Does Home Insurance Cover a Bad Roof Installation?
Sadly, some homeowners deal with leaks, loose shingles, or other issues soon after investing in a roofing installation . Will insurance help, or am I stuck? Insurance claims for an improper roof installation are complicated. Documenting the required evidence and identifying those responsible will help you make informed decisions going forward. However, insurance companies usually reject claims covering the cost of an improper roof installation. Insurance is designed to cover accidental damage, such as wind, hail, or lightning.
In this post, we will cover:
Home Insurance Usually Does Not Pay to Fix Poor Roof Installation
Most of the time, insurance will not cover an improperly installed roof, but every homeowner’s insurance policy is different. Always carefully review your policy and speak with your insurance adjuster before assuming denial. A specific cause, with the right set of terms, may be covered under your policy.
Installation Errors Are Usually a Contractor or Warranty Issue
The roofing contractor, workmanship warranty, manufacturer’s warranty, or builder could be responsible for your installation problems and should be considered before contacting the insurance company. Do your homework first, though. Gather and organize your contract, invoices, warranty paperwork, product information, photos, and (if you have them) inspection reports. These documents will support your improperly installed roof claim. A reliable roofing company will happily inspect and report any workmanship problems, defective materials, or storm-damaged areas. You'll use this inspection to determine which party is responsible.
Insurance May Still Review New Damage from a Covered Event
An insurance company could review new damage, but it gets complicated when storm damage occurs after an improper roof installation. Is the storm damage responsible, or would the damage have been less or non-existent with a proper installation? Which damage was caused by faulty products or installations, and which damage was caused by stormy weather?
Homeowners with documentation of timelines will come out ahead. It’s very helpful to have a record of the installation date, when the symptoms were first presented, and stormy weather events. Including inspection dates, attempted repairs, photos, videos, and contractor notes will also support your claim.
Bad Shingle or Metal Roof Installation Can Create Visible Warning Signs
Warning signs of a poor roof installation can pop up before its expected lifespan. Improperly installed roof shingles can result from incorrect nailing, improper seals around shingles, and flashing mistakes around vents, chimneys, and other features. Loose seams, incorrect fasteners, unsecured panels, or gaps that can fill with water indicate an improperly installed metal roof.
An untrained eye cannot tell for certain if roofing issues come from storm damage, age, poor materials, or improper installation. That’s why it’s wise to hire a qualified roofing contractor before filing insurance claims or paying for repairs. The pros will know why and how the problems occurred.
What Should You Do If You Think Your Roof Was Installed Incorrectly?
Don’t automatically assume your homeowners insurance will or won’t cover your claim. You need more information. Schedule a roof inspection and receive documentation of the problem areas. Photograph all problem spots. Photos are especially helpful before making any repairs for leaks, lifted materials, or damaged areas. Review your insurance policy. Does it include clauses related to faulty workmanship, materials, and causes of damage?
Contact the roofing contractor and have them inspect and document all problem areas. Make sure they have reviewed the workmanship, manufacturer specifications, and warranties. Get a second opinion if you don’t agree with the original contractor.
Talk to a Trusted Roofing Team Before You File the Wrong Claim
Receive advice from a reliable roofing company before filing an insurance claim. Determining the true cause of roofing issues is difficult, and filing without the facts can be confusing.
A trusted roof inspector can determine the source of the problems, such as storm damage, subpar workmanship, or inferior materials. They will then provide helpful documentation to support your claim. Professional information will lead you in the right direction. You can then follow the best advice, whether that’s filing an insurance claim, pursuing warranty coverage, or contacting the responsible contractor.
Preferred Roofing helps homeowners throughout Downtown Lee's Summit, Lakewood, Raintree Lake, Longview, and Summit Woods with all their roofing solution needs. If you believe your roof was improperly installed, schedule a professional roof inspection with Preferred Roofing today. We will carefully inspect your roofing system, document suspect areas, and offer the best solutions for your roofing needs.
