What factors affect your roof insurance premiums? The roof repair experts at Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. break it down for you in today’s post.
1. Age
Older roofs are more likely to develop leaks, which is why insurers charge higher premiums for them. This doesn’t always mean that your premiums will increase as your roof ages though. Investing in incremental roof upgrades help reduce the risk of leaks and therefore may have a positive impact on your insurance premiums.
2. Condition
The age of a roofing system gives insurers a rough idea about the condition it’s likely in. As a rule of thumb, newer roofing systems are more durable than older roofing systems, not only due to age but also because of the improvements in roofing materials over the years. Still, without routine maintenance, a newer roofing system may be less durable than an older roofing system that has been properly maintained.
Standard insurance policies usually cover damage caused by extreme weather events, but they don’t cover damage caused by negligence on the part of the homeowner. As such, improper or infrequent roof maintenance may void your insurance coverage. That’s why scheduling regular roof maintenance by professional roofing contractors is so important.
3. Shape and Slope of Your Roof
The construction of your roof, including its shape and slope, might affect your insurance premiums as well. For instance, hip roofs—roofs that have inclines on all sides—have a high wind resistance, are less likely to suffer wind damage, and therefore have lower insurance premiums. In contrast, low-sloped roofs tend to have higher premiums because they’re more leak-prone. Remember: water ponds on flat surfaces and, if not drained, may leak through the layers of your roof.
This list isn’t exhaustive. To get a more comprehensive overview of the factors that can affect your insurance premiums, ask your insurer or consult with a contractor that offers insurance claims processing assistance.
Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc., a top-rated contractor on HomeAdvisor, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at (703) 782-5531 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Fairfax, Northern Virginia and the surrounding communities.
