Will insurance cover a 20 year-old roof? Homeowners often inquire with their insurance companies about roof repair and replacement, which are common concerns. The outcome hinges on various factors, such as your insurance policy type, roof age, material, damage severity, causes, previous repairs or replacements, and more.
To ensure accuracy, it’s wise to engage a professional roofing company for a comprehensive roof assessment. Aim to provide a concise response.
In many instances, insurance companies cover the cost of replacing an aging roof. Yet, if damage results from covered events, they typically finance repairs or replacements.
This article offers a complete guide to understanding insurance coverage for older roofs. For a roof evaluation, All Star Roofing is at your service. Feel free to contact us to schedule a complimentary roof inspection.
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Wear and Tear or Covered Damage?
You are responsible as a homeowner for the maintenance of your home, including repairing damages of this type. It is therefore your responsibility to deal with this type of damage.
You cannot claim for a roof that is damaged or old.
If your roof is over 20 years old, and it has been damaged in an accident or by a natural disaster, then you may be eligible to file a claim. You must prove in such cases that the damage is not due to the age of your roof but was caused by an external factor.
This article provides more information about the causes of damage.
How Many Claims Have You Filed in the Past?
Check with your insurer to find out how many insurance claims you have made in the past three to seven-year period. All claims are kept on file by these companies.
You may face a higher rate if you’ve made two or more roof insurance claims within the past five years. You should contact your agent if you have questions or concerns about this.
It is still important to make a claim with your insurance company for any legitimate roof damage. Many policies cover damages caused by hurricanes, hail, wind, and tornadoes.
What Is the Extent of the Damage?
Inspecting the extent of roof damage can be challenging and dangerous. It is not recommended to climb up to your roof and inspect it yourself.
A roof inspector can help determine whether the damage is covered by your insurance. At All Star Roofing, we offer a no-cost inspection service. Our inspection report will provide a detailed analysis of the extent of the damage.
Once we have inspected your roof, we can assess your chances of getting your insurance claim approved. We will also document the entire inspection process to ensure that if you do decide to file a claim, you have the best possible chance of getting it accepted.
How Long Will Your Roof Last in General?
If your roof has exceeded its expected lifespan, it may not be eligible for reimbursement. If your roof is 20 years old, you are close to reaching its limit.
It is important to note that roofs do not all have the same lifespan, and some roofing materials are more durable than others.
There are generally three types of roofs. Each type has a different structure, appearance, and lifespan. These are:
- Standard shingles
- Architectural Shingles
- Tile roof
Standard 3-tab shingles can last for more than 20 years and have a mostly flat and uniform surface.
Architectural roof shingles, on the other hand, can last up to 25 years and are more expensive due to their variations in space and style.
Tiled roofs are a type of variation of the standard architectural and standard shingles, and are commonly used in modern homes. These roofs are more durable than the previous types mentioned, as they are made of clay or concrete and can last up to 30 years.
Has Your Roof Been Damaged by Hail?
Although your roof may be made of durable material, hail can still cause significant damage. Damaged shingles will deteriorate over time and eventually fail, leading to roof leaks and additional damage.
Hail damage is one of the most common reasons for roof insurance claims and eventual replacement.
Even if your roof is old, your insurance company may still replace it if significant hail damage is found during an inspection. The answer to this depends on various factors, which is why it is important to have a thorough inspection report.
Is Your Roof Wind Damaged?
If shingles are broken or folded, wind-blown rain can enter the roof from below. Additionally, ridged roofs can prevent rainwater from cascading, causing water to be absorbed by the crease, which can dislodge shingles and cause damage.
Although this type of damage may not be visible from the ground, it can be revealed through inspection. Wind damage is a common occurrence that is covered by most roof insurance policies. This means that even older roofs can be covered for replacement.
Have There Been Recent Wind or Rain Storms?
It is best to schedule a roof inspection immediately after a storm, as insurers are looking for recent and relevant damage. By following this method, you are much more likely to receive a favorable outcome when submitting a claim, rather than randomly submitting a claim when there hasn’t been a recent weather event.
This is especially true if your roof is over 20 years old, as the condition of your roofing system could be attributed to age and wear if there hasn’t been a recent bad weather event.
The Bottom Line: Will Insurance Cover a 20 Year-Old Roof?
If your roof is older, it is important to take extra care with the documentation and timing of your claim. It is best to wait until you have spoken with a roof inspection professional before taking any action.
At All Star Roofing, we strive to resolve all of your roofing problems quickly and without causing any hassle. We are here to be your reliable and trustworthy roofing advisor. Give us a call today to receive a free roof inspection.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP