A roof is a worthwhile investment, and as a homeowner, performing regular roof maintenance is crucial to ensuring it lasts for years to come. However, while the system is designed to protect your home from harsh conditions, it will always be susceptible to deterioration. Although insurance may cover roof repair and even replacement, there are issues that aren’t covered by your insurance policy, including wear and tear.
About Wear and Tear
Wear and tear is the natural deterioration that occurs as an object ages. As an illustration, consider how quickly your carpets can become filthy and worn after so many years. Such deterioration can also happen to your roof, but in the form of corroded nails or buckling shingles that may allow water to seep into your property.
When it comes to home insurance, the majority of policies will only protect you in case of a fire, flood or theft. Wear and tear, as well as damage that occurs over time, will not be covered. Dampness, moisture or rust are all examples of things that could cause this. Thus, it is imperative that you thoroughly review your insurance policy’s documentation to ensure that you understand what is covered.
Common Causes of Wear and Tear
Roof wear and tear occurs due to long-term exposure to the elements. These four, in particular, play a role in the deterioration of the roof’s materials and components:
High winds - High winds are primarily to blame for the majority of roofing wear and tear. Asphalt shingles, cedar shakes and other comparable roofing materials wear out quickly, especially around the roof's margins. The roof edge takes the brunt of the wind coming from the bottom and top during a storm. Wind-carried debris also expedites the deterioration, which is why investing in wind-rated roofing systems and adhesive-reinforced starting strips is imperative.
Rainwater - Rainfall can erode an asphalt shingle roof's surface, wearing off the granules and eventually exposing the supporting material. Heavy rain, when combined with wind, can infiltrate small holes in the roofing structure, causing leaks and moisture damage. Investing in excellent, long-lasting roofing systems with comprehensive warranties, as well as working with knowledgeable roofing contractors, can help minimize wear and tear caused by heavy downpours.
Sunlight - When it's not raining, your roof is subjected to another type of wear and tear: sunshine. Asphalt shingles have granules that protect the asphalt layer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but they tend to wear out over time. Reflective roofing systems can help slow this process as they reduce the amount of heat that they absorb.
Trees - The distance between tree branches and your roof should be at least 10 feet. If they come close to your roof, they may poke it, scraping away at the protecting granules and exposing the asphalt layer beneath. The outer coating of a standing seam metal roof could be pulled off, revealing bare metal. Squirrels and other small animals may get access to your roof through the same branches. Trimming them is possible with the help of a local arborist.
Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Wear and Tear?
As a policyholder with homeowner's insurance, you are expected to keep your end of the deal with the insurer in order to avoid any negligence that may result in property damage. Wear and tear is not covered by the policy to protect them from being held liable for harm caused by your failure to repair, replace or maintain elements of your home that needed to be fixed.
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure your roof is in top shape by scheduling regular roof inspections and maintenance. If there is an issue, you will be in charge of taking care of the roof repair and not the insurance provider.
What Kind of Roof Damage Is Covered?
Since insurance coverage varies by policy, it is crucial to know the details of your plan. In most situations, your insurance policy's home coverage section will specify which components of your roof are covered in the event of certain disasters.
Frequently covered events include fire, wind and hail damage. If a tree falls on your roof during a windstorm or if your roof is damaged by hail, your dwelling coverage is likely to assist in covering the necessary repair expenses. If you possess a shed, detached garage or other detached structure, those structures may be covered by a non-dwelling or "other structures" provision.
Bear in mind that the vast majority of homeowner insurance policies need you to pay a deductible before the policy will cover the remainder of the cost. Additionally, your coverage plan may put a limit on the total cost of repair. Roofers always urge that you study the small print and familiarize yourself with what is and is not covered well in advance of requiring it.
Contact a trusted roof replacement expert prior to filing an insurance claim to identify and verify the amount of the damage in relation to your coverage. This will assist you avoid an increase in your rates as a result of submitting non-payable claims.
Tips to Keep Your Roof Well-Maintained
As already discussed above, wear and tear is particularly excluded from homeowners insurance since it is a condition of the agreement between you and your insurance provider that you maintain your home, including your roof. In other words, you can avoid costly repairs by doing routine roofing inspections and maintenance.
The following are some of the things you can do to ensure your roof is well-maintained.
Perform a visual inspection of your roof at least once a month. Be on the lookout for missing or warped shingles.
Climb up into the attic, and look for signs of exterior water damage on the roofing components. Get in touch with roofing contractors to repair any leaks if there is any water or moisture present.
Have your roof cleaned by professional roofers to eliminate any algae or mold growth that has accumulated on the surface.
Keep tree branches from touching your roof by trimming them back a few feet away from your home. Otherwise, they can cause roof damage, especially when they scrape against the shingles and dislodge their protective granules.
When it comes to top-notch roofing services, A1 Quality Roofing, Inc. is committed to deliver. With our trained and experienced team, we’ll make sure the work is done perfectly right the first time. We’ve been in business since 1991 and built a reputation on providing customer satisfaction through high-quality workmanship.
To discuss your roof replacement and repair needs, call (951) 877-4406. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule your roof evaluation today.