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Originally Posted On: https://swordroof.com/cincinnati-roofing-does-homeowners-insurance-cover-my-roof/

 

When it comes to home repairs, one of the most expensive things to maintain or fix is the roof. Depending on your location and climate, a new roof could set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

If you’re lucky enough to have homeowners insurance, does that policy cover your roof? The answer may surprise you.

In this article, we look at common Cincinnati roofing issues and examine if homeowners insurance covers residential roofing repairs. We also look at the coverage you can expect and provide some tips on how to maintain your roof’s condition. This helps prevent costly repairs down the road.

Let’s get started!

Common Cincinnati Roofing Issues

Leaking is a common roofing issue in Cincinnati. Roof leaks happen due to a number of factors, including wind damage, faulty shingles, and incorrect installation. If the leak was caused by an insurance-covered event, such as a severe storm, then they should cover the cost of the repair.

However, if the leak happened because of negligence on your part, such as not properly maintaining your roof, then your insurance is unlikely to cover the cost.

Another common roofing issue in Cincinnati is damage from severe weather. High winds and hail can cause serious damage to your roof, including missing or damaged shingles. If your roof is damaged by a covered event, such as a severe storm, then your insurance should cover the cost of the repair.

If you live in Cincinnati and have a residential roofing issue, the best thing to do is call a professional roofer to assess the damage.

Keep in mind that most homeowners insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will cover the cost of a repair. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the cost of the repair is $1,000, you will be responsible for paying the first $500 and your insurance will cover the remaining $500.

To help prevent residential roofing issues, it’s important to properly maintain your roof. This includes regularly cleaning your gutters and downspouts, removing debris, and trimming trees and branches that are near your roof.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover My Roof?

Now that we’ve looked at some common residential roofing issues in Cincinnati, let’s answer the question: does homeowners insurance cover my roof?

This depends on the type of coverage you have. Some policies cover the cost of repairs due to weather damage, while others do not. It’s important to read your policy carefully to see what is and isn’t covered.

If you’re not sure if your policy covers roof repairs, you can contact your insurance agent or company to ask. They will be able to tell you what type of coverage you have and what is covered under your policy.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of what homeowners insurance covers, let’s take a look at what kind of events are covered by most policies. Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by:

• Fire
• Windstorm
• Hail
• Lightning
• Explosion
• Smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Falling objects
• Water damage from a burst pipe or overflowing toilet

All of these covered circumstances are subject to insurance company restrictions and deductibles. Read your policy carefully and ask your agent to explain anything you don’t understand.

What Isn’t Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

There are some things your policy just won’t cover. You’ll see normal wear and tear listed here and this is why it’s important you take good care of your roof. Some policies have a limit on the number of years they will cover, after that you’re on your own for any roof repairs.

Most policies exclude damage caused by:

• Wear and tear
• Mold
• Termites
• Animals
• Nuclear accidents
• War
• Floods
• Landslides

These exclusions vary from policy to policy, it’s important to read your policy carefully to see what is and isn’t covered.

You must purchase separate policies or endorsements to get coverage for some of these exclusions, like mold or animals. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program, but it must be purchased through your homeowners’ insurance policy.

How to Maintain Your Roof

Your roof must be examined by a professional at least once a year. This helps you detect little problems before they become major ones.

Here are some things they will be looking out for:

• Shingles that are cracked, missing, or loose
• Gaps or holes in the roof
• Leaks in the attic or ceiling
• Water stains on the walls or ceiling
• Sagging in the roof

You should make sure your gutters are clean and debris-free year round. A blocked gutter causes water to back up and pool on your roof, which leads to leaks and other issues.

Repair any small damage to your roof as soon as possible. A missing shingle may become a major issue if it is not addressed.

Trim any trees or branches that are close to your property. Overhanging tree limbs can fall during a storm and cause damage to your roof, so they should be kept trimmed back.

Choosing a Qualified Roofing Company

When it comes time to repair or replace your roof, it’s important to choose a qualified roofing company. Here are a few things you should look for when choosing a roofer:

• Check out online reviews and ask for referrals from friends and family to make sure they have a good reputation
• Check to see if the Ohio roofing company is a member of the Better Business Bureau as this seal comes with certain quality standards
• Check that they offer some kind of warranty on their workmanship and understand what is and isn’t covered by the warranty before you hire them
• Get multiple estimates from different companies so you can compare prices

Buying Supplemental Insurance Coverage

Even if you have homeowners insurance, there may be some instances where your policy doesn’t provide enough coverage. In these cases, you can purchase supplemental insurance to get the coverage you need.

Some examples of supplemental insurance policies you might consider include:

Flood Insurance

As we mentioned earlier, flood damage is not covered by most homeowners’ insurance policies. If you live in an area that’s susceptible to floods, it’s a good idea to buy flood insurance.

Wind and Hail Insurance

This type of insurance covers damage caused by high winds and hail storms. It’s only available if you live in an area that’s prone to these types of storms.

Earthquake Insurance

This sort of coverage is important if you live in a quake-prone region. It covers the expense of repairs in the event of an earthquake.

It’s not available in all states. Check with your insurance agent to see what supplemental policies are available in your area.

Jewelry Insurance

Most homeowners’ insurance policies have limits on how much they’ll pay out for lost or stolen jewelry. If you have expensive jewelry, buy a separate policy to insure it.

Will My Rates Increase After a Claim?

While filing a claim shouldn’t cause your rates to go up, insurance companies are allowed to raise rates after a claim if they determine that the claim is indicative of future risk.

If you file a claim for water damage and the insurance company determines that the damage was caused by a faulty pipe, they may raise your rates. This is because they view you as a higher risk for future water damage.

If you file a claim for wind damage and the insurance company determines that the damage is from a freak storm, they’re unlikely to raise your rates. They don’t view you as a higher risk for future wind damage.

Some insurance companies will adjust their rates if they recognize a trend in weather issues affecting an area. They’re allowed to do this too of course but this isn’t a reflection of your individual rates going up.

Get Expert Roofing Help

While coverage for Cincinnati roofing repairs varies depending on your homeowners’ insurance policy, most policies cover at least some of the cost of repairs or replacement after a storm. Regular inspections, keeping your gutters clean, and trimming any trees or branches that are close to your home help maintain the condition of your roof.

Maintaining your roof annually to make sure it’s in good condition is the best way to avoid any roofing problems and keep your homeowners’ insurance rates low. Sword Roofing is the leading roofing contractor in Cincinnati that can provide you with expert roofing help.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.