue a reimbursement check , which youll use to pay the contractor for the repairs. Sometimes, the initial check is just an advance on the total amount, so you may receive more payments.
Important:
Also Check: How To Match Roof Shingles To House Color
Are Any Natural Disasters Not Covered By Insurance
Yes, in most cases, the insurance provider will list the cases where you wont be eligible for a claim. For example, if hail storms are common in your area of residence, the chances are that you will need separate insurance for hail damage.
Most insurance policies usually exclude roofing damages caused by a natural disaster that is common in the area or make the deductible extremely high for these damages. How rude!
How To Protect Your Roof
Protecting your roof is the best way to avoid a leak in the first place. Gutter cleaning, roof debris removal, and frequent trimming of trees that overhang your roof are all important. After a storm, conduct a quick inspection of your home from the inside and outside to look for roof damage, especially if there is ice or hail. Its also a good idea to photograph your roof before storm/hail season to confirm its condition in case a leak develops later. This is especially useful in determining the true cause of loss.
Don’t Miss: Can You Put Metal Roof Over Two Layers Of Shingles
Continue Regular Roof Maintenance
After the roof is fixed and things are back to normal, theres more work to be done. Doing routine maintenance on your roof is the best way to control leaks. Your roof takes on a lot of wear and tear, and its exposed to harsh outside elements. Routine roof maintenance includes:
Weather conditions like rain, snow, and hail weaken the shingles over time. Ensure that your house stays in good condition by keeping major systems, such as your roof, properly maintained.
Sometimes, finding the source of a leak is more complicated than simply spotting a hole in your attics ceiling. From failing flashing to clogged gutters to crumbling shingles, the list of potential causes is very long.Bob Vila, From Solved, What To Do About A Leaky Roof
