Navigating Common Questions About Roof Damage and Insurance Coverage

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

With each storm damage service call, SERVPRO of Media is reminded that disasters can strike with little or no warning and at any time. When a storm strikes, the stress experienced by the homeowner can be overwhelming. High winds and hail from a storm may cause roof damage resulting in a water damage disaster. This may leave the homeowner worrying about the water damage and insurance coverage for the damaged roof.

What types of roof damage are covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners will need to review the insurance policy they purchased in order to determine which types of roof damage their policy covers. The dwelling coverage section of homeowners insurance covers the structure and the roof. Whether the roof damage will be covered by insurance is determined by the terms of the policy and the causes of the damage. Sudden or accidental disasters are typically covered; however, some coverage is event-specific, including events such as wind, hail, fire, or the weight of snow. 

Does insurance cover a complete roof replacement if the damage is only partial?

An article in Forbes states, “In some cases, the lifespan of the roof is shortened because of damage. Your insurer may cover the cost to replace the entire roof even if it is only partially damaged. For example, if a homeowner has asphalt shingles damaged by hail strikes, an adjuster would count how many strikes occurred in a section to determine the impact on the lifespan of the roof. If there are enough strikes, the roof lifespan is substantially impacted, and it needs to be replaced.”

Steve Severaid, an insurance industry professional,  adds, “Even if a roof isn’t taking in water right now, the erosion or strikes compromise the lifespan of the roof. This means a roof will never last as long as it should have lasted otherwise; therefore, it should be replaced.”

If the materials required to fix the roof are not available, partial roof damage may lead to a full roof replacement. A roof tiled with a material that is no longer available for purchase may end up being fully replaced by the insurance company in order to ensure that all materials used in the roof match.

Does insurance cover damage to an old roof?

Forbes also warns, “Additionally, since it’s your responsibility to maintain your home, policies don’t cover damage caused by a lack of maintenance. So repairing your roof due to wear and tear, or replacing it because its lifespan is over, won’t be paid for by insurance. Lack of maintenance could also come back to bite you after a storm. If your roof was old or not well-maintained before the storm, you could have trouble getting full reimbursement.”

Are there other insurance issues that may arise with roof damage?

• Roof damage caused by flooding is not normally covered under a typical policy. Homeowners living in areas vulnerable to flooding need to be fully aware of what is and is not covered and what special coverage is available. If flood damage is a frequent concern, consider investing in flood insurance might be advisable.
• A wood roof may incur higher premiums.
• Cosmetic damage to a metal roof may not be covered by insurance.

Why is having SERVPRO provide water and storm damage restoration services after severe weather an advantage?

A damaged roof may allow water to pour into the home, soaking the interior and ruining furniture, electronics, and cherished mementos. After hail and high winds dissipate, rainfall can continue for days. When faced with devastating water damage resulting from a damaged roof, the homeowner needs a trusted damage restoration partner to instill hope and confidence.

SERVPRO of Media is proud to be the local service provider that Broomall, Newtown Square, and Central Delaware County homeowners call on when they need a rapid, dependable response to storm damage. The company offers the following storm damage restoration services:

• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
• Contents Restoration
• Document/Photograph Drying
• Electronic Cleanup

While insurance coverage for roof damage can be a challenging subject to navigate, homeowners need not experience that stress when working with SERVPRO of Media. They can trust the team at SERVPRO of Media will be their advocate when dealing with the insurance company.