Roof maintenance··3 min read
What to Do If Your Roof Is Leaking: A Step-by-Step Guide
Contain the water, protect your belongings, document everything, and get the source diagnosed. Here's the order to do it in, and what not to do.
Homeowner decisions
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement or Roof Leaks?
By VitalRoofs··3 min read
In general, homeowners insurance covers roof damage caused by a sudden, accidental event, such as wind, hail, a fallen tree or fire. It generally does not cover a roof that is failing because of age, wear and tear, poor maintenance or gradual deterioration.
Every policy is different. This article explains how coverage commonly works, but only your policy documents and your insurance agent can tell you what your specific policy covers. VitalRoofs is not an insurance company and does not handle claims.
What is usually covered
- Wind damage that tears off or lifts shingles during a storm
- Hail damage
- A tree or large limb falling on the roof
- Fire and lightning
- Weight of snow and ice, under many policies
- Interior water damage caused by a covered sudden event
What is usually not covered
- Roofs that are old, brittle or worn out
- Slow leaks from long-term deterioration
- Damage from neglected maintenance, like clogged gutters
- Granule loss and aging that happens over time
- Cosmetic issues like algae streaks or moss
Is a roof leak covered by insurance?
It depends on the cause. A leak caused by a storm that tore off shingles is commonly covered, often including the resulting interior damage. A leak caused by an aging roof, failed sealant or a pipe boot that cracked over time is usually treated as a maintenance issue. Ice dam leaks are common in Maine, and whether the resulting damage is covered varies by policy.
What to do if you think you have a claim
- Stop further damage safely, such as placing buckets or tarping from the ground if possible.
- Photograph the damage inside and out, with dates.
- Read your policy and call your agent or insurer.
- Get the roof inspected so you understand the cause and extent of the damage.
- Keep receipts for any emergency repairs.
When insurance won't pay: extending the roof you have
Because insurance generally doesn't pay for age-related wear, homeowners with a tired but intact roof are often facing replacement out of pocket. That's where rejuvenation can help. For asphalt shingle roofs roughly 8-20 years old that are still structurally sound, rejuvenation restores flexibility to aging shingles and can delay the replacement decision.
VitalRoofs rejuvenation typically costs $3,000-$5,000 for most homes, versus the $15,000-$30,000+ many Maine homeowners are quoted for replacement. It isn't a fix for storm damage or leaks. Those should go through repair and, where applicable, your insurer first.
Key takeaways
- Insurance generally covers sudden damage, not age and wear.
- Leaks are covered or not depending on their cause.
- Replacement cost vs. actual cash value makes a big difference on older roofs.
- Only your policy and agent can confirm your coverage.
- For worn-but-sound roofs insurance won't pay for, rejuvenation may delay an out-of-pocket replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Will my insurance replace my roof because it's old?
Generally no. Age and wear are typically excluded. Coverage usually requires a sudden, covered event such as wind, hail or a falling tree.
Can an old roof affect my insurance?
It can. Some insurers inspect roofs, adjust coverage terms, or require updates on older roofs. Ask your agent how your roof's age affects your policy.
Does VitalRoofs help with insurance claims?
No. We aren't an insurance company or public adjuster. We can assess your roof's condition so you understand it, but claims go through your insurer.
Does insurance cover roof rejuvenation?
Rejuvenation is preventive maintenance, which insurers generally do not pay for. Check with your agent for your specific policy.
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Get a free roof assessmentAbout the author
VitalRoofs
Roof rejuvenation specialists, Portland, Maine
VitalRoofs assesses aging asphalt shingle roofs across Southern Maine, Central Maine and Southern New Hampshire, and recommends rejuvenation only where the roof's condition supports it. Articles here are written and reviewed by the VitalRoofs team.
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