As a property owner who has religiously paid their home insurance premiums year after year, you would be justified in thinking that when the worst happens, your insurance provider will have you covered. Every year, however, thousands of Aussies get water damage claims knocked back because they have failed to maintain their property to the required standard. If your roof falters in extreme weather and lets water through, causing damage to your property and your insurance provider determines that your roof has not been adequately maintained, it can affect your level of coverage.
A simple way to ensure you’re upholding your end of the bargain when it comes to roof maintenance is by booking a routine roof inspection every few years. A roof inspection, carried out by a roofing professional can identify any problem areas, keeping your home fully protected as well as proving to your insurer that you’re serious about property maintenance.
This proactive step of making a phone call to your local roofing service could save you thousands of dollars, compared to facing substantial out-of-pocket costs if your home insurance claim is denied due to a lack of roof maintenance.
Western Sydney weather events leading to heavy scrutiny by insurance providers:
The past few years have seen extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense, and no homeowner is immune to their destructive potential. That’s why it is so important to make sure your roof is in optimal condition, ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature might throw at you.
A comprehensive roof inspection conducted by a qualified professional will determine the condition of your roof and gutters, identifying existing or potential issues. From damaged tiles and valleys to hidden leaks and weakened support structures, a professional roof inspection will leave no stone unturned. Addressing any issues promptly will not only mean your home is more resilient against weather extremes, but keep those insurance companies happy, so you are adequately covered when disaster strikes.
Beyond home insurance requirements, a roof inspection offers you peace of mind, knowing that your home is fortified against the forces of nature. We see a roof inspection as an investment in the long-term protection of your most valuable asset, ensuring that your family’s safety and security remain uncompromised during even the most extreme weather conditions.
Think about how you get your car serviced regularly instead of waiting until you break down on the side of the road to have a mechanic take a look under the bonnet…
Are roof leaks covered when water enters your home?
Most insurance policies do cover water damage that is the result of events such as burst pipes or water tanks, faulty appliances, and extreme weather events where something like a tree falls onto a building and damages the roof structure during a storm.
When excessive rainfall enters your home via the roof or your gutters become overwhelmed, the coverage gets sketchy. The majority of insurers will offer coverage for storm damage, but use wording such as “providing your property is watertight, structurally sound and well maintained.” So, what does “well maintained” mean exactly?
Insurance companies exemption clauses:
Home building and contents insurance policies will typically have clauses that exclude damage caused by the homeowner’s failure to maintain the property adequately, but these exclusions are often not well understood by consumers. It can leave property owners baffled as to why their claim is denied and the definition of what is deemed “adequate maintenance” can also be a grey area. Overall, it can be extremely disheartening and stressful for a property owner who is already dealing with the results of an extreme weather event.
How can Western Sydney home owners avoid water damage claims being rejected due to lack of maintenance?
It’s wise to talk to your insurer about how you, as the property owner, can make sure that you’re meeting your obligations should any unexpected weather events arise. You can try asking for simplified definitions of defect, maintenance, and wear and tear clauses and ask questions, preferably in writing, keeping a record of everything.
An easy way to keep your insurer happy is by arranging for a qualified tradesperson to take a look at your property every few years. A regular roof inspection by a professional roofer is a good way to prove that you are actively upholding your obligations when it comes to maintenance. If you haven’t had a roofing service professional on your roof in 5 years, now is a good time to book. Of course, some aspects of your roof require more regular maintenance, such as cleaning your gutters to keep them clear of obstructions, but a roofer can also identify problems such as cracked tiles and ridge capping or weakened support structures. Our Blacktown roof repair service can also provide you with records of property maintenance – documents that could end up saving you thousands if you’re required to make a claim down the track.
Don’t run the risk of finding out whether your roof will hold up in the next thunderstorm. If it’s been five years or longer since a professional roofer was up on your roof, now is the time to book a roof inspection. As a side note, if you’ve had solar panels installed recently, to check for any damage caused by heavy-footed solar installers.
Having your insurance claim rejected after a storm due to inadequate maintenance of your roof is a situation you want to avoid. Safeguard your home and make sure all those hard-earned insurance premiums you’ve been paying won’t go to waste. By meeting your insurance obligations, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your home is protected during unpredictable weather.
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