Why insurers are paying closer attention to roofs

By Mohammed Abdalla, Good Faith Energy.  

Understanding why insurers require new roofs and how homeowners can reduce the risk of policy cancellation. 

For many homeowners, few pieces of mail are as unsettling as a letter from their insurance company questioning the condition of their roof. A roof replacement can be costly and disruptive, and insurers can require a roof replacement as a condition of continued coverage. Here at Good Faith Energy, we want homeowners to understand what may trigger these demands and how to protect their coverage and their investment. 

Homeowner’s insurance and cancelations 

As you are well aware, your roof is one of the most crucial elements of your home. A strong, reliable roof is more than just something that completes your property’s look — it ensures your home stays safe, dry and protected from harm. If your roof is nearing the end of its life or is in bad condition, it’s more likely to fail in severe weather.  

For insurance companies, that’s not ideal. They want to protect their financial exposure, which is why they may require homeowners to do a roof replacement, especially if your roof is older than 15 or 20 years. If you refuse to do it, the insurance company may view it as evidence that you are not taking care of your property. This can then lead to your policy getting canceled. 

Factors that influence homeowner’s insurance cancelations 

When insurance companies assess whether to request a roof replacement or cancel your insurance, they look for these red flags: 

• The age of the roof: Most insurers require roofs older than 20 years to be replaced. If it’s been a while since your last roof replacement, your insurance company can see it as a potential risk. 
• Signs of wear and tear: Does your roof have a lot of moss growing on it? Are there any missing shingles or cracks? Is your roof leaking? Signs like these indicate that your roof is in bad condition. 
• Claims made on your roof: Does your roof have a history of losses? Have you made many claims recently? This may also be seen as a red flag from your insurer’s perspective. 
• Poor choice of materials: If your roof is made from materials such as asbestos tiles or wood shakes, it’s considered a high risk for damage. In this case, the insurer may not want to provide coverage. 

How to avoid being forced to replace your roof 

We can’t guarantee that your insurance company won’t require you to replace your roof. However, there are some proactive steps you can take as a homeowner to reduce the chances of that happening. 

1 - Invest time in roof maintenance 

The best way to avoid getting on your insurer’s bad side? Maintaining your roof! How long your roof will last depends on how well you take care of it. The good news is that roof maintenance is not something that you have to schedule every day. It can be as simple as scheduling inspections once or twice a year and ensuring there’s no debris accumulating on it. The goal is to identify and address issues before they escalate into bigger problems. 

2 - Choose quality materials 

Although the age of your roof is a factor, it’s not the only aspect insurance companies consider. You’re more likely to get continued coverage for a 20-year-old architectural shingle roof than a 10 to 15-year-old three-tab shingle roof. Therefore, if you have the option, invest in high-quality materials. Our tip is to opt for roofing materials with a high impact resistance rating. Some insurance companies may even offer incentives for doing so. 

3- Hire professional roofing contractors for inspections 

In some cases, you may be able to postpone a roof replacement by making some repairs. To determine whether that’s possible, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor. They’ll inspect your roof and advise you on the best way to move forward. After the inspection, you can schedule a meeting with your insurance agent to discuss whether doing some repairs will make them renew your policy. 

Recap: Can an insurance company make you replace your roof? 

As weather patterns continue to get more severe, it’s becoming more common for insurance companies to demand a roof replacement. The good news is that this can be avoided — as long as you take good care of your roof and fix issues before they turn into major problems. Remember, prevention is always cheaper and easier than a full replacement. 

Original article source: Good Faith Energy