Will Insurance Cover a 15-Year-Old Roof?
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A question homeowners often ask is, "will my homeowners insurance cover my roof?"
We always advise our clients that the answer depends on the kind of policy they have, the age of their roof, severity of the damage, cause of the damage, and other factors.
Since these things are difficult to determine on your own, it’s important to consult an expert that can evaluate your roof and advise you of the findings.
To answer the question concisely:
Yes, insurance will cover a 15-year-old roof in many cases. Insurance companies won’t just pay to replace a roof because it’s old, but if your old roof has significant damage caused by insurable events (storms, fires etc.) then it’s likely that they’ll pay for roof repairs or a roof replacement.
In this article, we’ve compiled vital information on everything you should know about insurance coverage for older roofs so you can be armed with the facts.
If you need professional assistance in assessing your roof’s condition, RoofClaim can help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and for instant roof cost estimate.
Wear and Tear or Covered Damage?
If you have a 15-year-old roof, it's likely that normal wear and tear will be present on the roofing surface. Like tires, roofing material wears over time from exposure to the elements. This type of damage falls under general maintenance, which is part of your responsibility as a homeowner.
In other words, just having an old roof doesn't mean you can file an insurance claim.
Although, if your 15-year-old roof was insured by your insurance company at the time that the roof was damaged due to a storm or other insurable event then it qualifies to file a claim. First, you need to make sure that the damage was caused by an act of nature, an accident that is out of your control, or something other than age.
We’ll go into more detail about causes of damage that are likely to be covered later in this article.
How Many Claims Have You Filed in the Past?
Review how many claims you have filed on your insurance from the past three to seven years. Insurance companies keep records of the number of claims filed by homeowners. More than two claims filed from the past five years could inflate your premiums' cost. It is always best to speak to your insurance agent or customer service rep if you have specific concerns.Regardless of your claim history, if your roof has legitimate covered damages it is worth filing an insurance claim. Covered damages include hurricanes, tornados, hail damage, and wind damage under most policies.
What’s the Extent of the Damage?
Identifying the extent of damage to your roof is a bit challenging. First and foremost, never try to go up on your roof to inspect it yourself.
To determine the extent of damage and whether or not that damage will be covered by an insurance claim, your roof needs a thorough inspection from an expert roof inspector. At RoofClaim, we provide a free inspection along with an inspection analysis that details the extent of the damage.
Once we inspect your roof, we’ll be able to tell you what your chances of a successful claim are. We’ll also document every detail of the inspection so if you file a claim you stand the best chance of the claim getting accepted.
What’s the General Lifespan of Your Roof Type?
A roof that exceeds its expected lifespan can lose its eligibility for reimbursement. If your roof is around 15 years old, you’re definitely approaching the cutoff depending on your roof type.
So the first question is, “What type of roof do you have?” Not all roofs are created equal and some roofing materials last much longer than others.
Generally, there are three kinds of roofing types. Each one has different structures, appearances, and lifespans. They are:
A standard shingled roof, otherwise known as 3-tab shingles, will last for more than 15 years. It mostly appears flat and has a uniform space.
On the other hand, if your house has architectural roof shingles, it can last for 25 years or more. They are more expensive than the standard shingle roofs because they vary in spaces and styling.
Lastly, tiled roofs vary in size, shape, and profile. This type of home covering appears in modern homes. The materials used here are far more durable than the types mentioned earlier. Tile roofs use clay or concrete, making this type of roof last for 30 years or more.
Does Your Roof Have Hail Damage?
Hail can create significant damage to your roof, even if you have a more durable type of roof. Damaged shingles will continue lose strength over time and will fail in the end, causing roof leaks and additional damage.
Hail damage is a common cause of roof damage, leading to insurance claims and roof replacement.
Your insurance may cover a new roof if hail damage is found, even if the roof is old. It does depend on other factors, though, which is another reason you need a detailed inspection report.
Does Your Roof Have Wind Damage?
Strong winds can cause shingles to break and fold, or “crease.” The shingle will stay on the roof, but wind-blown rain can penetrate from underneath it.
Moreover, creased shingles won't let rain water cascade. The water will get absorbed along the crease instead. This condition will dismount the shingle's layers and cause significant damage.
You may not be able to see this type of damage from the ground, but an inspection will reveal it. With wind damage being a common occurrence that is generally covered by roof insurance policies, it’s a good chance if your home experienced strong wind that your roof qualifies for a roof replacement covered by your insurance company.
Has There Been Recent Inclement Weather or Wind?
The best time to schedule a roof inspection is right after a storm. Insurance companies are looking for recent and relevant damage, so it’s important to book a roof inspection immediately following an inclement weather event.
Once you file a claim your insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to evaluate your damage. It is important that you have the proper information so it can be clearly presented at your adjuster meeting.
If you choose RoofClaim for your insurance roof claim contractor, we handle this process for you.
The Bottom Line: Will Insurance Cover a 15-Year-Old Roof?
Regardless of the age of the roof, if you paid for your roof to be insured while it experienced damage due to a storm or any other event covered by your policy you should have your roof inspected as soon as possible. Your roof likely qualifies for an insurance claim. An expert roof inspection will provide you the necessary information and support for you to rest assured.
At RoofClaim, we aim to settle all your roofing issues quickly and painlessly. We're here to serve as your reputable and dependable roofing advisor. Contact us today to get started with a free inspection.
