Your home's roof is one of its most important components. Not only does your roof protect your home from the elements, but it also plays a role in your home's efficiency and curb appeal.
When your roof is damaged or leaking, it can cause water or structural damage that impacts other areas of your home, like the systems and appliances you rely on every day, or the building materials and foundation that make your home safe.
Don't let your roof become a worry. Discover how a home warranty might be able to help if your roof needs repair.
How long does a roof typically last?
The average lifespan of a roof is about 20-30 years, depending on the type of roofing materials and the climate where you live. But like any other part of your home, your roof will eventually need to be repaired or replaced.
Over time, your roof can be damaged by severe conditions or even old age. Common reasons for a roof repair include:
- Water leaks
- Missing or damaged shingles
- Insect or wildlife damage
- Damage from serious weather events
Is a roof leak covered by a home warranty?
Some companies offer plans that can help cover roof leaks as part of their standard home warranty. If a company doesn't provide it, you may be able to purchase add-on coverage from the provider that helps supplement your home warranty for an additional cost.
Not sure if you need a home warranty? Consider the age and condition of your roof. If you have an older roof that's more susceptible to leaks, or you live in an area with severe weather conditions that can wear your roof down over time, a home warranty may give you the peace of mind you need.
America's Preferred Home Warranty includes roof leak coverage with its standard home warranty. Read on to learn more about the protection we offer.
What about roof replacement?
Most home warranty companies don't offer roof replacement coverage. However, if your roof is beyond repair and needs to be replaced, you may be able to get help through your homeowners insurance policy, or from another type of insurance or warranty that offers this type of coverage.
Roof requirements for homeowners insurance
When it comes to your roof, both homeowners insurance and a home warranty can offer financial protection in the event of damage. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of.
Most homeowners insurance policies typically cover roof damage caused by events that are out of your control, such as:
- Fire, lightning, wind, hail, or other major weather-related events
- Vehicle accidents, vandalism, or malicious mischief
- Falling objects, such as tree limbs
- Water overflow or discharge from household systems
However, homeowners insurance policies often don't cover damage that occurs from regular use. This is where a home warranty can help.
A home warranty often covers damage caused by normal wear and tear, as well as many mechanical and electrical failures. This means that if your roof leaks due to old age, a home warranty might be able to help cover the cost of repairs, while homeowners insurance most likely wouldn't.
America’s Preferred Home Warranty roof coverage
America's Preferred Home Warranty (APHW) includes roof leak repair in all our home warranty plans to help you protect your home – and budget – from bigger headaches and expenses.
Our home warranties can help you get a leak fixed fast, so it doesn't hurt other important parts of your home. APHW roof coverage:
- Includes most leak repairs that occur on rolled roofing, asphalt shingles, and flashing during the coverage period, located over primary living areas.
- Does not include pre-existing leaks, preventable damage, or natural events.
You can get more information about what we cover in our basic coverage details.
How to prevent roof leaks
Of course, the best way to deal with a roof leak is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you keep your roof in tip-top shape:
- Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair to prevent water from pooling around your foundation
- Trim trees and bushes near your home so that they don't rub against or damage your roof
- Have a professional roofer inspect and clean your roof at least once a year
While taking preventive measures can help reduce the likelihood of roof damage, it's impossible to prevent all roof problems. Having a home warranty in addition to your homeowners insurance can give you comprehensive coverage that keeps your home protected.
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