Does Home Warranty Cover Roof Repair or Replacement?
Roof damage can happen slowly over time or as a catastrophic event; either way, it can wreak havoc on your home. Slow leaks from roof tile damage can rot the structure of your home or cause mold growth, leaving you and your family at risk for breathing issues and more.
You are here for one of two reasons. The first: You are wondering if buying a home warranty plan will cover your roof. The second: You have already bought home warranty protection, which may lead you to wonder if your home warranty plan has roof coverage included.
You must repair a roof leak right away so that you avoid water damaging the home’s structure. Being able to afford the repairs allows you to make these repairs sooner rather than later.
In this article, we will answer what a home warranty is, how it is different from your homeowners insurance and whether or not your roof is covered by your home warranty.
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty refers to the contract between you and a home warranty company for a warranty term. Usually, a basic home warranty plan covers the cost of repairing and replacing internal home components. This typically includes parts of your home’s built-in systems, such as the air conditioning unit, plumbing system, hot water heater and heating system and major appliances, such as the refrigerator and stove. You may choose to opt in for additional coverage, which can cover a pool, garage door opener and more.
Related Article: What Does a Home Warranty Cover
Prior to purchasing home warranty coverage, you must provide proof that your appliances and home systems have been well maintained and do not have any pre-existing conditions.
Additionally, claims will only be accepted if the damage is caused by normal wear and tear.
Once you identify a repair or replacement need, call or contact your home warranty company online. They will set up a service contract with a qualified service technician for a nominal service fee, and any covered issue will be fixed or replaced.
Your plan is completely customizable, and because of this, your home warranty plan is
individualized, so be sure to read the fine print on your contract.
Does a home warranty cover your roof?
Because roof damage is considered structural, roof repairs or replacements are not usually covered by home warranties. However, you will want to keep up with the maintenance of other integral parts of your home in order to detect roof leaks early on.
Ensuring that your air conditioner and heating systems are well maintained will minimize your chances of having water damage as a result of equipment breakdown. Plumbing leaks due to normal wear and tear from your HVAC system will be covered through a home warranty plan. Catching repairs such as these will leave you better off financially and without the stress of having to find a contractor that is available whenever you are in need.
Purchasing a home warranty plan is still very important to save you money in other areas in your home. Your appliances and home systems are crucial for keeping your home comfortable. Paying for roofing repairs out of pocket can be debilitating financially, and if a roof leak causes structural damage, you may have no choice but to call a roofing company and pay for the expensive repairs on your own.
Your homeowners insurance coverage on roofs
If your roof is not covered by your home warranty plan, it is possible that your insurance covers roof repair. Check your homeowners insurance policy or workmanship warranty on recent builds.
An all-peril home insurance policy usually covers roof leaks depending on the cause of the damage. If your roof is damaged as a result of an act of nature, like a tree falling on your roof or hail damage, it is more than likely covered by your policy. However, damage caused by wear and tear will not be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Insurance companies offer varying coverage options. You may need to specifically ask for roof coverage in your homeowners insurance. If you are purchasing a home and shopping for insurance companies, be sure to ask if roof coverage is included in a policy.
Your homeowners insurance policy will probably cover, after your deductible, the repair of damaged shingles or a full replacement if it has occurred as a result of a sudden accident or act of nature. That means any cosmetic and structural damage that occurs because your roof leaks should be covered through your insurance after the deductible.
You should keep records of any roofing repairs or maintenance you have completed. Receipts from repairing loose shingles, patching holes or replacing your roof will help when you are filing a claim through your homeowners insurance.
The age of your roof also determines its worthiness for insurance claim coverage. The good news is that most roofs last longer with good maintenance. Proper snow and ice removal, cleaning gutters and ensuring that any trees near your property are regularly maintained can extend the life of your roof.
Check your homeowners insurance policy to read what type of insurance claim is covered for you and your home.
Maintain your roof to minimize repairs or replacement
If you have had a leak in your roof, it can be stressful to deal with until you have fully assessed and repaired any damage.
Your roof provides protection from the elements, and when your roof has defects or is faulty, your home — and your bank account — are at risk.
Proper maintenance, regular inspections and good workmanship can help protect your roof from damage and prolong the life expectancy of your home.
Follow these tips to keep your roof protected from an early demise:
- Repair and caulk your chimney and any connective spots to prevent leaks, and inspect periodically for any further caulking needs.
- Clear large tree branches that are dangling over your home, as this will limit the chances of major structural damage and also discourage animals from spending any time on your roof or nesting there.
- Monitor your roof for any missing or loose shingles seasonally as well as after any high winds.
- Remove snow and ice if there is any buildup.
- Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris, and if there is any moss or mold growing, address this as soon as possible.
- Check for any stains in your attic or ceiling that may indicate a roof leak. If you catch it early, you may be able to minimize structural damage.
If you identify any major issues with your roof, hiring a roofing contractor from a reputable roofing company to complete the work should also guarantee that your insurance policy stays intact.
Cinch Home Services
Cinch is here to offer you home warranty coverage that works for you and your home. We provide you with a home warranty that can save you money by covering a portion of the repair or replacement costs for a variety of home appliances and built-in systems.
Cinch offers excellent customer service, and your warranty contract gives you the option of contacting us online or by phone.
Get a quote for a warranty contract today.