Does Home Warranty Cover Roof Repair

Which Home Warranty Covers The Most

Best for Coverage Options American Home Shield

Its the industrys leader and it pays out more service requests than any other home warranty company. The company offers three different primary plans plus real estate and electronics coverage. You can also customize the plans by adding coverage for more items.

How To Understand What Your Roof Warranty Covers

A new roof is a huge investment which requires careful considerations to ensure it lasts a lifetime. Many homeowners often get caught up comparing the myriad of attractive roofing materials available on the market while forgetting the roofing warranties offered by the manufacturer and roofing contractor. Roofing warranties can seem complicated, but they dont have to be. Here are the three important things to understand about roofing warranties.

Home Warranty Roof Coverage Specifics

Home warranty roof coverage is meant to fill in the gaps not covered by homeowners insurance to create a comprehensive package. While homeowners insurance will cover the damage caused by the leak, it wont cover the cost to repair the leak itself. On the other hand, home warranty roof coverage will cover the cost to repair the roof leak, but not the secondary damage that results.

Most home warranty companies only cover the most common types of roofs and only roofs over occupied sections of your home .

Along with certain roof types and sections of your homes, various exclusions may apply to the types of leaks a home warranty company may repair.

The specific coverage and exclusions will vary between home warranty companies, so carefully read the contract of each home warranty company youre considering to learn exactly whats covered under their policy.

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Some of the most common exclusions to the coverage a home warranty company offers include:

• Full roof replacement
• Weather damage from snow, hail, rain or lightning
• Damage caused by fallen branches or trees
• Damage to the inside of your home caused by a roof leak
• Roofs over unoccupied portions of your home, like porches and patios
• Certain types of roofs like metal, gravel, flat tar and green roofs
• Gutters and downspouts
• Leaks around satellites and solar panels

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Where To Find The Best Roof Warranty

Roof leaks are cause for immediate concern. Not only can they cause damage to the underlying structure and interior of your home, but they also signal costly repairs on the horizon. While replacing an asphalt roof shingle is relatively simple, properly sealing a leak and fixing any resulting damage usually require the services of a professional contractor, and those dont come cheap.

Many people seek financial protection from roof repairs with a roof warranty, which may cover some of the costs of materials or labor. Manufacturers, contractors and the best home warranty companies all offer some form of warranty protection, but they cover different types of problems. Weve done our research on roof warranties, and were here to review your options for coverage.

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As you can see, most roofs will need to be replaced after 20-30 years, even if theyre properly maintained and regularly inspected. This may sound like a long time, but replacing or repairing a roof is an expensive job.

Learn About Roof Warranty Home Warranty Coverage

The Home Service Club recognizes your Roof as a vital Home System. Although a good Roof can last you many years, throughout the course of its service, issues and leaks may occur. The Home Service Club provides immediate and dependable service by licensed and reliable professionals. Our simple policy of fix or replace affords you the peace of mind in knowing that if the system cannot be fixed, the Home Service Club will replace it.

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It Is Not Common For Home Warranty Companies To Cover Roof Replacement But They May Cover Repairs

This is an important distinction to understand: A home warranty doesnt automatically replace something thats broken, so despite the fact that youre angry about your new roof leaking and want the whole thing replaced, your home warranty isnt going to just replace the whole roof so you can start again. The warranty will allow the leak to be fixed. This is different from the way that home warranties cover other appliances and systems: In most policies, if a system or appliance cant be repaired, it will be replaced, but roof coverage is limited to leaks and specifically excludes replacement.

While its possible that you may find a policy that includes complete roof replacement, that would be extremely unusual, and you would want to read that policy very, very closely to check for exclusions or reasons the warranty company might use to deny coverage. Some home warranty companies do partially contribute to replacement by assessing the maximum they would pay for the most egregious leak and contributing that amount toward the replacement, but the rest of the replacement cost will come out of your pocket.

So what do home warranties cover? The true benefit of home warranty roof coverage is the repair coverage the idea is that youll be less hesitant to call a roofer for a repair at the first sign of a leakwhen leaks are most easily fixedif you know that your cost will be covered.

Roof Contractor Damage Neglect Incomplete Work

In the case of roof contractor work, roof leaks are covered by your home warranty policy if the tradesman or builder is solely responsible for the leak.

