The roof above you is (obviously) a homeowner’s biggest security in many ways: it provides shelter, safety, and longevity for your life’s most important investment. Your roof’s age is a very important factor to consider, as roofs aged 20 years or older are often excluded from a policy. Before you secure coverage, the provider may also require a roof inspection to allow for consideration of actual cash value in case of damage.

Homeowners insurance can often provide financial peace of mind and guarantees reimbursement for repairs if you do encounter severe damage. As they are exposed to the elements 24-7 and are very easily damaged by wind and rain, roofs are frequently ranked as the most damaged elements of a structure. To gain an understanding of whether your home insurance will cover the costs of repair or replacement of your roof, it’s important to take note of a few items regarding your policy.

Above Your Head, Under Our Wing: The Dynamics of Roof Insurance

Repairing or completely replacing your roof can be an incredibly large and unexpected cost. While they were designed to withstand many elements and weather conditions, roofs are still guaranteed to weaken over time and become vulnerable to sudden damage. Extreme sun, gusts of wind, rain, hail and freezing temperatures all will chisel away at a roof’s longevity. Insurance providers will typically pay for roof damage if it occurs during a covered form of peril. To reduce the risk of a significant claim, companies can be quite hesitant to cover older roofs and may require an inspection to render it adequate.

In some instances, a claim could be denied if the roof is showing signs of extreme age. Maintaining a roof is key before an evaluation, as the carrier can opt to provide actual cash value insurance, which will only pay for a portion of the claim. The act of providing roof insurance is not as precise a science as in some other areas since the insurer is going to want to keep their costs as low as possible. Climate change has reared its head in many areas across the nation, with homeowners and insurers both caught off guard during a rising number of claims.

From Hail to Hurricanes: Various Types of Roof Damage

There are two main types of roof damage that home insurance companies look at when they’re evaluating your claim. There is damage from covered loss or the category of significant wear and tear. If your roof has a leak or damage that occurred due to cover perils such as snowstorm falling branches, wind or fire, or rain, the insurance company will step in to pay for replacement or repair. This can also depend on what your coverage limits are, and whether your policy outlines specific roof exclusions.

If you happen to notice a leak that is not directly linked to a covered peril. You may not be reimbursed if it is determined that lack of maintenance or extreme aging was the cause of the damage. With so many other things to take care of after purchasing a home, it can be easy to neglect roof maintenance which is so very crucial to a successful claim process. If you have any questions about the specifics regarding coverage on your home insurance policy, just contact us here at the Alexander Agency of St. Charles. One of our experts will make sure you’re clear on the specifics.

The Roof Armor Chronicles: Strategies for a Safeguarded Home

While you’re unloading the U-Haul, unpacking your items and beginning to make memories, the last thing on your mind is whether or not your roof will hold up. It’s important though to take time to keep up on roof maintenance and repair, as it will be much more resilient against the elements than a more aging roof (or structure in general). While it may not be feasible to undergo an entire replacement, ongoing maintenance will offer protection and allow the roof to fare much better as the years go by. Here are some things you can do to assure that your roof stays in good condition:

• Schedule Periodic Inspections: if you have any doubts that your roof is holding up to its full potential, or if you notice a leak, it’s best to hire a professional to determine if there has been any structural damage. We can schedule an inspection every couple of years and take care of minor issues before they begin to wear on your roof’s fitness and health.
• Carefully Pruning Trees: Trees are one of the most common causes of roof damage, as falling branches and other debris frequently damage shingles during sudden storms. Cutting back and pruning nearby tree branches will help minimize this damage in case a storm occurs.
• Keep Gutters Clean: Gutters are designed to carry a decent amount of water away from your house. If you notice that your gutter is filled with leaves or debris, water may overflow onto the rooftop and cause damage. Inspecting and cleaning your gutters seasonally will help immensely with preventing sudden interior leaks and other types of damage.   

What Steps Should You Take When You Need a New Roof?

A new roof is a significant investment, with the average cost of replacement being nearly $10,000. The best thing to do when you are facing this situation is to find a reputable company. It is essential to make sure that the company is insured, bonded, and licensed, and that they have excellent ratings and/or reviews. You also have several options when it comes to materials, each providing different benefits. Your average shingle roof has a lifespan of around 20 years, with about a dozen different types of shingles available. Solar Shingles are one way to save on energy bills. Make sure you do the research to determine your perfect fit.

Roof Repair Vs. Roof Replacement:

When you need to make a decision to repair or completely replace your roof, it is necessary to consider the scope of the damage, and if the roof is 10 years old or less. If the damage is widespread, you will likely need to consider a complete replacement. Conversely, if the damage is small and your roof is less than 10 years old, you would probably just want to repair it. Another example where a full replacement would be the ideal option is when the cost of the repair is very close to the cost of a full replacement.

Homeowners Insurance is a type of coverage that we deal with most frequently here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St. Charles! Nany homeowners don’t give their roof much thought and cross their fingers, hoping things will be ok. Sudden storms can prove to be incredibly damaging, and the roof turns out to be another thing to worry about on top of the furnace, interior, pipes, and attic insulation. Contact us today to formulate a coverage plan: even as the brazen Missouri hail and winds hit, we will be standing by to offer the “Sensational shingle solutions” for you and your family!