Homeowners in Baton Rouge know that when a storm hits the city, their roofs are at risk for damage. The place is no stranger to hail storms. Not to mention, the recent tropical storm that people in Louisiana prepared for.
But bad weather isn’t the only thing that causes potential destruction. Other factors include any of the following:
- Fallen debris from trees
- Clogged gutters
- Zero roof maintenance
- Do-it-yourself roofing jobs
- Bad workmanship
- Unwanted vegetation (moss)
When the structural integrity of your roof is threatened and it needs to be replaced, people ask: “Does insurance pay for new roof?” This is what we’re going to discuss in this blog post.
We’ll give you the answer in a while. At Top Team Roofing & Construction, we know that filing a roof insurance claim can be tricky and confusing. Consider this guide as your starting point.
Next, we’ll also discuss the common warning signs you need a new roof, as well as the insurance claim process.
Does Insurance Cover A New Roof
Those who plan to file a roof damage insurance claim wonder whether they can get approved. The answer is that it is the insurance policy that determines coverage. You can get full coverage or partial coverage, or none at all.
However, certain factors affect the insurance provider’s final decision. Here are some of them…
1. Maintenance
Your insurance provider will check roof maintenance. If roofing issues exist because you failed to maintain the roof, you’re less likely to get approval.
Let’s consider one situation: Roof cleaning is an important maintenance task. But because you never cleaned the roof, moss grew all over the place. Upon inspection, the insurance company found out that shingle granules have disappeared and your roof has a few holes.
Related: A Homeowner’s Guide On How To Remove Moss From Roof
2. Roofing Age
Does insurance pay for new roof? Another factor that determines approval is roof age. Older roofing systems put a limit on insurance claims. This is especially true with roofs that are at least 20 years old.
If this is the case with your roof, then your insurance roof replacement will entail coverage according to the depreciated value. So be sure to check when your roof was first installed.
Speaking about roofing age, asphalt shingles last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. On the other hand, metal roofs last from 40-70 years. Usually, roofs that reach half of their average lifespan already show signs of wear and tear.
3. Material Type
What is your roof made of? Is it an asphalt shingle roof? Metal? Rubber? You may not be aware of this… but yes, your roofing material matters at the time of a roof damage insurance claim.
Insurance companies usually cover materials that are easy to find, such as asphalt shingles. Wood shakes or a slate roof are less likely to be covered.
4. Number of Roof Layers
Homeowners who file insurance roof claims sometimes complain about getting denied because they have three layers of roofing material. Does insurance pay for new roof in this case? The answer is no.
Re-roofing, the process of putting new shingles on top or an existing shingle layer, should be done only once. Even one layer of shingles already adds a substantial amount of weight. This alone makes your roof less likely to withstand the effects of bad weather. For example, a hail storm.
So, to stay on the safe side, it’s best to install only one roofing layer from the start.
5. Exclusions in the Policy
Homeowners insurance roof exclusions are another thing to put in mind. While people know what they’re covered against, only a few bother to ask about exclusions. Some things that are not covered include:
- Pest infestation
- Shrinking, expanding
- Wildfires
- Any form of avoidable damage
Take note that the list above is not conclusive. Make sure to ask your insurance provider or review your insurance policy to check the exclusions.
Common Signs of Roof Damage
- Missing roof shingles
- Sagging roof lines
- Daylight enters your attic
- A large pile of granules in the gutters or end of the downspouts
- Cracked roof shingles
Filing a Roof Replacement Insurance Claim
Now that you have some answers to the question, “Does insurance pay for new roof?” you might be wondering how the process goes. Below, we listed the ways on how to get a new roof from insurance.
1. Take pieces of evidence of the roofing damage.
As a homeowner, the first thing you should do to justify the damaged areas is to take pictures and notes. These pieces of evidence help you make a convincing argument. Label your photos with the date and time you took them. Recall the signs of roof damage we discussed previously.
2. Contact your insurance provider to report the damage and check whether you’re covered.
The second step of the insurance claim process is to call up the insurance company. Even if you have a copy of the insurance policy and have reviewed it, there may be additional details you should know.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to visit your home and inspect the damage. The cost of coverage depends on the findings of the adjuster.
3. Hire a roofing contractor that specializes in insurance claims.
Some roofing contractors like Top Team Roofing & Construction specialize in storm damage insurance claims or other types of insurance claims. A roofing contractor’s role is to assess your roof and make a detailed estimate.
They will also help you navigate the roof insurance claims process and answer some of your insurance roof replacement questions. Here at Top Team, we’ll do our best to minimize overwhelm on your part. We’ll also work with the insurance adjuster to compare our assessments. Doing this may help increase your chance of getting approved.
Lastly, wait for your insurance provider to give out the first check to get the roof replacement job started.
Need Help with Roofing Insurance Claims?
We hope that we answered your question, “Does insurance pay for new roof?”
Thank you for checking out this guide. Don’t hesitate to call Top Team Roofing & Construction when it’s time to file an insurance roof replacement claim.
We’re your Baton Rouge LA professional roofing contractor! Call us today at 225.571.1740.
