Getting roof repair work can be daunting. When leaks or damage happen, most homeowners don’t know where to start.
If you are curious about what roof repairs are covered by homeowners insurance, we’ve got the answers!
Read on to learn more about how homeowners insurance can cover roof replacement, and how to get the most out of your homeowners insurance roofing policy.
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Homeowners insurance can cover roof repair and replacement under certain disastrous circumstances, such as a tree falling on the roof or storm damage. However, it does not cover roof repair or replacement for regular wear and tear.
Personal property coverage may also cover anything else destroyed in this disaster, such as a tree falling on a car or personal items damaged by roof collapse. Each insurance carrier has its process to determine what the policy will cover, so check your insurance policy to get a better idea.
What Kind of Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Homeowners insurance may cover roof replacement under certain circumstances. Most homeowners insurance policies contain “dwelling coverage” which is supposed to protect your home's structure from certain things, such as:
Fire
Wind damage (excluded by some policies)
Hail damage (excluded by some policies)
Storm/hurricane damage
Sleet and ice damage
Lightning damage
Falling trees and objects
Remember that most insurance policies have a deductible that needs to be met before they start to pay out for damages. Depending on your insurance policy and how extensive the roof damage is, homeowners insurance may not cover all of it.
What Kind of Damage Does Homeowners Insurance Not Cover?
Homeowners insurance does cover roofing damage for certain perils, but it does not cover a lot of common roofing damages, such as:
Roof neglect: Homeowners insurance will not cover roofing damages caused by neglect. This includes leaks and collapses caused by a failure to maintain roof singles. Roof maintenance and repairs are considered the responsibility of the homeowner.
Flooding: Flooding is not covered by most home insurance policies, especially in areas with high flood risk. If you are worried about flooding damage, consider getting a separate flood insurance policy.
Normal roof wear and tear: Most roof damage, such as leaks, is caused by natural wear and tear. Shingles break down over time, allowing water to get under the shingles and cause damage. Homeowners insurance does not cover leaks and damages caused by regular wear and tear, as roof maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Vermin and animal damage: Rats, raccoons, and even squirrels can all cause significant roof damage, and none of that damage is covered by homeowners insurance. To help prevent this, be sure to trim all trees around your house and handle vermin problems quickly.
Earthquake damage: Earthquake damage is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies, regardless of how common earthquakes are where you live. Like flooding, separate insurance is required to cover earthquakes.
Commonly Asked Questions About Homeowners Insurance Coverage for Roof Replacement
Will Insurance Cover a 30-Year-Old Roof?
Typically insurance policies do not cover a roof that is more than 20 years old. These roofs are considered too old, as roof replacement is suggested for any roof that is nearing or over 30 years old.
If your roof is older than 20 years, it may make more sense to have it replaced than to try to cover it with insurance. If you are in the Gresham, OR, area and looking for quality roofing at affordable prices, check out New Generation Roofing for a free quote.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement for a Shed?
Do you have a damaged roof on your barn, detached garage, or other unattached structure on your property? If the damage was done by an insurance-covered peril, the roof repair may be covered by homeowner insurance.
In addition to the “dwelling coverage” portion of home insurance, there is usually also an “other structure coverage” on your property that covers things like barns, garages, sheds, and even fences. If these structures are damaged by an insurance-covered peril, homeowners insurance may pay to have them fixed or replaced.
3 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Roof from the Team at New Generation Roofing
#1: Keep Gutters Free From Debris
Gutters are an integral part of your home’s structural health. They are meant to carry water off of the roof and away from the house, so it doesn’t sit and cause damage on the roof shingles. Standing water is the enemy of a good roof, as it can cause leaks, mold, and eventual collapse.
Gutters need to be regularly cleaned. Leaves, pine needles, and even dirt can form clogs in your gutter. Clogged gutters overflow when it rains, weakening the roof and possibly causing damage to other parts of the home, such as flooding the foundation.
#2: Prune Nearby Trees
Trees are a wonderful part of any property, but unkempt trees can cause damage to rooftops. Falling branches, scraping branches, and heavy winds can all cause trees to damage your roof. In addition, unkempt branches can encourage animals, like squirrels and raccoons, to access your roof and possibly make a home in your attic. By pruning the trees near your roof, you prevent a few different kinds of damage to your home.
#3: Schedule Regular Maintenance
Roofs are a big investment. If you want to protect your roof and home, consider investing in regular roofing maintenance from a reliable Gresham, OR, roofing company like New Generation Roofing.
New Generation Roofing offers no gimmicks or pushy sales tactics, only top services to keep your roof at its best for as long as possible. Their roof maintenance plans include:
Moss and algae removal (especially important in rainy PNW)
Thorough roof cleaning and checking for damage saving you money in the long run
Gutter cleaning, maintenance, and replacement
Check out our website to learn more about New Generation Roofing and why they are the top-rated roofer in Gresham, OR, and the surrounding areas!
New Generation Roofing: Proudly Offering Roof Maintenance and Replacement Service for Clients Throughout the PDX Area
Are you worried about your PDX roof? Afraid a roofing company will charge you an arm and a leg for damage you can’t even see? With New Generation Roofing, you can trust that your quote will be reasonable and evidence-based.
We start our quote process by reviewing your roof via satellite photos and complete the quote in person, making sure that you know exactly where your money will be spent.
New Generation Roofing is a family business with decades of experience in roofing and a dedication to quality. We only use the best materials and guarantee our work to last. Whether you need a roof repair or replacement, you can trust New Generation Roofing’s quality and commitment. Check out our website to learn more.
