Any homeowners are confused about what exactly their property insurance policy covers when it comes to a roof leak. Will your home insurance even cover the roof leak? Your policy may cover the water damage or cost of replacing the roof. As a Homeowner, keeping up on important repairs, especially roof repairs is incredibly important. After all, owning a home is expensive, but it becomes even more expensive when you have to come up with thousands of dollars for an unexpected roofing job. Having the right home insurance may help keep hundreds of dollars in your wallet when it comes to repairs, but if you haven’t looked at your homeowner’s policy recently you may not know what is and what isn’t covered. Most people barely think about the damage their roof can even go through, even the phrase “a roof over your head” implies safety. You rarely worry yours will buckle, collapse, or let the elements in. But if it starts raining in your bedroom, a hole in that overhead safety net is usually to blame. From extreme weather to worn-out shingles, there are plenty of reasons why your roof might spring a leak. Roof leaks need to be repaired, no question. But the reason the leak came was to help determine whether your coverage will kick in to cover the costs or not. Your policy may cover the water damage or cost of replacing the roof. Your insurance agent will send someone to assess the damage and get the claim process started. To get a policy that provides you with the right amount of coverage, be sure to give the Law Offices Of Comras & Comras a call at (954) 765-3740 today.
How do I spot a problem with my roof?
It’s a smart idea to keep an eye out for potential risk factors that can cause roof leaks, you’ll want to know what exactly are some of the causes for damage to your roof to avoid it in the first place. Below are some ways to spot trouble and even prevent them before it can get costly.
One of the more common problems is when leaves and debris get clogged in your gutters, especially if they are not cleaned out often. It can slow the water flow that comes from the roof and retain it, which in turn causes mold and mildew. That alone is enough to eat away at the material and then cause problematic leaks and holes. Make sure to always clean out your gutters for every season to avoid this.
Over time, shingles wear out, break, buckle, or just go missing. Water can sink through the roof and into your home when shingles crack or are broken. The elements such as rain, freezing temperatures, wind, and hail storms can severely damage shingles and even someone walking on them can force them to weaken. Every season, take a visual inventory of your shingles to see if they are still in place and if they need to be replaced.
If water has already managed to find its way into your home and on your ceiling, you will be able to tell by the ‘stains’ above. Try finding the cause of the leak as sometimes it can be found somewhere different from the stain, like a chimney or vents found in the home.
By getting your roof inspected at least twice a year — if not seasonally — by a professional and acting on problems as soon as you become aware of them (Like the ones listed above), you can prevent most roof leaks.
I’ve found a leak, now what?
Sometimes even with all the prevention and precautions, life happens and you may find yourself catching a drip or two in your living room. If you’ve found a leak, do not ignore it! The faster you act, the more money and hassle you can save before the damage becomes too severe. Moving items out of the way is most important and that includes furniture, electronics, and valuables. Make certain to unplug electronics or disconnect the power before moving electronics for safety purposes. Place a bucket under the leak to catch as much water as possible. If you notice wall paint bubbling or blistering, take a small pin to puncture the bubble and release the water gathering in the wall.
Afterward, try to remove the water from any furniture or carpet by using mops, towels, and buckets to soak up the excess water. To help prevent mold build-up from soaked carpets, a fan helps not only to dry it but circulate the air as well. A wet/dry vacuum is also useful to use in this instance. As soon as these steps are done you will want to contact a professional to minimize and assess the damage that has already been done. Remember to get an estimate first before committing and contacting your insurance agent to see what is covered!
Have additional questions? Call (954) 765-3740 and speak with a licensed agent at the Law Offices Of Comras & Comras who can help review your policy with you! #lauderdaleroofleak #leakyroofbrowardcounty #leakyrooftamarac #howtofixaroofleak