Does a Home Warranty Cover a Roof? Leaks, Repairs, Plans, and More
Does a home warranty cover roof? From hail storms to direct sun, your roof protects your home in a number of different ways. It’s important to protect your roof, too. You can do that with a home warranty.
But not all home warranties are the same.
Let’s review how home warranty plans work, whether roof leak coverage comes standard, what to expect in the home insurance process, and so much more. It’s a deep dive into “does a home warranty cover roof” or not.
Reviewing What a Home Warranty Covers
What does a home warranty cover? Home warranties cover a wide range of systems and appliances within your home. This may include water heaters, air conditioning and HVAC, electrical wiring, and more.
Home warranties also often have options that you can add on to your plan. Options typically span:
Secondary appliances, such as an additional refrigerator or a freezer in your garage
Septic systems and well pumps
Pools and spas
Water softener systems
Garage door systems
Interior ceiling fans
And more
Finally, roof coverage is usually an add-on to homeowners insurance and does not come standard in most plans. So, “does a home warranty cover roof?” is an important question. Roofing can be expensive to fix.
Roof Leaks: Average Costs to Repair or Replace Roof
It’s important to cover roof leaks and necessary roof repairs. And it’s important to protect your roof (and home) from the very start of homeownership. Here’s what to consider.
Does a Home Warranty Cover a Roof: Why Roof Leaks are a Concern
Roof leaks are cause for concern no matter where you live - regardless of climate. The major common causes of roof leaks are hail, storms and mold.
You can't afford to neglect a roof leak. Delayed roof repairs can lead to mold in your ceiling and walls. Not only can this be harmful to your health and wallet, it can also impact a home inspection and cause costly delays when selling your home.
Further, minor damage can be exacerbated by major storms, including lightning, wind, rain, and snow. Personal property inside your home can be damaged.
The age of a roof is also a major factor. A roof only lasts half as long as estimated, according to ARCHITECT Magazine. And leaks are a major reason for faster deterioration. In fact, water intrusion is a leading cause (40%) of all building-related issues.
The good news? There are easy solutions to mitigate roof risk -- from proper roof upkeep to complete roof protection via a home warranty.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Roof: Average Costs to Repair Roof
Roof leak repair costs vary widely based on the location, type of roof and level of damage. For homeowners paying out of pocket, prices can vary even more.
The national average for a roof leak repair is $750, but it can cost thousands depending on the type of leak and roof materials. For instance, materials like tile or metal will often cost more.
This, of course, doesn't begin to get into a full roof replacement. In 2019, the average roof replacement cost $7,500, according to the National Association of REALTORS® Research Group.
Roof Shingle Types in the United States
You may have noticed that a roof in the southwest looks very different than a roof in the northeast. That’s because different roof shingles perform better in certain climates. And depending on roof shingle type, the cost of repairing and replacing them can vary.
Asphalt shingles can be found in the northeast and northwest. They are the least expensive option on the list. You can find these for about $90 per square. (It's also important to note that a square in roof construction terms means 100 square feet of material.)
Wooden shingles are commonly found in places like Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming , and Nebraska. The price range is $300 - $450 per square. That said, these shingles often have issues - from rot to mold.
Metal shingles are best for homes in the southeast and northwest parts of the country. They're relatively inexpensive compared to slate shingles at around $100 to $300 per square.
Slate shingles are traditional in the midwest. You might see them in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, and Michigan. They are one of the most expensive shingle types. Prices start from $1,500 to $3,000 per square.
Clay and concrete shingles are seen in the southwest. They're rather pricy. You can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 per square.
Composite shingles are used nationwide and start at around $300 per square.
As you can see, the cost of a roof leak repair can range wildly from just replacing part of a square to replacing an entire roof's worth of shingles.
What to Know: Exploring Home Warranty Roof Coverage Options
No one wants to have to pay for roof repairs or replacement out of pocket. Here’s what you should know about roof coverage.
Does a home warranty cover roof? Yes, there are many home warranty policies that allow you to add roof protection.
How to use your roof coverage? Here’s how the process works. If you suspect your roof needs repair or replacement, file a claim with your warranty provider.
Then, they will coordinate with one of their vetted home service contractors to come out to your home. This usually occurs within two days. Some policies might charge a small service fee - usually less than $100.
Next, the contractor will assess the roof concern and determine next steps for home repair. They will review their findings with your provider and ensure that the policy will cover your roof damage or concerns.
If covered, they will discuss a plan for repairing or replacing your roof.
What isn’t covered with roof policies? Every policy is different. Damage from some weather events might not be covered. Home roof warranties generally only cover normal wear and tear and sometimes damage due to select weather events (like hail).
Damage from poor contract work is also not covered. If you need professional roof work completed, be sure to hire roofing contractors that are licensed, bonded and insured.
How to Further Protect Your Roof: Seasonal Maintenance
When it comes to your roof and your coverage, only normal wear and tear is usually covered. So it’s important to take preventative measures year-round to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible.
Winter roof maintenance: It is especially important to keep an eye on your roof if you live in northern climates where snow and ice are the norm. Be sure to take note of leaks inside of your home after a heavy snowfall or hail, and have your roof inspected by a professional after winter ends.
Spring roof maintenance: Who doesn't love spring cleaning? Make sure to add cleaning the gutters on your to-do list during this season, no matter where you live. This is a good time to also check for any winter damage you may have missed if you live in a snowy northern climate.
Summer roof maintenance: In the summer, assess and trim any tree branches that are near your home and touching your roof, and clean your roof shingles of any moss and mold that could weaken it. This is particularly important if you live somewhere with hurricanes or tornados.
Fall roof maintenance: No matter where you live, you'll likely be dealing with trees and plants shedding and landing on your roof and in your gutters.
This is the perfect time to do your second yearly gutter maintenance and to clean off your roof before winter begins. You especially want to make sure your gutters do not get backed up, as this will lead to water damage around the roof.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Roof: Compare Quotes and Policies with Roof Coverage
Does a home warranty cover roof? Yes, the right policy can protect your roof.
No matter whether you just purchased your home last week or many years ago, there's still time to make sure you are covered by home warranty protection. And to make sure that your roof is also included in that coverage.
When you compare quotes from Affordable Home Warranty, we will find and connect you with a trusted home warranty company that will give you the best protection for your roof and home systems at the very best price. Compare quotes today and get the right home warranty policy for you.
What matters most in this world is under your roof. Be sure to protect it.