Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
In short, it’s common that an all-perils homeowners insurance policy will cover any damages done to your roof, including the cost of replacing it if it gets brutalized by the weather. However, this only applies to events such as an act of nature or a sudden accident. General wear and tear and neglect, as well as the other problems that arise from a roof that exceeds its lifespan, are generally ineligible for any reimbursements; they fall under the responsibility and general maintenance expectations to be provided by the homeowner.
How Roof Insurance Works
When compared to any other part of a home or building, a roof arguably has the most direct exposure to nature and the elements. For structures in northern climates, there is also the weight of ice, heavy snow, and the impact of hail to consider. For structures in the Midwest, cyclones and tornadoes are also notable problems. Tropical climates give rise to the potential for hurricane-force winds and torrential downpours that can quickly see a roof become leaky. Not only can the winds of Mother Nature cause direct damage, but they can also cause trees and other debris to topple or tumble into your roof. Even wildfires can sometimes damage the roof of homes built lower to the ground, and although unlikely, aircraft debris and junk from arial incidents or refuse can land atop your home.
Thankfully, a roof is an integral part of your home’s structure, and therefore the dwelling coverage section of an average homeowner’s insurance policy will typically protect you from such financial harm. Destruction and damage from these events will qualify you for a total or partial roof replacement that can be done by professional roofing contractors nearby. However, you will still be responsible for paying your policy’s deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
There are some insurance policies, especially those penned in high-risk states, that will demand a higher deductible for damages that ensue from inclement weather. Homeowners in these areas wishing to safeguard their property frequently have to purchase additional coverage or separate weather-related policies based on the typical/average storms in the geographical region that they live in.
Special Considerations for Roof Insurance Coverage
If a sudden turn of events in the weather causes dramatic damage to a home, then insurance covering the repairs or replacement is highly likely. More nuanced instances are when the damage to a roof is less noticeable, even if caused by an act of nature. If a violent thunderstorm causes a few scrapes on some roof shingles, your insurance company could label that as cosmetic damage and opt not to cover it. Let’s pretend that the same weather storm causes a small leak in your roof. Even though the wind and rains triggered it, your insurance company could claim that it’s a result of general wear and tear and reflect the natural deterioration of your roof. However, water damage that is apparent on walls, floors, and furniture within your property typically is considered to be covered under the all-perils section of a home insurance policy.
Hire a Professional Roofing Company to Assess Your Roof
If your area has recently experienced dramatic weather that has impacted the roofing systems of the homes around you, getting an experienced roofing contractor to inspect your home is a wise choice. An ounce of prevention could be a pound of cure when it comes to guaranteeing the integrity of a roof, and you don’t want to be caught with a weak structure during the next storm.
If your home has already sustained damage, don’t simply let your insurance company brush it off by labeling it as typical wear and tear. Hire the roofing pros at Garcia Roofing to be at your side throughout the entire process and document the damage done to your structure. Afterward, will also be able to repair or replace your roofing system as needed with the available funds. Protect your property and financial rights by reaching out to us via phone or email today!