There’s a problem: the floor of your Atlanta home has a huge puddle on it. Just as you’re about to yell at the kids for making a mess – drip. A drop falls right on your forehead. It’s the middle of one of the summer storms that Georgia is notorious for, and the roof is leaking. There is water inside the house and you’ve got one question (okay, maybe two.) Does Georgia home insurance cover a new roof? And how can you tell if you have a roof leak? A leak isn’t the only explanation for the water stains on your ceiling. So, here we go – let’s talk about home insurance, leaking roofs, and when a roof might be covered.
Does home insurance cover my roof?
Well…It really depends on your policy. Home insurance may cover the roof if yours is damaged by an act of nature, like a storm. It’s very important for you to read through your policy or reach out to your agent to find out how your particular insurance company handles roof-related claims.
What we can tell you is that a loss caused by something sudden and accidental may be covered, meaning that your insurance company will pay to repair or replace the roof. So, if you have an act of nature like a huge storm and your roof is damaged, you may be covered because that’s a sudden, accidental loss that you couldn’t prevent (unless you have superhero-like powers over the weather.)
(Now, there’s one thing to note: you really have to find out how your insurance company will handle the roof repairs or replacement.)
However:
If your roof has a leak because it has not been properly maintained…that’s a different story. Your insurance company may not pay to repair the roof. The purpose of insurance is to protect the homeowner against unforeseeable losses that are out of their control, and a lack of maintenance and upkeep doesn’t fit the bill.
So. Be sure to take care of your roof and maintain it properly. Have it inspected regularly by a trustworthy roofing professional. Your roof affects your home insurance, after all.
How to tell if your roof is leaking.
A leaky roof may not be the only possible culprit for water winding up inside your home. However, there are several signs that your roof is leaking.
1. There’s algae or mold on your roof.
Dark splotches on your roof could mean algae or mold. It could be problematic or it might not. Just because there’s mold doesn’t mean the lifespan of your shingles is shortened, but it could be a sign that something’s wrong.
2. You’re seeing granules in the downspout or gutter.
You know those little specks on your shingles? Those are granules. If you start seeing a significant amount of them in your gutters or downspouts, it might be time for a new roof. Those granules have a very important job. They prevent your shingles from getting roasted by the sun’s rays – your roof is basking in the sun all day, and Georgia certainly gets plenty of strong sunshine. If the granules have started coming off, it’s possible that the shingles could become (or already are) very fragile.
3. Some shingles are missing.
Well, if you’re missing some shingles on your roof and you’re getting water in the house…yeah, you’re probably looking at a roof leak.
4. You have water spots or stains on the ceiling.
If you’ve noticed dark or discolored spots that are ominously growing larger on your ceilings, you could have a leak somewhere. Likewise if there are drip marks streaking down the wall or if your walls are mysteriously bubbling. Do the spots darken or get worse after a hard rain? That could mean that you’ve got a leaking roof on your hands.
5. There are shingles that are curled at the edges or shingles that have cracked.
Water can slip underneath your shingles if there are gaps caused by the edges of the shingles curling in. And that water could cause your roof to leak. Cracked shingles could also be a sign of trouble.
6. You notice water spots on exterior walls.
If there are water spots on exterior walls of the house – and if they get worse after a hard rain – you could have a roof problem.
Anyways, that’s what you should know about home insurance and leaks. If the leak is caused by damage that’s sudden or accidental, you’re probably covered for a new roof. If the leak is caused by a lack of maintenance, you’re probably not covered. Be sure to have a trustworthy, professional roofing company in mind to do roof inspections. Read through your policy very carefully to see how your roof is covered.
Do you want to save money on your Atlanta home insurance? We can help with that. Our team of insurance professionals can help you shop your rates so you can compare coverages and pricing. Get started with your quotes by filling out our online form or giving us a call today.
Source:
https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/111815/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-roof-replacement.asp