Full Coverage doesn’t mean Fully Protected

 

My Roof is FINE ~ It’s not leaking!

Why does that affect my Homeowners Insurance?

 

As your roof ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage & more likely to cause a claim.  Every year your roof lasts, the more wear and tear it sustains and the less life expectancy it has. The insurance industry understands that an old roof is a risky investment. So many companies either won’t take a new client with an older roof or will require a higher deductible or only offer depreciated coverage for the roof (rather than replacement cost) to justify the risk.

Why does the insurance company care if the roof isn’t leaking yet?  Roofing comes in a variety of materials (Slate, Tile, Metal, Asphalt shingle & flat roofing is a completely different matter) with varying life expectancies.  Slate & tile become brittle after many years and have a longer life expectancy, while asphalt shingle may only be expected to last 15 -25 years.  An older roof will eventually cause interior damage that may not be noticed until a lot of damage has occurred since the initial damage may be hidden in the attic or walls of the home. 

Weather patterns have changed~ Mother nature is MAD & she’s taking it out on us!  Wind & hailstorms have been increasing in frequency over the past several years, and areas that never had tornadoes now see them every year.

The location of your home & roof shape can also affect the possibility of loss.  If your home is located at the top of the hill with no other structures to block the wind, there’s a greater change of damage.  The 2 most common roof shapes are Gable roof, triangular shape, that is common in many homes., and Hip Roof with slopes on all sides, the hip roof offers enhanced stability and resistance to high winds. Its design reduces the vulnerability to wind-related damage.

So, what can I do?  Have your roof inspected regularly by a professional roofer, have your gutters cleaned and debris removed.   And trim trees that are close to the roof.  And call to discuss the options available – I’m always happy to discuss ways to rein in the rate, while keeping the protection that’s important to you!