As a homeowner, one of the most significant investments you’ll make is in the literal roof over your head. And while a properly installed roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, it’s common for issues to arise before the expected lifespan is up.
So, what happens when your 15-year-old roof is damaged? Will insurance cover a 15 year-old roof and the cost of repairs or roof replacement? In this article, we’ll explore some of the key factors that insurers consider when determining insurance coverage for roof damage, including whether it’s wear and tear or an act of nature, how many claims your insurer has received in recent years, the severity of the damage, and the general life expectancy for the type of roof you have on your home.
Wear And Tear VS. Accidents
And Acts Of Nature
When it comes to roof damage, you must distinguish between normal wear and tear and damage caused by something other than the age of the roof. Normal wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration that occurs over time as a roof is exposed to the elements. For example, on an asphalt shingle roof, this might include things like cracking, blistering, and curling of the shingles, or the accumulation of debris in the gutters. Similarly, on a metal roof, normal wear and tear might manifest as rust, corrosion, or fading of the finish.
Generally, homeowners are responsible for maintaining their roofs and repairing damage caused by normal wear and tear. However, if the damage is caused by something other than the age of the roof, such as an act of nature, an accident, or some other unexpected event, it may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. Later in this article, we will dive deeper into specific events that are likely to be covered by your insurance policy.
Will My Insurance Premium Raise After Making A Claim?
A question that is likely more important than “Will insurance cover a 15 year-old roof?” is “Will my insurance premium raise after making a roof claim?”. It’s important to keep in mind that making too many claims in a short period can impact your homeowners’ insurance rate. When you file a claim, your insurer will likely raise your rates, and if you’ve made multiple claims in a short period of time, your premiums may increase significantly. That’s why it’s important to assess the damage carefully before filing a claim and weigh the potential cost of repairs against the potential increase in premiums.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay for repairs out of pocket than to file a claim with your insurance company. Plus, some insurers may offer discounts to homeowners who go several years without filing a claim, so it’s always a good idea to check with your insurer to see if there are any options available to help keep your insurance rates manageable. Remember that replacement costs, the claims process, and your homeowners insurance policy can differ from one insurance carrier to the next.
Assessing The Damage On Your Roof
After your roof has been damaged, assess the extent of the damage before filing a claim with your insurance company. However, it’s not safe for homeowners to go onto their roofs to inspect the damage themselves. Instead, it’s always best to hire a professional roof inspector who can safely assess the damage and provide an accurate estimate of the repairs that need to be made.
Here at NEPA Waterproofing, we have a team of expert inspectors who are trained to identify even the most subtle signs of damage on your roof. When we inspect your roof, we’ll look for things like missing or broken shingles, cracks or holes in the roof, and signs of water damage. Once we’ve completed our roof inspection, we can give you an accurate idea of whether your insurance company is likely to accept your claim. This can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to file a claim and can help you avoid any unnecessary increases in your insurance premiums.
What’s The General Lifespan Of Your Roof Type?
There are many types of roofing materials on the market, and the lifespan of each can vary. Factors like weather conditions, maintenance, and installation quality all play a role in how many years your roof will last. Here’s a breakdown of the lifespans for some of the most common roofing materials:
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- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles are a popular and affordable roofing option, with a typical lifespan of 20-30 years. However, higher-quality asphalt shingles can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance.
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- Metal roofing: Metal roofing is durable and long-lasting, with a typical lifespan of 40-70 years. Some types of metal roofing, like copper and zinc, can last even longer.
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- Tile roofing: Tile roofing is a highly durable and attractive option, with a typical lifespan of 50-100 years. However, the weight of tile roofing can be a concern for some homes, and installation costs can be high.
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- Wood shingles or shakes: Wood shingles or shakes offer a natural and rustic look, but they require more maintenance than other types of roofing. The typical lifespan of wood shingles or shakes is 30-40 years.
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- Slate roofing: Slate roofing is known for its durability and longevity, with a typical lifespan of 75-100 years. However, slate roofing can be expensive to install and may require specialized installation techniques.
Please keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the lifespan of your specific roofing material may vary. Proper maintenance and regular inspections can help ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible, regardless of the material.
Extreme Weather Damage To Your Roof
Weather can have a lot to do with answering the question of “Will insurance cover a 15 year-old roof?” Weather damage, particularly from hail and wind, can pose significant risks to a homeowner’s roof. Hail damage occurs when hailstones impact the roof, causing dents, punctures, cracks, and breaks in shingles or other roofing materials. This may lead to leaks and water damage to the underlying structure of the roof. The size and intensity of hailstones can vary greatly, with larger hailstones capable of causing severe damage to a roof.
Wind damage, on the other hand, can result from strong winds lifting and tearing off shingles or other roofing materials, leaving gaps and vulnerable areas in the underlying roof structure exposed to the elements. This can allow water to penetrate the roof and cause further damage to the overall structure of your home’s roof.
Note that hail and wind damage are among the most common types of roof damage that can lead to successful insurance claims. However, the extent of the damage and the insurance coverage may depend on the specific policy and terms. It’s crucial to have a professional roof inspection after severe weather events to assess any potential damage and determine if filing an insurance claim is necessary.
So, Will Insurance Cover A 15 Year-Old Roof?
When it comes to insurance coverage for a 15-year-old roof, it’s important to consider factors like wear and tear versus acts of nature, the number of past claims made, the extent of the damage, and the general lifespan of the roofing material. Assessing the damage should be done by hiring a professional roof inspector to ensure safety and accuracy.
Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the lifespans of different roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing, tile roofing, wood shingles or shakes, and slate roofing, as this can impact insurance coverage and potential claims. Don’t forget to consider the cost of repairs versus potential increases in insurance premiums due to multiple claims. We hope this article helps you make informed decisions about filing insurance claims for your aging roof.
For roof repairs, roof leaks, roof replacement, and damaged roofs, contact the best roofing contractor in Northeastern PA — NEPA Waterproofing.
