ARE ROOF REPAIRS COVERED BY HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE?

A salesman with a miniature model home points to the home as he talks to his client with a pen in his hand over some documents on top of a desk that they are both seated at

One of your biggest investments is your house. In just a matter of minutes, all the money and effort you used to make your house a home could be wiped away. That is the reason for homeowners insurance.

It is vital to make sure you are covered when disaster strikes, whether it is an accident, a theft, or catastrophic weather event. However, the lines of coverage become a little confusing when it comes to roof damage.

What Exactly is Roofing Insurance and When Can I Use It?

Roofing insurance is one aspect of your homeowner’s insurance. It covers cases where your roof is damaged to the point that it requires either major roof repair or replacement. This may include roof damage resulting from reasons beyond the homeowner’s control, such as vandalism or theft. Also usually covered are damage from “acts of God” or extreme weather including tornadoes and hurricanes. In the same direction, roof damage resulting in general weather incidents such as wind, rain, and hail are frequently covered by home insurance policies.

That part is easy: If your roof damage occurred from an unavoidable event, you are usually covered, However, if the damage occurred from an avoidable event, it is not so obvious.

Caution: Be Sure to Read All Fine Print

All roofing needs are not covered by all homeowners roofing insurance. Many factors are at play. For instance, if you own an older roof, such as 20 years old, most insurance companies usually consider roofs this age to be beyond their life expectancy. And as such, they choose to reimburse a portion of any roof repairs or replaces or nothing at all in some cases.

Other possible policy exclusions can include neglect or improper maintenance, roofs consisting of more than two layers of roofing materials or use of certain expensive roofing materials such as recycled shake shingles or slate. Your geological location could even affect whether an insurance company will cover a roof claim.

The best way to figure out what is covered under your homeowner’s roofing insurance is to speak with your insurance provider regarding your particular policy.

SIGNS THAT MAY SUGGEST YOU REQUIRE A ROOF REPLACEMENT

The National Roofing Contractors Association suggest homeowners should complete a roof inspection twice annually, once in the spring and then again in the fall the identify potential problems early. Also, they should inspect their roof following any major weather event or major storm. Depending on the amount of damage, a roof replacement may be your only option. Here are some things to look for:

  • Shingles: During your inspection look for worn out or old shingles that are buckles, split, or curled. Be sure to note any missing shingles.
  • Water Damage: Any section of the roof that is soft can indicate water damage. Indoor roof leaks can be identified by looking for peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, or discolored plasterboard. Also, inspect the insulation located in the attic. If any of the insulation is soggy, you may have a leaky roof.
  • Gutters: Gutter must be clear and not overflowing. Inspect the downspouts and gutters for any granules from your roof shingles, as well, which is a sign of roof decay. Flashing: Inspect the flashing located around vents, chimney, and skylight seals to ensure there are no breaks or cracks that could let moisture or rain in.
  • Venting: Be sure all sources of roof ventilation are not blocked off and are open. When there is a lack of proper ventilation, moisture and heat can accumulate in the attic and result in rot, curled shingles, and ineffective insulation.

Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to repair even minor issues right away. Catching roof leaks early can save you both time and money.

The integrity and safety of your entire home are dependent on a strong, reliable roof. In fact, even minor damage can result in water damage, pest infestations, and mold – all which can lead to costly maintenance and repairs down the road and decrease the overall lifespan of your roof.

Furthermore, your roof plays a big role in a home’s insulation and weatherproofing system. Without a strong, reliable roof, when it comes to heating and air conditioning, a home loses a significant amount of efficiency.

FILING A ROOFING INSURANCE CLAIM

If your roof has sustained damage and is in need of repair, allow the experts of S.W.A.T. Roofing and Contracting to assist you. When it comes to insurance claims assistance, we go the extra mile and send our team members to obtain the same education as the insurance company adjusters. Our S.W.A.T. team is also trained in software called Xactimate, the same software program adjusters utilize to calculate roof damage.

We ensure our clients are protected and get what they deserve. At S.W.A.T., since we know what the insurance company knows, we understand what they are looking for during an assessment of an insurance claim and can properly negotiate with the adjuster and insurance companies. In fact, in 20 states throughout America, we are a licensed insurance adjuster, certified by Liberty Mutual, Allstate, State Farm, and USAA to name a few.

Our team of highly qualified specialists gets fast results, allowing us to relieve our clients of this stress. We are a full-service, turn-key contracting and restoration company.

When you call in the S.W.A.T. team, we quickly come to assess your roof for damage. Since we have licensed insurance adjusters on staff, we will discuss the level of damage, if any at all. In the case of significant damage, your next step would be to contact your insurance company to schedule a meeting with an to adjust and our present.

S.W.A.T Roofing & Contracting is here to help you every step of the way. We understand how stressful it can be to deal with roof damage and we’ll do our best to get your roof back to 100% as quickly as possible. Schedule your free inspection today, or give us a call at (817) 756-6666.