Hey, that’s weird…why’s it raining inside? Unless this is some sort of elaborate practical joke, you’re pretty sure that there shouldn’t be a puddle in the middle of the living room floor. Or water dripping onto your head. Anyways, there’s water where it shouldn’t be and you think a roof leak is to blame. Now the burning question (or soggy question) is does home insurance cover a new roof? And how can you tell if your roof is actually leaking? (Not all leaks are caused by a roof problem.) Well, we’ve got the answer to those questions, coming right up.
Does home insurance cover a new roof?
As with many insurance-related questions, the answer is … it depends.
If the leak is caused by an act of nature, such as a storm that puts a beating on your roof, the claim could be covered and your insurance company may pay to have the roof repaired or replaced.
So, if you face a bad storm that puts a hole or two in your roof, you’re probably covered.
However, if your roof is leaking because you haven’t maintained it, a roof-leak claim will probably not be covered. Home insurance is typically for losses that are out of our control, not maintenance or upkeep problems.
So, moral of the story: be sure you understand how to maintain your roof properly. Your roof can affect your home insurance rates, after all.
How to tell if your roof is leaking: The signs to watch for
Now, a roof leak isn’t the only reason unexplained water could wind up in your home. There could be condensation. Or maybe it’s a pipe problem. However, there are a few signs that could point to a roof leak:
1. Algae or mold.
If you notice algae or mold in the form of dark splotches on your roof, this could be a sign that there’s a problem. Or it could be harmless. It doesn’t necessarily mean the life of the shingle has been shortened.
2. Granules in the downspout/gutter.
Granules are those little specks on your roofing shingles. If you’re seeing an awful lot of them in your gutters or downspouts, that could be a sign you need a new roof. The granules keep sunlight from turning the shingles into toast as they bask in the sun’s UV rays, so when they start coming off, that means the shingle could get very brittle.
3. Water spots on the ceiling.
Do you have dark or discolored spots spreading on your ceilings? That’s a classic sign that you have a water leak somewhere. If the spots seem to get worse, darken, or grow after a hard rain, that could be an indicator that you’ve got a leaky roof.
4. Missing shingles.
Well, if there are holes in your roof and you’ve got water in the house, chances are you’ve got a roof leak.
5. Shingles that are curled at the edges or cracked.
If the shingles have warped and they’re not lying flat, water could slip under the openings and cause a leak.
6. Water spots on the walls of the exterior of the house.
This could also be a sign of a roof issue. Take note of the marks seem to get worse after a hard rain.
So, that’s what you should know about roof leaks and your home insurance. Sudden damage that’s out of your control and causes a leak may be covered. Maintenance issues are probably not – and that’s why it’s important to have roof inspections. Anyways, be on the lookout for roof leaks and find a trustworthy roofing professional for backup if needed. And always make sure to review your policy and read through it carefully.
Looking to save money on your home insurance? We would be happy to help you with that. We’ll help you find the best coverage at the best possible rate. To get home insurance quotes, you can fill out our quote form or give us a call.
Source:
https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/111815/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-replacement.asp