In essence, roof leaks will need to be fixed if they are the result of a major defect, an incomplete job, or a specific non-structural defect covered by the insurance policy. If the roof leak is not fixed or addressed within a certain period of time, the homeowner will be covered by the home warranty policy.

The period of home warranty cover for major defects is six years after the completion of works, and two years cover for non-major defects.

If your roof leak is purely the result of storm damage or after trade damage , then the roof leak will not be covered by the initial home warranty contract.

For roof leaks to be covered by home warranty Insurance, the leak will need to be a direct result of the tradesman or builders work or lack of work stated by the contract.

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Finding A Roof Warranty

Manufacturers warranties and workmanship guarantees tend to come with the purchase of materials and labor, so you wont need to seek them out separately. However, be careful when it comes to choosing a particular material or contractor on the basis of the guarantee they offer. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

• Pay attention to wording. A lifetime guarantee isnt forever, only the expected lifespan of the materials, which may be 1525 years.
• The length of the warranty isnt everything, either. Check the contract carefully to see what types of damage are covered, as well as the maximum payouts the warranty offers.
• A prorated warranty offers less and less coverage over time.
• Even full system warranties have gaps, so you will almost certainly spend some of your own money for large repairs or a replacement no matter what.

Theres another type of guarantee called a home warranty that can cover household appliances and systems that break down not because of problems with materials or labor but rather normal wear and tear. Unfortunately, most companies that offer home warranties exclude roofs, largely because theyre so expensive to repair or replace.

How And When To Use The New Home Warranty

Its tempting to assume that your new home will look perfect and not show up with any defects. If the build quality is excellent, you may never need to use your builders warranty.

However, many homeowners have been unpleasantly surprised by defects in a newly purchased home. If you start seeing cracks in the walls or foundation, roof tiles falling off, water seeping into the basement, etc., it is time to call your builder and file a claim.

If the builder has purchased a third-party warranty, youll have to get in touch with the company. Always ensure that you have the contact details before taking possession of the property.

When the home systems or appliances experience problems no longer covered by your construction warranty, you can call your home warranty companys customer service department to file a claim. They send over repair technicians to diagnose and recommend a course of action. You will get the service carried out or a reimbursement accordingly.

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Is Wind Damage To Your Roof Covered By Homeowners Insurance

Wind damage to your roof can range from a few shingles peeling to a tree crashing into it. When filing a roof damage insurance claim due to wind, an adjuster may inspect your roof. Many policies have separate deductibles for hurricanes and windstorms, which can be a percentage of your home’s total dwelling coverage.

Home Warranties Vs Home Insurance

While a home warranty is entirely elective, homeowners insurance is typically required by your home’s mortgage lender. After all, until you’ve paid off your debt, the bank is still the true owner, and they want to make sure they’re covered in case anything happens to the home.

While there’s a dizzying array of insurance coverage you may be required to get, most homeowners insurance is made up of the same basic components, which outlines your coverage and cost and arbitrates your interaction with your insurance company should you need to file a claim.

In general, insurance covers you when something external — such as a heavy storm, fire, earthquake or some other catastrophic event — damages your home or the contents inside, like your furniture or electronics. You’re also covered in the event of a break-in or theft, and your policy will pay to repair any broken windows or locks as well as replace any items that were taken.

But what about home warranties — do home warranties cover roofs?

The simple answer is yes, they can, but it’s usually an add-on, so make sure to talk to an agent if you’re unclear about your existing coverage.

Indeed, unlike your homeowners insurance, a home warranty covers things that your insurance policy doesn’t — like your home’s air conditioning and heating system, as well as your electrical system, plumbing system, appliances, and, yes, even your roof.

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New Construction Or Replacement Roof Cost

There are many factors that will affect the cost of a new or replacement roof, such as home location, roof material, old roof disposal, and roof square footage. With this in mind, the average new roof in the U.S. costs $8,000, while roofs with more expensive materials can go for upwards of $25,000.

The most affordable roof is 3-tab asphalt shingles, coming in at $2.38-$3.57 per foot, followed by concrete tiles and wood shingles that average around $4.65-$7 per square foot. Next is a slate roof, which is $7.68-$11.70 per square foot, followed closely by clay tiles, which are $8.55-$12.83 per square foot. On the more expensive side, generic metal roofing costs $17.99-$26.99 and copper roofing costs $15.42 to $23.14. The most expensive roofing is Solar Shingles, coming in at around $33.33-$42.12 per square foot.

