When it comes to owning a home and dealing with insurance companies, things can get pretty complicated pretty quickly, and this is even more true when you’re dealing with issues related to your roof. Whether you have a leaky, old roof; a roof damaged by a severe storm; or your roof is in pretty decent shape but it’s time to have it replaced regardless, we can steer you in the right direction in terms of what to expect from dealing with homeowners insurance and roof problems.
What’s Typically Covered
Broadly speaking, damage to your home’s roof, and damage to the interior and your belongings as a result of this roof damage, WILL be covered by your homeowners insurance if your roof:
- Was professionally installed;
- Is less than 20 years old;
- Has been well-maintained;
and was damaged by:
- An act of nature,
- Or an otherwise unforeseeable event.
What Typically Isn’t
Generally speaking, roof repairs or replacements that need to happen due to general wear and tear or gradual aging won’t be covered by homeowners insurance. Sometimes, damage to your home’s interior and/or your possessions will be covered by damage due to these causes, and sometimes it won’t. It’s important to be clear on what is and isn’t covered related to this type of “wear and tear” damage, because if your home’s interior isn’t covered in this case, you’ll want to make sure not to let your roof exceed the age listed in your homeowners policy, or else be prepared to deal with some very costly repairs and replacements when the outside elements inevitably find their way inside your home by way of your worn out roof.
Other situations where your roof damage might not be covered is if the damage to your roof was done in such a way that was foreseeable and preventable (i.e., if there was a large, dead tree in your front yard that you failed to have removed, or heavy branches overhanging your roof that broke off and damaged your roof in a way that seems expected based on the circumstances, or if you were aware of the damage for a long time and did nothing to attempt to rectify it). Also, if the damage to your roof resulted from neglect or improper or inadequate maintenance (such as mold, pest infestation, or blocked up gutters) the resulting damage will probably not be covered by insurance.
What Do I Do to Protect My Home?
In some states, separate roof insurance policies are available to homeowners who want to make sure their home and belongings are covered in the event of roof leaks or other damage. This insurance can be offered as an add-on policy, and usually requires a separate roof inspection by a home inspector (if the creation of the policy is connected to the sale or purchase of the home) or an approved roofing contractor who will certify that the roof is in good enough shape to insure. Your local roofing expert will probably have reliable information on the types of roof insurance available in your area.
If you’re concerned about the state of your roof, your homeowners insurance doesn’t cover roof damage, and you can’t get separate roof insurance, it might be a good investment to replace your roof, thereby having the initial protection of the warranty (for materials), a guarantee (from your roofing contractor), and the eligibility for more comprehensive roofing insurance.
It’s always a good idea to have your roof evaluated by a trusted, local roofing contractor every few years. This will give you peace of mind that your roof is in good shape, and will give you an idea of what you can expect in terms of your roof’s longevity. Here in Cincinnati, all of us here at Harper Siding and Roofing would be happy to give you our honest, experienced opinion on the state of your roof and its prospects in terms of insurance.