Does age of roof affect homeowners insurance?

Age: The age of your roof and insurance coverage go hand in hand. A newer roof may mean a lower rate. A roof that's 20 years old or more may be ineligible for coverage or only be covered for its actual cash value.


At what age is a roof considered old?

A roof that is 25 to 30 years or older may require a complete replacement, even if the roof itself appears in good shape from the naked eye. Older roofs were often created with materials that are no longer useful or considered strong today.

Is an old roof a deal breaker?

Old roofs are the number one deal breakers when it comes to buying a home and for good reason. Well-maintained roofs can last 30 years or more—but a shoddy installation or poor-quality shingles and tiles can mean needing to replace a roof much sooner.


How long is a roof good for from insurance?

Asphalt Shingles

The expected lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 15-25 years. You'll often see insurance stipulations around a roof that's older than 20 years, and this typically applies to shingle roofs.

Can you insure a 20 year old roof in Florida?

For example, new laws prohibit companies from refusing to write or renew policies on homes with roofs that are more than 15 years old solely because of the roof's age. They must allow the homeowner to get an inspection to prove a roof has five years or more of useful life.


Homeowner's Insurance Crisis in Florida. New limits on roof age can leave you with big problems.



Why do insurance companies ask how old your roof is?

Generally, the newer the roof, the better your home insurance rate. An older roof can have unforeseen issues such as water damage that can cause deterioration and increase the need for replacement. If your roof is 20 years old or more, some insurance companies will require an inspection before offering coverage.

Why you should call a roofer before your insurance company?

Calling a roofing company out to assess damage will guarantee a thorough and accurate inspection. Roofing experts don't look for surface damage, but instead dive deeper to find water and other underlying problems. Insurance adjusters often miss deeper issues and the roof's situation only deteriorates.

Is a 20 year old roof too old?

Many insurance carriers will simply not cover a roof that is 20 years old or more. Instead, they will recommend that you replace the older roof.


Is a 15 year old roof too old?

In reality, the life expectancy for a standard asphalt shingle roof in our climate is only 15 to 20 years, to begin with. If your roof is 15 years old or more, it's probably time to replace it. Odds are your current insurance carrier will not pay out when it is due for repairs or replacement anyway.

How do insurance companies determine the age of a roof?

The 20-year rule is not the only criteria that insurers use to assess coverage. Most roofs carry a warranty that lasts 20 to 50 years, depending on the roofing material. Insurance companies also look at the overall condition of the roof, which is determined by how well you have taken care of it over the years.

How often should a roof be replaced on a house?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.


Does roof age affect appraisal?

You bet it does! Real estate (both commercial and residential) appraisals are based on all kinds of factors. For roofing, the appraiser will look at the age and maintenance of the roof, the roofing materials used, the standards in the neighborhood, and any upgrades or improvements that will help with energy efficiency.

What happens when a roof gets old?

Potential Risks to Property

An old or damaged roof can result in structural damage to your home as a result of rot from unwanted moisture, while deteriorated flashing or missing shingles allows leaks to occur and trigger the proliferation of mold and mildew.

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

An insurance adjuster's job is to determine if roof damage exists, what caused the damage, and if the damage is covered under your insurance policy. Adjusters also assess the value of the damage against the current value of your roof.


How do you know when it's time for a new roof?

You Need a New Roof If You Notice Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles
  • Cracked shingles.
  • Damaged or curled shingles.
  • Loose or missing shingles.
  • Damage or discoloration around vents.
  • Missing granules.
  • Moss or algae growth.
  • Damage around chimneys or skylights.


How do I know when it's time to replace my roof?

8 Potential Signs That Your Roof May Need To Be Replaced:
  • Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped.
  • Bald spots where granules are missing.
  • Cracked shingles.
  • Your roof is at least 20 years old; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles.


What is the actual cash value of a 20 year old roof?

Actual cash value

For example, a comparable brand new roof might cost $20,000 and have a lifespan of 20 years. This would mean that it loses 5% of its value each year. If your roof is 10 years old, it has lost 50% of its value, meaning the actual cash value of your roof is now $10,000.


Can I get homeowners insurance with a 17 year old roof in Florida?

The law prohibits insurance companies from automatically denying coverage solely based on the age of a roof so long as it's less than 15 years old. Similarly, if the roof has at least five years of life remaining, insurers can't refuse to issue a policy.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

Fall is the universal go-to season for roof replacement. With spring's mild temperatures and early summer's weather consistency, fall is commonly referred to as the best time of year to replace your roof.

How do you prolong the lifespan of your roof?

7 Ways To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Roof
  1. Take Care Of Your Guttering. ...
  2. Trim Surrounding Trees. ...
  3. Identify Small-Scale Damage Early. ...
  4. Improve Attic Insulation. ...
  5. Enhance Airflow. ...
  6. Book An Annual Roof & Chimney Inspection. ...
  7. Keep Your Roof Clean.


What is the longest life of a roof?

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.

What should you not say to an insurance company?

If you admit fault for the accident, even if you say you are only partly responsible for what happened, your claim could be drastically reduced in value or denied outright. Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.”

How do you know if a roofer did a good job?

How to Verify if Your Roofers Did a Good Job
  1. Your Roof Includes Drip Edge Flashing. ...
  2. Your Roof Looks Even and Uniform in Appearance. ...
  3. They Use A Quality Underlayment. ...
  4. They Implement Effective Flashing Practices. ...
  5. They Leave The Job Area As They Found It. ...
  6. About Prime Roofing.


Why do roofers start so early?

Roofers need to start early so that they can take a break at the hottest part of the day when the temperature requires it. In hot weather, Curt's crew, which does a lot of work in Kentucky, may need to take a break from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid heat stress. Plus, roofers need to finish their work before sunset.

What is the difference between a 30 year roof and a 50 year roof?

However, 30- and 50-year shingles provide further guarantees. A 30-year shingle is covered by the manufacturer for that time span, no matter the defect or issue that arises. A 50-year shingle, however, utilizes tougher materials during the manufacturing process. This upgrade is immediately noticeable.