Keep in mind that the material cost for roof replacement isnt the only out-of-pocket cost. Roofing companies also charge up to 60% of the total project cost in labor fees, making roof replacement much more expensive. Also, the total complexity, location, and square footage of the project have a high impact on overall costs.

There Are Ways To Prevent Roof Damage But When It Occurs A Home Warranty With A Roof Repair Policy Addition Can Prevent You From Paying Full Price

Homeowners know that roof repair can be expensive especially when purchasing a home, some of the most important questions buyers ask are about the age and condition of the roof. For this reason, many real estate agents advise sellers to include a 1-year home warranty to their potential buyers to put their minds at ease. Even for established homeowners, the question of what does home warranty cover? is reasonable, because as roofs age theyll be more prone to leaks resulting from wear and tear, so existing homeowners may want to consider buying a home warranty to guard against age-related repairs.

Caring for your roof goes a long way toward preventing leaks and damage. Occasional cleaning by a professional, especially if your roof is shaded and prone to developing moss or algae, will keep its defenses strong. Avoiding power washers, especially on a high setting aimed at the underside of the shingles, will keep the water barriers in place and prevent damage to the shingles themselves.

If you live in a cold climate, its especially important to keep your gutters clean and clear to prevent ice dams from building up in the winter. Ice dams will often invalidate the homeowners insurance coverage of the roof, and because theyre a result of weather, their damage will not be covered by a home warranty.

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Natural Accidents And Criminal Events

Home warranty insurance will cover roof leaks if they are caused by falling trees or branches, other falling objects, windstorms, hail, extreme weather conditions, vandalism or accidents.

If a roof leak is directly caused by one of these perils, home insurance will usually cover the costs of repairing the damage. Basically, your insurance will cover roof leaks if the cause was unavoidable.

Most home insurance policies will not cover roof leaks if the leak is directly caused by lack of maintenance, roof neglect, mould algae or wood rotting, roof deterioration, or from birds, rodents and insect infestations. These are generally considered avoidable causes and are reasons to be exempted from the insurance policy

Typical Warranty Costs For Roof Repairs

If roof coverage isnt included under the standard home warranty contract, the average home warranty cost for add-on coverage is $8 per month.

When repairs need to be made, you should expect to pay a service fee between $75 and $125. In addition, there will be a limit to the overall cost of the repair that the company will cover, often between $1,000 and $1,500.

As a general rule, the lower the monthly rate you pay, the higher the service fee will be and the lower the maximum repair cost that will be covered.

Best Warranty Companies By States And Cities

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Summary Of Money’s What Does A Home Warranty Cover

Ultimately, a home warranty can be a great way to protect your investment in your home and add peace of mind. Unlike popular housing myths that conflate homeowners insurance with home warranties, this coverage can provide another layer of value and protection for one of your most important assets.

These service contracts can be a great way to protect your home and budget in the event of unexpected repairs. However, it is essential to understand the terms of the service contract before signing up for coverage. By understanding what a home warranty covers and the potential limitations of your policy, you can make an informed decision on whether or not a home warranty is right for you.

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If Home Warranty Policies Do Provide Roof Coverage Its Likely To Be An Add

When you choose a home warranty policy, youll see a list of the systems and appliances that the warranty covers. Often these systems are arranged into packages at different price points to help homeowners select the level of coverage they prefer. Because roof repair and replacement is expensive for the warranty company, lower-priced packages may not include roof coverage at all, or the warranty company may make the coverage available as an add-on for an extra cost. Higher-priced packages may include the roof coverage as a standard part of the package, but youll want to look closely at the policy to make sure the roof is listed as covered.

What Roof Repair Specialist Offers

Even if a home warranty does cover the roof, its still important that you work with a trusted contractor like Roof Repair Specialist to perform roof repairs and replacements on your California property.

We only offer the best roof warranties, so rest assured that youre covered well and for a long period. Our warranties for roofing materials are unbeatable: up to 50 years for shingles, 20 years for Tile, and 20 years for Torch Down.

As for labor warranties, we guarantee our work on asphalt shingles for up to 25 years for new installations and 10 years for repairs. We also offer workmanship warranties on torch-down roofs, single-ply roofs, and tile roofs. These come in varying warranty lengths however, we only use the best materials to ensure the longevity of the repair beyond the warranty.

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