Does Home Warranty Cover Roof Repair or Replacement?
Key takeaways:
We completely understand why the idea of having to repair or replace the roof of your home can cause anxiety. Not only is your roof an essential part of your beloved home that protects from the elements, but generally, having to repair or replace one usually isn't cheap. While Cinch does not cover roofs, if roof is your major concern, there are some companies who may have options to help you save.
If you can find a home warranty that includes roof coverage, you can alleviate your worries with a home warranty plan for two reasons. Firstly, if there's damage to your roof, you'll know who to call immediately for help. This could save you time from researching repair companies in your area and losing sleep over whether you chose the right one. Secondly, you may save money on a costly roof repair. Instead of dipping into your savings for a vital repair job, you can file a claim with your home warranty company and get it handled by capable professionals.
Let's examine the specifics of a home warranty a bit more to answer any additional questions you may have.
What is a home warranty?
A home warranty refers to the contract between you and a home warranty company for a term, usually a year. A home warranty can cover the cost of maintenance, repair and replacement of major appliances and systems inside your home. Coverage of individual systems and appliances varies based on your contract. As we described above, there are many advantages to having a home warranty plan regardless of whether you're a new homeowner or purchased your home years ago. When things break down, having a company that’s ready to step up can make all the difference in the world.
How much does a home warranty plan cost, and how does it work?
In short, according to Investopedia, home warranty costs vary, ranging from $423 to $892 annually, influenced by factors like location, house size and coverage selection. This makes perfect sense, right? For instance, if you need a plan that covers household appliances such as your microwave and refrigerator, it will likely cost less than a plan that covers your HVAC and home systems. Ask questions and read the specifics of your home warranty plan before deciding what one you want.
In addition to the potential savings, understanding how one works can help you decide if it's right for you.
Here’s an easy 5-step breakdown of the process for you:
Step 1: You’ll call the home warranty company if a home system or appliance breaks or stops working.
Step 2: The home warranty company will reach out to one of the trusted service providers in its network.
Step 3: The service provider will call you to make an appointment to visit your home and diagnose the problem.
Step 4: The technicians will fix the issue if they can. Depending on the details of your contract, the home warranty company will pay to replace and install the appliance if it can't be repaired.
Step 5: You'll pay a small deductible.
Does a home warranty plan cover roof repair?
The most accurate answer is “sometimes.”
Because roof damage is considered structural, repairs or replacements are usually not covered by home warranties. However, they can be included as an add-on in some plans. Check your coverage options carefully to make sure you are choosing a company that covers roof wear and tear, if that is important to you. While most homeowners insurance also will not cover normal wear and tear to your roof, it may provide coverage due to a sudden peril such as hail, fire, or storm, depending on your coverage. So, you experience damage due to a sudden peril check your homeowners insurance coverage too.
While homeowners insurance and home warranties can sometimes confuse homeowners, the two have distinct differences.
Home warranties cover repairs and maintenance of home systems and appliances due to wear and tear, while homeowners insurance covers catastrophic events like fires, theft, and natural disasters.
How much does roof repair cost?
When assessing whether a home warranty plan is worth it, it makes perfect sense to factor in the typical costs of roof repairs. If you were to guess how much it costs to fix or replace a roof, what would you say?
According to Forbes, roof replacement costs between $6,700 and $80,000 (that’s right, $80,000), with the average cost for an average-sized home around $11,500.
Remember that the type of materials and the design of your roof will help decide your costs, and labor will account for up to 60% of your price. Contractors may charge between $40 and $60 per hour, or you will receive a flat-rate estimate.
On the other hand, the cost of roof repairs ranges from $150 to $7,000.
With these prices, having a home warranty plan or homeowners insurance that does cover roof events can give you peace of mind.
How roof maintenance can help save you money
Proper maintenance, regular inspections and good workmanship can also 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. This will limit the chances of major structural damage and also discourage animals from spending time on your roof or nesting there.
- Monitor your roof for any missing or loose shingles seasonally and after any high winds.
- Remove snow and ice if there is any buildup.
- Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris, and address any moss or mold growing 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 can minimize structural damage.
Suppose you identify any significant issues with your roof. In that case, hiring a roofing contractor from a reputable company can get the job done effectively to prevent rework.
About Cinch Home Services
Cinch Home Services is here to offer you home warranty coverage that works for you and your home. While we do not cover roofs we can provide you with a home warranty* that can save you money by covering a portion of the repair or replacement costs for various home appliances and built-in systems.
Related Article
Interested in learning more? Check out this article:
What Does a Home Warranty Cover
At Cinch, we offer excellent customer service, and your warranty contract gives you the option of contacting us online or by phone.
Click here to learn more.
* Subject to plan terms and conditions.
*The information in this blog library is intended to provide general guidance on home warranties, and on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
*Our blog library may link to third-party sites that offer products, services, coaches, consultants, and/or experts. Any such link is provided for reference only and not intended as an endorsement or statement that the information provided by the other party is accurate. We are not compensated for any products or services purchased from these third-party links.