Your roof plays an important role in protecting your home and its contents. Damage to a roof caused by hail or wind is usually covered under a home insurance policy. Hire a licensed roofing contractor for repairs, replacement and advice on appropriate roof materials. Heavy wind happens, know what your insurance policy covers. Your insurance representative can confirm the coverage in your current policy and confirm that you and your home is properly protected.
Hail, wind and other types of severe weather can damage your roof. If you have one layer of asphalt shingles on your roof, it may be more susceptible to hail damage than two layers. Each spring and fall, be sure to get out your binoculars and inspect your roof from the ground.
Common signs of age-related wear and tear or potential issues may include:
*Cracked, curling or missing shingles
*Rain gutters that are filled with leaves, nests or other types of debris
*Asphalt debris or granules in a gutter or on the ground
*Wear around chimneys or other fixtures
*Unsecured drainage and downspouts that angle toward a foundation
*You may also check your attic for signs of wear on your roof. Look for:
-Outside light coming through your roof
-Visible signs of water damage
-Sagging boards
Typical Insurance Coverage for Hail or Wind Damage
Damage to homes caused by hail or wind is usually covered under your home insurance policy. This includes damage caused by flying debris or falling branches or trees, or damage to your home and its contents from water entering through sudden openings caused by wind or hail. In certain circumstances, if you are unable to live in your home due to insurable damage you may also be covered for additional living expenses.
Roof Materials
While there are many types of roof coverings, your choice may depend on where you live. Options to consider include:
Asphalt – many choices
Wood – less resistant to fire, more susceptible to extreme wet or dry climates as well as pest damage
Slate or tile – weight and a need for specialty contractors are considerations
Standing-seam metal – helpful with clearing snow loads
Concrete – may last the lifespan of your property
A licensed roofing contractor can provide you with more information about suitable choices for your home. A licensed broker can provide you with all the information you need to get the correct coverage for your home.
Sources: Insurance Bureau of Canada
