Local Allstate insurance agent Darlene Morales wants homeowners to keep a close eye on the condition of their roofs, particularly in our rainy Pacific Northwest. “A lot has to do with our weather,” Morales says. “Our roofs take a beating, especially with all the water. And our roofs keep that water out of our homes.”
For that reason, ongoing maintenance is critical. What your specific maintenance may include depends in part on where your home is located. For example, is your home in a heavily wooded area where overhanging branches and moss are common? Then you may have to inspect and clean your roof more often. While a common roof lifespan is estimated at 20 years depending upon the house’s location and roofing materials used, that period might be shorter especially if a roof receives a lot of wear and tear.
Morales offers tips for homeowners who want to ensure that their roofs fully perform as long as reasonably possible. She says these include:
- Treat for moss every so often.
- Trim overhanging branches. Branches should not touch your roof. Morales says this step not only helps keep moss off the shingles, but also protects against fires jumping from nearby trees to your roof.
- Inspect the roof’s vents and make sure there’s no buildup of moss or debris.
- Clean gutters annually. Make sure downspouts are not clogged.
- If you cannot safely do these maintenance projects yourself, contact a professional.
Sometimes, despite a homeowner’s best efforts, Mother Nature can throw a stormy curve ball and damage a roof with hail, snow, wind or lightening. Morales says it’s prudent to check your roof after a storm to see if there has been any impact. “If you feel a storm has been particularly damaging, then get someone to look at your roof,” she says.
Homeowner’s policies often pay for a new roof if the damage is the result of a sudden and accidental event covered by insurance, but not for damage caused by neglect. Allstate describes that, depending upon the policy, “Homeowners insurance may cover roof damage, depending on what caused the damage. For instance, homeowners’ insurance may help cover the cost of repairs if hail or a fallen tree damages your roof.”
Whether homeowners buy an older or brand-new house, a professional home inspection is required and includes checking the roof. In addition, Morales says the insurance company may determine that a re-inspection is necessary, especially if the roof is nearing the end of its lifecycle. “They typically look to see if it’s in good repair,” Morales says. “They do re-inspections randomly. ‘Are we in a good place? Are we still where we need to be or does the roof need to be replaced?’”
Replacing a roof can be expensive. If homeowners have not planned for that project, they may put themselves in a position to potentially lose coverage. Morales recommends homeowners keep a separate roof fund, so they are ready for any repairs or replacements when the time comes, especially if the roofs are nearing the 20-year mark. “We want to maintain our homes and be safe,” she says. “It’s a lot more expensive when you wait too long.”
If it is time to replace or repair your roof, Morales suggests checking business references with friends and family. She says lots of area companies do roofing work. “There are plenty of people who can give you a fair price,” she says.
Homeowners should also regularly review their policy coverage and adjust it if needed, especially if they have remodeled to increase the house’s footprint or constructed new buildings on their property.
The homeowner in the folk song “Don’t Let the Rain Come Down” pleaded, “Oh, no, don’t let the rain come down/My roof’s got a hole in it and I might drown/Oh, yes, my roof’s got a hole in it, and I might drown!” You don’t want to let holes or other roof problems develop and cause expensive repairs. Instead, check your roof regularly, perform ongoing maintenance, and pay attention to the roof’s condition after a storm.
If homeowners would like to discuss their insurance policies, even if they are not current Allstate clients, they can contact Morales and her team through The Morales Agency’s website, or call 360.352.2329.
The Morales Agency
1115 Black Lake Boulevard SW Ste B, Olympia
360.352.2329
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