No matter how well you take care of your roof, the shingles will naturally deteriorate over time, and leaks are bound to occur. Roof repairs or expensive, so your first inclination might be to look to your homeowner’s insurance for help. However, not all home insurance policies are the same, which leaves many homeowners wondering if their insurance covers roof leaks.
Common Causes of a Leaky Roof
While age is one of the most common causes of a leaky roof, poorly installed flashing and tiles are just as guilty. Leaky roofs usually result from an installation error, which can be simultaneously a good and bad thing, as we will explain.
Snow, rain, and hurricanes are inclement weather events that can lead to roof leaks. Knowing the likely cause of a leaky roof will help you determine whether or not your insurance can cover the damages. Before calling your insurance provider, you may want to call a roof repair service to asses the damage and determine the root of the problem.
When Are Roof Leaks Covered by Insurance?
Homeowners insurance does cover roof leaks, but only in certain instances. Infestations, vandalism, and storm damage are covered by insurance. If you live in an area that’s prone to these issues, coverage is already in your insurance policy.
If the leak is due to poor installation, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the damage incurred from the leaks. Still, you should negotiate roof repairs with your original installer.
When Are Roof Leaks Not Covered by Insurance?
Your insurance likely won’t cover repair costs if the leak is caused by general wear and tear or damage incurred by the homeowner. For example, homeowners insurance won’t cover a foundation crack, negligence, or damage from natural causes. If you want to make sure you don’t have to pay for repairs out of pocket, look for an extended warranty.
How Much Repair Money Will I Get?
You may have an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy or a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policy, which should be included in your paperwork. An ACV policy means you only get what your roof is valued at presently. Unfortunately, this means you won’t get money for a full replacement, only a depreciated amount. An RCV policy will give you what it would cost to replace your roof completely without deducting for depreciation.
If you’re looking for a roofing company you can rely on, contact Conde Roofing & Construction today. We’re an insured residential roofing service that handles repair work, installation, replacement, and insurance assistance.