A leaking roof can cause long-term damage to your home and personal belongings, while creating a favorable environment for dangerous mold and mildew growth.
If you are looking for an answer to the question, “Will homeowners insurance cover a leaking roof,” the short answer is that it depends. Your individual policy, as well as the cause and extent of the damage, will influence whether your insurance will pay for the cost of a roof repair or replacement.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, in this article Brava Roof Tile explores the most common situations in which homeowners insurance will cover a property damage insurance claim for a leaking roof.
When Homeowners Can Typically Use Their Insurance To Cover a Leaking Roof
Generally speaking, your homeowners insurance kicks in when there is damage to roof based on a “covered peril,” like wind or storm or damage. In addition to paying for the cost of a roof repair or replacement, the insurance will also likely cover damage to other parts of your home, including walls, floors, and ceilings.
Further, if your homeowners insurance policy includes personal property coverage, you can also get reimbursed for damage to the items inside of your home, including furniture, clothing, and electronics.
Keep in mind that your insurance policy may list specific exclusions, which will not be covered. Further, the amount you can be reimbursed could be reduced based on your policy limits and insurance deductibles.
Common Exclusions Where Homeowners Insurance Does Not Apply
In many cases, homeowners insurance will not cover the cost of a roof repair or replacement for general wear and tear. Therefore, if your roof is old and it’s simply time to get a new roof, you can’t leverage your insurance to cover this cost. Most policies also exclude coverage for instances of animal damage and rot.
For reference, the following list of exclusions is present in many homeowners insurance policies:
Damage from sinkholes, earthquakes, and landslides
Normal wear and tear
Mold
Floods
Insect or animal infestations
Theft and vandalism if the property is under construction or vacant
Intentional damage or neglect on the part of the homeowner
Pet damage
Foundation settling
Government actions
Nuclear accidents
The above list is not exhaustive, so further exclusions may apply. Be sure to check your homeowners insurance policy to find out if your damage is covered. In addition, some policies may cover items on the list above, or you may be able to purchase additional coverage to bolster your policy.
Homeowners insurance policies will usually also make the distinction between a slow leak caused by faulty materials, neglect, or a failure to repair prior damage and damage caused by something like a storm or high-speed winds. Therefore, it’s important to use high-quality roofing materials and trusted contractors, while proactively addressing any issues with your roof.
Helpful Tips To Avoid Roof Leaks
In an ideal world, roof leaks would never happen. Though it may be impossible to avoid having a leaking roof in certain circumstances, many roof leaks can be avoided by taking certain precautions.
Schedule regular roof inspections. Be on the lookout for missing or damaged shingles or tiles as well as damaged chimneys, vent pipes, and flashing. It is a good idea to have a professional come out to your home to inspect your roof and alert you of any damage before it becomes serious.
Maintain your property. Keep trees trimmed away from your structure and regularly clean out gutters and downspouts.
Fix any damage as soon as possible. If you do notice damage, make fixing it right away a priority. Any delays in this area could negate your policy coverage.
Use high-quality roofing materials. Not only do faulty materials affect your ability to file a claim, but they can also leave your roof unprotected. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to invest in higher-quality materials that are better able to withstand high-speed wind and extreme weather conditions.
Keep an eye on the inside of your home. Sometimes, symptoms of a leaking roof can be best perceived from inside the home. Specifically, be on the lookout for mold or discoloration in your walls and ceilings. You may also notice bubbling paint or musty odors. At the first sign of these issues, contact a professional roofing inspection company.
Protect Your Family and Your Property Investment With the Best Roofing Materials
At Brava Roof Tile, we offer high-quality roofing materials made from recycled and sustainable materials. Our featured profiles include synthetic cedar shake, slate, and Spanish barrel tile. Our tiles and shingles are suitable for all climates and resist degradation from UV rays.
Don’t wait for a homeowners insurance policy claim to be denied before you decide to prioritize the importance of having a secure, leak-proof roof. To learn more about Brava Roof Tile, contact us to request a sample or get a quote.
