Your roof is arguably the most important part of your home.
It is your first line of defense against the elements and protects you, your loved ones, and all of your treasured belongings. Unfortunately, being the first line of defense may mean that it could be damaged from time to time leaving you wondering how or even if the damages are included in your homeowners’ insurance.
The short answer is “yes” but probably attached to some fine print. Most Homeowners’ Insurance policies cover roof damages and replacements if it has been affected by a natural disaster or accidental circumstance. It is important to note that roofs over 20 years old often receive little to no coverage so maintaining your roof to protect its longevity is important.
The Dwelling Coverage section of your insurance usually includes protection of your home’s structure, including the roof. Commonly covered situations and damages caused by fire, smoke, lightning, wind, and hail are included in the protection. If your roof is damaged by a tree that had blown over during a windstorm, you will probably have protection under your Dwelling Coverage.
Home Insurance differs from one level to the other so it is crucial to understand your plan. For example, roof leaks may or may not be covered depending on how the company categorized the damage. For example, A heavy rain or snow storm causes your roof to leak, it seems to be perfectly protected under your insurance. However, if a leak develops over time due to roof negligence, it can no longer be considered an accidental circumstance or natural disaster. Most homeowner’s policies will not pay to repair or replace a roof if the damage is due to wear and tear or neglect. Maintaining your roof is important for not only your home but also your wallet. Call Guardian Roofing at 877-926-9966, or schedule a consultation today »
Since it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the home, policies do not cover damage caused by neglect. This means that repairing your roof due to regular wear and tear or because it has gone beyond repair, are expenses not covered by insurance. Although it is not covered by insurance, it is still incredibly necessary to continue to maintain. Neglecting your roof could deter an insurance company from accepting your claim should damage come from natural disaster. For example, If your roof is older, unmaintained, and becomes damaged in a storm it can be difficult to prove the entirety of the damage was caused by the storm and you may only be awarded a partial reimbursement. If your roof is in need of maintenance or routine cleaning, call Guardian Roofing at 877-926-9966, or schedule a consultation today »
When your roof is needing maintenance or cleaning, it is important to keep all records of your repairs, cleaning, inspections, and detailed notes. Be sure to take before and after photos when doing anything to your roof. This will be vital when making a claim should a natural disaster or accidental circumstance damage your roof. For more information on how to file a roofing claim, visit our blog »
Key Takeaways
- Most policies will cover damages to your home that are cause by natural disasters or accidental circumstances.These include:
- Wind, hail, fire, lightning, smoke, falling objects, weight of snow or ice, and vandalism
- Your insurance will not cover damages caused by neglect or lack of maintenance. This includes:
- General wear and tear due to the longevity or life of the roof.
- Gradual damage caused by lack of maintenance
- Earthquakes and Flooding
- Roofs that are over 20 years old often have limited coverage, if any.
- To ensure approval of your claim, keep records of repairs, before-and-after photos, and reports from inspections. Notify your insurance company promptly when damage occurs.
As a homeowner, understanding the extent of your Homeowners’ Insurance is crucial. Living in Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, and Snohomish County Washington, your roof is exposed to a variety of elements and ever changing seasons. This leaves your roof susceptible to quicker wear and tear, as well as debris and vegetation that is harmful to your roof and can negate your policies if neglected. Guardian roofing is your trusted roofing company. Our experienced professionals are qualified in a variety of roofing repairs, maintenance and cleaning, as well as installation and replacement. If you are in need of repairs, or are looking to have your roofing cleaned, call Guardian Roofing at 877-926-9966, or schedule a consultation today »
