If you’ve noticed patches of water or ceiling stains in your home, then chances are you have a roof leak. A leaking roof is more than a nuisance; however, it could result in expensive repairs. Therefore, it’s essential to keep on top of roof maintenance. There are several causes of roof
leaks, and you need to look for the tell-tale signs to ask yourself, “What can be causing the leak?” Another important question is, are roof leaks covered by insurance? Roof repair can be costly and whether your policy will cover this often depends on the cause of the leak.
What usually causes leaks in roofing?
Roof leaks can be caused by a number of issues. These can include problems with your exterior, such as improperly installed shingles, missing shingles or tiles, or shingles that have buckled, causing the waterproofing felt to be exposed to extreme elements, which ultimately causes premature deterioration. Inspect your roof to see if you have any missing or shifted tiles or shingles, or if there are any shingles that are curling upward or downward, which can cause leaks. You may also have an excess of mold, moss, or fungi growing on your shingle or tile roof. These are particularly common in wet or damp weather, like near the beach, or where there is little to no direct sunlight exposure. Other leak causes not related to general wear and tear include extreme weather conditions such as flooding, falling objects, or fire.
Does home insurance cover roof leak damage?
Whether or not your home insurance covers roof leaks depends on your policy. In general, however, the majority of home insurance policies will likely cover fire and smoke damage, explosions, hail, windstorms, and snow, theft, vandalism, or any other sudden or accidental incidents. If your roof leak was caused by general wear and tear due to a lack of maintenance, this is less likely to be covered.
What hazards are usually excluded from home insurance claim policies?
Certain hazards are often excluded from homeowner’s insurance. Flooding (never seen in Ventura & Los Angeles County) is one of them, unfortunately. This is because flooding is common in some areas due to the climate, topography, and structure of the building. If your property is prone to flooding, you can take out supplementary coverage to protect yourself. Negligence, infestations, and damage caused by pets are also unlikely to be covered. This is because it’s seen as the owner’s responsibility to monitor these issues. It’s highly recommended to carry out routine maintenance of your roof.
How can you prevent leaks and damage?
The best way to prevent roof leaks is to have your property inspected regularly by a professional roof repair company. They will be able to look for the tell-tale signs of a leak or roof damage, safely and efficiently. This way you can avoid paying for more complex repairs, later. Working with a roof repair company will also help save you time and money in the future. It’ll also give you peace of mind that your roof is in good shape.
If you’re in need of services or if it’s time for roof maintenance, Greatway Roofing can help.
The friendly team is always available for help and professional advice about roof repair or maintenance. If you’d like more information about whether homeowners insurance covers roof leaks or any other roof issues, get in touch with us today.