As a homeowner, the safety and security of your home and loved ones are paramount. You’ve invested considerable time, effort, and money to create a haven that provides protection from the elements.
However, there is a critical yet often overlooked aspect when it comes to insurance coverage for your home – the condition of your roof. if it’s been more than five years since a qualified professional was up on your roof, now is the time to book a roof inspection.
Treat roof maintenance like car maintenance
Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements. In the event of a major storm, you rely on your roof to shield you from the weather and keep water outside where it belongs. Should rain find it’s way inside your home, it’s not always as simple as just making an insurance claim. If your insurance provider determines that your roof has not been adequately maintained, it could jeopardise your coverage in the event of a storm-related claim.
Just as your car insurance requires you to get your vehicle serviced regularly, your home insurance places the onus on the property owner to carry out regular maintenance on their property.
To safeguard your investment and ensure your home remains fully protected, it’s crucial to prioritise a professional roof inspection. By taking the initiative to book a roof inspection, you demonstrate your commitment to upholding your insurance policy’s requirements. This proactive step can save you from the potential nightmare of facing substantial repair costs out of your pocket if your claim is denied due to alleged lack of roof maintenance.
Water leaks and storm damage are not the same
Extreme weather events are increasingly frequent and intense, leaving no homeowner immune to their destructive potential. Recent years have witnessed some of the worst bushfires and floods in living history, demonstrating the need for heightened preparedness. Roof leaks, structural damage, interior flooding, and compromised safety are just a few of the devastating consequences that can result. Therefore, it is absolutely vital to ensure your roof is in optimal condition, ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature may throw its way.
It’s important to understand what your insurance coverage actually includes. Many home insurance policies cover water damage when it arises from a catastrophic failure in things like water tanks, burst pipes or another unexpected event. They might also talk about including rainwater run-off. In the case of most insurers, rainwater run-off is deemed as ground water that has backed up and entered your property due to a heavy deluge overwhelming the drains and stormwater systems. If the rainwater enters via your roof, it can be a different story.
There are clauses in most policies that require the owner to carry out regular maintenance to ensure the watertightness and effectiveness of their roof. If you can’t prove the last time you had a professional take a look at your roof structure, you might find yourself with a rejected claim if damage is caused from rainwater coming through your ceiling.
What does a roof inspection involve?
A comprehensive roof inspection conducted by a qualified professional will assess the overall integrity of your roof, identifying any existing or potential issues. From loose tiles and damaged flashing, to hidden leaks and weakened support structures, a thorough examination will leave no stone unturned. By promptly addressing any problems, you not only enhance your home’s resilience but also fulfill your insurance obligations, guaranteeing that you are adequately covered if disaster strikes. Beyond insurance requirements, a roof inspection offers you peace of mind, knowing that your home is fortified against the forces of nature. It is an investment in the long-term protection of your most valuable asset, ensuring that your family’s safety and security remain uncompromised even during the most extreme weather conditions.
Book a roof inspection to prove your property maintenance obligations are met.
Insurance companies often rely on defect clauses and alleged lack of maintenance to reject or reduce claims, making the risk of claim denial after a storm due to inadequate roof maintenance a significant concern.
Consumers frequently face frustration and confusion when their claims are denied, especially when they believe they are not at fault for the damages. Understanding insurance policy exclusions and maintaining proper documentation can help navigate these complexities.
To avoid water damage claims being rejected due to lack of maintenance, it is recommended to engage with your insurer and discuss your obligations. Simplified definitions of defect, maintenance, and wear and tear clauses can provide clarity. Additionally, scheduling a regular roof inspection by a qualified tradesperson is an excellent way to demonstrate proactive maintenance and fulfill your obligations. A trained professional can identify problems, such as cracked tiles, damaged ridge capping, or weakened support structures, while providing you with vital records of property maintenance, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in the event of a claim. Don’t wait for a storm to expose the vulnerabilities of your roof and put your insurance coverage at risk.
Pingback: Cleaning Roof Tiles: A Guide for Illawarra Property Owners - Illawarra Roof Restoration & Maintenance
Pingback: Cleaning Roof Tiles? A Guide for Illawarra Property Owners - Illawarra Roof Restoration & Maintenance