Why Homeowners’ Insurance Won’t Pay for Roof Wear and Tear

If you’re in a situation that involves paying for roof repairs, homeowner’s insurance can be a lifesaver. However, it doesn’t cover everything — like wear and tear. In today’s blog post, STARR Roofing & Gutters explains why wear and tear is not covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Why Won’t Roofing Insurance Pay for Wear and Tear?

Wear and tear is caused by normal conditions like aging and weather. Signs of wear include “balding” and curling shingles and broken or missing pieces. Much like tires on vehicles, wear is expected with continued use, therefore it wouldn’t make sense for an insurer to provide coverage for it. Generally, homeowners’ insurance provides coverage for damage caused by suddenly-occurring events like storms or unusual high-speed wind conditions. Some policies may also include coverage for vandalism or impact damage caused by large debris like fallen trees or electrical posts.

The actual amount that will be covered, of course, depends on the coverage that you purchased. Some insurance providers make the distinction between different types of damage — storm damage and wind damage, for example, may have different deductibles and can result in a difference in payouts.

Can You Protect Your Roof From Wear and Tear?

The good news is that there are some things that you can do to slow down the effects of wear and tear. Regular roofing inspections — and calling a roofer for repairs in case you find problems — can help keep your roof in great shape. It can also help reduce repair costs because small repairs generally cost less, as opposed to putting off repairs for later, when wear and tear has had its way and made the damage worse. Cleaning the gutters regularly can likewise benefit your roof.

Keeping up with your roofing maintenance appointments is an important part of your wear prevention strategy. This is when your roofer performs a thorough inspection of the roof, giving them the opportunity to find roofing problems that may not have been found during a visual inspection. It’s also important to note that most insurance companies count lack of maintenance as a form of neglect, and may deny insurance claims if the homeowner couldn’t present proof that their roof is receiving regular maintenance.

Learn more about what STARR Roofing & Gutters can do to help you file a homeowner’s insurance claim and keep your roof in good shape. Call us today at (512) 736-6539 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.