Imagine being comfortable in bed listening to the rain; suddenly, water drops hit you straight on the forehead. You've just discovered that your roof is leaking. Roof leaks can be an unexpected and costly expense for any homeowner. However, ignoring roof leaks can cause significant damage later, including decreased property value and mould growth. It can also result in further structural damage, a safety hazard for you and your family. That's why it's important to fix roof leaks promptly. But often, there is no budget for an unexpected expense. Fortunately, homeowner's insurance exists, but does it cover roof leaks specifically?

Does Home Insurance Cover Roof Repairs?

It depends! All home insurance plans will differ from company to company and from insured to insured. Therefore, it is wise to check your specific homeowner's insurance policy to see if the cause of your roof leak is covered.

Your policy may not specifically outline roof damages, but roof leaks caused by perils outlined in your policy would typically be covered.

For example, at GenAc, if the following perils damaged your roof, its repair is likely covered by your insurer:

• Fire & Lightning
• Hurricane, Cyclone, Tornado or Windstorm
• Flood
• Earthquake & Volcanic Eruption
• Riot & Strike
• Malicious Damage
• Explosion
• Impact from Aircraft & other Aerial Devices
• Impact by Road Vehicles, Horses or Cattle
• Bursting or Overflowing of Water Tanks, Apparatus, or Pipes
• Theft

However, if your roof leaks because of the following reasons, it's probably not covered by your insurance policy:

• Wear and tear (i.e., your roof is old)
• Rot
• Animal damage not covered by your insurance
• Any damage caused by a peril not covered in your policy

It's best to check your policy and speak to a GenAc representative if you're unclear about whether or not the cause of your roof leak is covered.

How Your Home Insurance Company Can Help

Your home insurance company can help you after a roof leak by giving you compensation for the damage. You can then use that money to aid with the cost of fixing or replacing your roof. The amount of compensation you get depends on your policy. If you need your home insurance company to help you fix your roof leak, the first step is submitting a claim to your insurance provider.

How Much Does a Roof Leak Cost to Fix?

The cost to fix a roof leak varies widely and depends on factors such as the company or contractor you hire, the extent of the roof damage, type of roof, and availability and cost of material.

We recommend assessing the damage and getting quotes from various companies before deciding what works for you. Remember, using cheaper materials or hiring the most inexpensive company may not always be the best option for you in the long term, no matter how tempting it is to save a dollar.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement from Leaks?

Again, this depends. If your roof needs replacing due to a covered peril, your homeowner's insurance may cover the cost. Otherwise, you may have to foot the bill. Check your policy or contact your insurance agent for more information on your situation.

When Are Insurers Likely to Pay Out on a Roof Damage Claim?

It will vary by insurance company. At General Accident, we typically take between 2–8 weeks to be settled based on the circumstances of the incident and if all the requisite forms and details are submitted in a timely manner.

How to Find a Roof Leak

While a roof leak may be as obvious as seeing water dripping from your ceiling, sometimes, it's not so obvious. You might have to call a professional to help you determine whether or not you have a leak and the location of the leak. However, in some cases, you can just check out the interior of your home or use a ladder to go on the roof and identify the problem immediately.

According to Architectural Digest, here are some signs of a roof leak:

• Peeling paint
• Warped walls or ceilings
• Water stains
• Mold or mildew
• Roof flashing
• Pooled water on your roof
• Missing or damaged shingles
• Buildup of debris

Once you find the area of the roof that is damaged and leaking, you'll want to start repairing it as soon as possible.

How to Deal With a Roof Leak

If you notice a roof leak, you must act quickly, or you'll have to deal with expensive consequences later. We recommend submitting a claim to your insurance company and having a highly skilled individual repair your roof as soon as possible to prevent further damage and discomfort.

However, if you have the skills, there are temporary fixes you can apply, which will serve as a band-aid for the problem. Architectural Digest says you can replace shingles, apply sealant, and cover the area with a tarpaulin to prevent water from entering your home.

If you're experiencing heavy rains or wind and it's unsafe to go out on the roof, you can mop up the water dripping from the roof and use a bucket to catch the water. Once it's safe, take pictures of the leak and the roof damage. Then, you can begin your temporary fixes.

Remember, you should still have a professional repair or replace your roof if necessary. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in the United States, fixing roof repairs yourself may not be a great idea. They stated that DIY roof repair can damage the roof and worsen the problem in the long run. You could also harm yourself trying to do these repairs.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

While you can't always prevent a roof leak, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of having a leaky roof. One of those steps is thoroughly preparing for the hurricane season. One hurricane preparation tip we shared is to trim trees. Hanging limbs or loose branches could fall on your roof during a hurricane and cause extensive roof damage. Trimming them every hurricane season could save money on roof repair.

Other ways to prevent roof leaks include doing regular roof maintenance (using a professional is preferred), performing regular inspections of your roof to identify and repair problem spots, replacing old and worn roofing (consider replacing your roof every 20 years), and regularly cleaning your gutters.

It's also good practice to take pictures of your roof before disaster strikes to show that a specific peril caused your roof damage.

Get Homeowners Insurance Coverage with Genac

Even though you can sometimes own a home without insurance, we don't recommend it. Every homeowner deserves a roof without leaks over their heads, whether or not they have the cash upfront to get it done.

At Genac, we know your home is one of your most significant investments, and we're committed to helping you protect it. That's why we cover roof leaks caused by covered perils. Contact us today to discuss your insurance needs and ensure you're fully covered before disaster strikes.