When you experience a roof leak, not only can it be emotionally stressful to deal with the damage but it’s also financially costly. Homeowners insurance may be able to help alleviate some of the impact that incurring major repairs has on your budget if it covers roof leaks; however, many people find themselves wondering “does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?” and whether or not they can file for repair coverage.
If you’ve discovered a roof leak in your home, then your mind is likely racing with questions.
- How do I stop the leak?
- How much will the repair cost?
- How will I pay for this?
When it comes to your homeowner’s insurance, it can be difficult to know what is covered and what is not. Now, let’s see what homeowner’s insurance covers when it comes to roof leaks.
What Is the Importance of Homeowner’s Insurance?
If you are a new homeowner, you may have automatically invested in homeowners insurance without fully understanding its importance. The truth is homeowners insurance policies can be the thing that makes or breaks your home. When disaster strikes, you don’t want to have to pay for it out of pocket. Homeowners insurance can help.
What Are the Signs of Roof Leaks?
Do you suspect that you have a roof leak but haven’t been able to spot the dripping water itself? Here are some subtle signs that a roof leak may be present, even if you can’t see it.
- Mildew Smell – Is your home smelling a bit moldy and musty? It could be a roof leak. Mildew and mold thrive in moist environments, and roof leaks create the perfect environment.
- Water Stains – Noticing brown or yellow stains forming on your ceilings and walls? That is likely a water stain, that could be coming from a hidden roof leak in your attic.
- Ceiling Cracks – Ceiling cracks can have a variety of causes, but a roof leak is certainly one of them.
- Damaged Personal Items – If you find that the items that you have stored in your attic have water damage, it’s probably because they were located under a roof leak.
Now, Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?
Insurance policies are notoriously difficult to figure out, but you don’t need to be stressed. When it comes to roof leaks, each policy may have some subtle differences, but the core rules still apply.
In general, homeowners insurance exists to protect you and your home from unexpected damages out of your control. In the case of roof leaks, this typically means that your homeowner’s insurance will cover roof damage caused by things such as wind damage, storm damage, hail damage, or trees and branches falling on your roof.
What doesn’t it cover? Well, that would be your personal mistake. Doing a little DIY roof repair and find that you have accidentally dented your roof? Unfortunately, that one is on you. A similar rule applies to roof damage that is caused by an outside contractor. Luckily, most reputable contractors will offer you both product and workmanship warranties that should cover it.
What To Do When Your Roof Leaks
When your roof leaks, you’ll want a clear plan of action to avoid further damage to your home. Here are the steps you should take to make sure that your roof leak is repaired quickly and efficiently.
Protect Your Home
When you notice a leak, the first thing to do is to make sure that your home is protected. We recommend mopping up any water that may be pooling on your floors to avoid water damage. If you can, place a bucket under the leak to catch the drips. Putting towels under the bucket will add an extra layer of protection for your floor.
Document Damage
Next, you’ll want to thoroughly document all of the damage from the roof leak. This will be helpful for your insurance company when it comes time to file a claim. Take extensive pictures of the leaking roof and any damage to floors, walls, and personal property that it has caused.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once the situation is temporarily managed, you’ll want to contact your insurance company and ask any questions you may have about your coverage. They can help you file a claim so that you can quickly get reimbursed for any potential repair costs.
Get In Touch With The Pros At Johnson Restoration
When it comes to fixing a roof leak, you want a trusted roofing contractor on your side. At Johnson Restoration, we can help! Whether your roof leak has led to you needing a minor roof repair, or a full roof replacement, our team of experts has the know-how to make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
