If you’re thinking about or are already in the process of purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, you may want to consider having a roof inspection as part of the process. During a roof inspection, the inspector typically inspects the roofing material, the flashing, gutters, vent pipe covers, caulking and other components in order to determine the condition of your roof. A damaged roof can have a significant impact on homeowners, and can cost over $1,000 in repairs. By inspecting the roof, you can determine the danger it poses to your home and the likely cost of home insurance. Additionally, the insurance company may deny homeowners insurance if the roof is in a poor condition.
What is the meaning of roof inspection?
When an inspector visits your home’s roof, they are essentially estimating the length of time the roof will have before it needs to be replaced. An insurance company must do this in order to determine the degree to which your roof is risked. If your roof is in poor condition, you may have to pay a higher premium or you may have problems getting your home insured if you replace or repair it.
Although an inspector may actually ascend to your roof, this is often accompanied by a visual inspection of the home’s insurance. The inspector can determine the condition of your roof from a distance of ground or ladder. During roof assessments that are professional, drones are possible candidates for use in your roof’s inspection. This eliminates the need for a physical presence on the roof.
However, your roof’s shingles aren’t the sole concern an inspector considers. Your roof’s components are spread across its exterior coating. Also, an inspector will assess the following’s condition during an inspection:
- Roofing material (shingles, metal, etc.)
- Flashing
- Gutters
- Vent pipe covers/ boots
- Caulking
- Indications of water intrusion/ interior humidity
Are you required to have a roof inspection for insurance?
If you live in an older home or area that is prone to many storms, your insurance provider will probably require a homeowners insurance inspection of the roof. This is because the roof is the first line of defense against nature. Regardless of the weather, your roof must be able to withstand it. If it is unable to succeed, it can lead to a domino effect that includes other issues within your home, including roof leaks and interior water damage. These issues are associated with an insurance company having to pay out more money in a claim if something occurs. Your insurance is intended to assist you after specific losses, but companies that specialize in insurance still expect you to minimize the damage as much as possible. This involves maintaining your roof’s condition.
When calculating the amount of coverage you need, remember that standard homeowners insurance policies typically include extra cash value (ACV) for the roof. This implies that depreciation is removed from any monetary settlement that you receive; if your roof is in poor condition, your payout will be less than the amount it would be if your roof were in perfect condition. Ultimately, the insurance company will only compensate for the value of the roof at the time of the claim, rather than the actual expense of replacing it with a new piece, which would be more costly. If you want insurance to cover the cost of replacement your roof, you may be able to do so by endorsement. Just be aware that coverage for replacement costs is typically more expensive than coverage for ACV, but this may be justifiable.
Ordinance and law enforcement can also contribute to the protection of your finances via the added expense of employing more expensive materials for your roof that are necessary due to local code changes.
You may need to have your roof evaluated when:
- The acquisition of a home – whether it’s a new construction or an existing property.
- Changing to a new insurance company for a home.
- After a storm, if there is concern regarding potential roof damage.
The advantages of roof monitoring
Separate from not having your own roof, hiring a professional contractor who specializes in roofing has multiple advantages.
A roof technician can typically identify any of the following:
- Cracked shingles
- Deteriorating lighting
- Drainage issues
- Leaks
- Mold
- Wood decay
The earlier problems are recognized, the sooner you can address them and potentially avoid the stress of additional damage. The most beneficial aspect is that an obligation to have a roof inspection should not cost you anything. If an insurance company has requested that you inspect things as part of the underwriting or process of claims, you will not have to pay the entire cost yourself. You will only have to pay for an inspection you arrange. However, having your roof monitored every few years may be beneficial, even if the process involves an out-of-pocket expense). It may serve to reduce the long-term cost of homeowners insurance.
When you focus on the roof’s maintenance, you have a higher chance of enhancing its lifetime. No roof can last for eternity, but if you address the problems of your roof as they arise, the probability of your roof experiencing a significant failure is reduced greatly. Ultimately, roof evaluations can be a beneficial tool that serves you, as a property owner.
