A leaking roof can be a big inconvenience. It can also be expensive. If you have a leaky roof, it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Not only can it damage your ceilings and walls, but it can also lead to mold growth and other massively expensive problems.
The other downside you need to be aware of? Not all leaks are covered by homeowners insurance. Here is what you need to know about roof leaks and homeowners insurance.
Types of Roof Leaks
There are several different types of roof leaks.
Some of the most common causes of a leaking roof include:
Shingle Leaks
These are often due to a broken or missing shingle. It is important to fix this quickly as the problem can grow worse over time. Once a single shingle comes loose, rain can ruin the foundation of the other nearby shingles. Once they fall off, the cycle continues.
Ice Dams
Fortunately, not something we have to deal with in South Florida, Ice Dams form when hot air from the attic melts ice and then drips down the roof. As it drips, water can refreeze and block the flow of water. This causes damage and leads to leaks as parts of the roof wear away under the pressure.
Different Levels of Homeowners Insurance Coverage
There are four levels of homeowners insurance coverage. Depending on the type of leak, your policy may cover your leaking roof in different ways in accordance with your specific homeowners insurance coverage. You can verify this information by speaking with your provider or by reviewing paperwork related to your insurance policy coverage.
Sliding Scale Coverage
This type of coverage will usually include all roof leaks regardless of how minor or major they are. The difference in how much is covered depends on the damage and any conditions established in the policy.
Maintenance Policy
Maintenance policies cover the cost of repairs regardless of how minor or severe they are. It also covers replacement costs regardless of whether or not the house needs to be torn down to fix it.
Risk-Based Policy
This type of policy only covers the more severe roof leaks. It does not pay for any repairs or replacements unless the damage is so severe as to cause structural damage to the home.
Not Covered
While most leaks are covered by homeowners’ insurance, there are some that are not. For example, if your chimney has cracks or holes in it, you will have to have it repaired or replaced yourself. The same goes for water pipes that burst under your house or cracked skylights.
Insurance Covers Certain Types of Damages
Generally, your home insurance policy won’t cover damage due to water or mold, but it may cover other damages caused by leaks. This is because home insurance generally covers losses caused by stormy conditions or other events that are unavoidable or unpreventable. The coverage for leaks may vary depending on the type of leak and where it occurs in your home.
Defer to Your Homeowner’s Insurance Plan
If you have a leaking roof, the best thing to do is to call your homeowner’s insurance company. They will be able to let you know what you need to do to get the problem fixed. You should also note that a number of policies will not cover any type of repair or replacement until there is a certain amount of damage that has been done.
Schedule an Appointment to Repair Your Leaking Roof
You should never attempt to repair a leak on your own. It can cause additional damage and could even cause the entire roof to cave in. Instead, contact AABCO Roofing by filling out our contact form or calling 954-946-3068 to schedule an appointment with a professional roofer, today!
