The Definitive Guide to Roof Leaks in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

13 Apr The Definitive Guide to Roof Leaks in Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

Does your homeowners’ insurance pay for a leaky roof? Leaks are a sign of roof damage that a professional inspector should evaluate. If it isn’t sealed properly soon after it’s discovered, the leak can grow into a bigger and more expensive problem. Here’s what you need to know about leaky roofs in relation to their insurance coverage.

Types of Roof Leaks

Many homeowners don’t think much about roofing until it becomes damaged. However, a new roof may cost as much as $25,000 for asphalt shingles and even more for a metal roof. Assuming your insurance will cover any kind of leak is dangerous because it isn’t true.

Insurance companies aren’t in the regular home maintenance business, as they exist to provide financial protection for catastrophic events beyond your control. They typically don’t cover preventable disasters. Many roof issues are preventable by cleaning gutters regularly to eliminate the problem of water backup. Moisture is what causes mold to spread.

Roof leaks can happen for different reasons, but in order for insurance to cover it, the problem must result from a disaster and not neglect. Some of the reasons why a roof leak might not be covered include old age, the development of mold or fungus, and damage caused by rodents or other living creatures. Leaks related to overall wear and tell are not covered, especially if the roof has remained moist for a long time.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

Since slow leaks can develop into major leaks, it’s up to you as a homeowner to pay for the maintenance. However, a leak caused by damage from a fallen tree is more likely to be covered by your policy. Other types of leaks that your standard policy covers include those caused by extreme weather or vandalism.

It’s imperative that you understand the homeowner’s insurance policy before signing for it. Be aware that you must conduct regular maintenance to protect your roof against common environmental elements. That means you should have your roof periodically examined by a professional roof inspector to ensure no long-term developing damage occurs.

Preparing for Roof Disasters

One way to generally reduce your homeowner’s insurance costs is to demonstrate to the insurer that you have lowered your risks. Trimming tree branches that hang over your home can help lower the risks of roof damage. However, there aren’t many other things you can do to prevent roof damage from a severe storm, flood, or earthquake. In such cases, you can add special insurance coverage for extreme disasters like earthquakes, which isn’t part of a standard plan.

You can also add other types of extended coverage to your plan depending on risks in your area that directly affect your home, such as living in a flood plain.

Secure Your Home with Us

Securing the right homeowners’ insurance is one of the keys to sleeping better at night, knowing your home is financially protected from unexpected disasters. If you want to know more about your homeowners’ insurance policy, call Kevin or Marci at Kevin S. Dougherty Insurance today! We will help you get customized coverage for your needs.