Informative Insights on Roof Requirements for Homeowners Insurance

Here are the different types of roof materials and their effect on the insurance cost:

• Slate/TileTile can easily crack, but it has high-quality insulation that can prevent burning or rotting. Slate can resist insects, decay, and fire, and also requires less maintenance. Their durability can help lower home insurance premiums.
• Asphalt ShingleThough it is durable and cost-effective, asphalt shingles can easily decay, costing more to insure.
• Metal (Copper, Zinc, or Steel Alloy)Metal roofs are fire-resistant and can last for 40-70 years, thus decreasing your insurance costs.
• WoodWooden roofs made of shingles are susceptible to fire damage, so you may have to pay higher premiums or may even be denied coverage until you apply a fire-resistant protectant on your roof.

New roofs will usually look and perform better, so you won’t have any issues in getting them covered at affordable rates. However, older roofs are more susceptible to water damage, leaks, damaged/worn-out shingles, etc, which can either cause costly repairs or further deteriorate your roof’s condition.

If your roof is 20 or more years old, your insurance provider may:

• Perform a roof inspection before providing coverage
• Offer only actual cash value coverage
• Deny coverage sometimes

Here are the different roof shapes and how they impact your insurance premium:

• Hip Roofs – They have four sides and usually cost high. However, they are resistant to windstorms, thus costing less to insure.
• Gable Roofs - Resembling an inverted V, these roofs are susceptible to winds, so you may have to pay higher premiums.
• Flat Roofs – Due to problems such as standing water, susceptibility to damage, and short lifespan, flat roofs cost more to insure.