Roof replacement is a hefty investment. After a heavy windstorm, for instance, the blown-off shingles and other damage leave homeowners wondering who will handle the repairs. It is not uncommon for people to confuse roof warranty coverage and homeowners’ insurance for roof replacement. The common assumption is that they work the same way. This is simply not true.
While roof warranties typically protect against issues with the product or the installation, homeowners’ insurance protects against sudden, accidental damage. Understanding this distinction is key to saving yourself time, cost, and stress. This article covers the difference between these two and what they both entail.
Understanding Your Roof Warranty
A roof warranty is specific. It typically comes in two forms: manufacturer warranty and workmanship warranty.
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Manufacturer Warranty
With this warranty, defects in the actual roofing material are covered. For instance, shingles that lose their granules prematurely and defective underlayment are all protected by the manufacturer. Even the curling or cracking due to manufacturing flaws can be covered under the manufacturer warranty.
However, most manufacturer warranties are pro-rated. This means that coverage decreases over time. A 30-year warranty, for instance, does not mean you get full replacement coverage for 30 years. In year 20, you may only receive a percentage of the material cost and nothing for labor.
Note: Manufacturer warranty can be voided if the installation does not meet strict technical standards. Errors such as improper nailing patterns or incorrect ventilation can cancel your coverage. This emphasises the need for professional installation at all times.
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Workmanship Warranty
On the other hand, the workmanship warranty covers mistakes made during installation. Mistakes such as incorrect shingle alignment, poor sealing, a leak due to installation, faulty ridge vent installation, and improper flashing around chimneys all come under what a workmanship warranty covers.
Many homeowners investing in quality residential roofing services often overlook this important distinction. Although the materials might be excellent, if the installation is not done properly, the roof warranty may not protect you.
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What Roof Warranties Do Not Cover
Most homeowners get blindsided by what a roof warranty covers and what it does not cover. Whether it is manufacturer or workmanship warranty, a roof warranty will not cover:
- Storm damage
- Wind uplift and Hail impact
- Acts of God, such as lightning damage, tornadoes, and hurricanes
- Damage caused by a lack of maintenance
- Natural aging or wear and tear
- Fire damage
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?
Insurance typically covers sudden and accidental damage. Most times, these are unexpected events. If your roof leaks because it’s 30 years old, your insurer will likely send you a denial letter citing ‘maintenance issues’.
However, if a hailstorm leaves your roof bare, calling your insurer is the right move. Insurance companies do not replace old roofs for free. If an adjuster finds that your roof leaked because the sealant dried out over 15 years, it will be classified as a maintenance issue.
The things insurance typically covers, known as ‘covered perils’, include:
- High-wind damage
- Hail impact
- Fallen trees or debris
- Fire damage
- Lightning strikes
How Does It Work?
In providing insurance coverage for your roof, most insurers work with a policy that considers the actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost value (RCV).
ACV pays for the roof’s current depreciated value. This means that if your 20-year roof is destroyed, your insurer takes the cost of a new roof and subtracts 20 years of depreciation. The payment you receive will be the remaining value after the difference.
On the other hand, the RCV pays you the actual cost of replacing the roof with a new one of similar quality. It does not factor in the age of the damaged one. This is why it is important to always check your declarations page to see which type of policy you have.
How to File a Roofing Insurance Claim
If your roof got damaged during a storm or any of the conditions that qualify you to have it replaced, you have to maximise your chances of making a successful claim. Documentation is key here. If you follow the step-by-step approach below, you increase the likelihood of getting a fair payout for your roof:
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Document Damage Immediately
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Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection
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Contact Your Insurance Company
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Make Temporary Repairs (if necessary) and Keep Receipts
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Meet the Insurance Adjuster
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Review and Approve the Scope of Work
Before you repair or adjust anything after the damage, take still photos and video evidence. Visible punctures, missing shingles, impact of debris, and dings in gutters. Ensure you capture all. If there is a leak, take photos of the ceiling stains and try to time-stamp all this evidence. It strengthens your claim.
Likely, most homeowners cannot identify not-so-obvious damages to their roofs. It then becomes essential to contact a professional roofer or contractor to assess the roof and provide a written damage assessment.
This further solidifies your claim and serves as professional proof to show the insurance company that a claim is actually warranted. A thorough inspection report identifies the nature of the damage as well as distinguishes it from wear and tear.
Once your roofer confirms there is significant damage, call your insurance company to file a claim. Most policies also have time limits for storm damage claims, so it’s important to act promptly.
You will be assigned a claim number as well as an adjuster to work on your case. You will also be asked to provide the date of the storm, description of the damage, evidence, and contractor assessment.
Most insurance policies often require you to mitigate further damage. That means if there is a hole, you can cover it with a tarp, or board up the windows if they are broken. However, it is important to remember to keep the receipts for these interventions. The materials for these temporary fixes are typically reimbursable.
The insurance adjuster will visit your home to verify the damage. It’s in your best interest to have your roofing contractor present. Your contractor can point out damage the adjuster might overlook to ensure that the scope of work is accurate.
Once your insurance company compares its adjuster’s report with your contractor’s estimate, the next stage is approval. The review of the scope of work includes reviewing the insurer’s estimate, confirming materials and labor details, as well as scheduling repairs or replacement. Upon approving the scope of work, work can begin. However, if their reports don’t align, your contractor can provide supplemental documentation to the insurance company.
Endnote
Your roof has two layers of financial protection. Understanding what is involved in the two is key to navigating the storm, literally. Your warranty guards against what is wrong with the roof itself, while your insurance guards against what happens to the roof. You cannot substitute one for the other. The first key is to stay informed and then organized for a successful claim, if you need it.
