How Do Roofs Affect Homeowners Insurance Premiums?

Roof damage is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims.  Insurance companies have used extensive data to determine likelihood of damage occurrence as a roof ages.   
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How long should you expect your roof to last?

It depends on a number of factors:

- roofing material (asphalt shingles, metal, tile, etc.)
- quality of the roofing material
- type of roof (hip, gable, flat)
- installation quality
- location of the home
- climate/weather conditions
- consistency of roof maintenance
- damage from weather disasters, fire, etc.

For example, asphalt shingles may last 20-30 years while tile shingles may have a 50-100 year expected lifespan.
 
Insurance companies will incorporate data like this to determine your homeowners insurance premium.

They will monitor the age of your roof and may increase your insurance premium over time, require roof replacement before you purchase a home in order to approve insurance coverage, or request that you replace your roof in order to renew your policy.

To keep your premium low and your coverage as extensive as possible, follow your roofing contractor's recommendations for periodic inspection and maintenance.

Seasonal routine maintenance tasks include:

- keeping tree branches pruned and away from the roof line
- clearing off leaves and debris
- cleaning gutters
- physical roof inspection
- inspection of chimney, skylight, ventilation integrity
- monitoring for leaks in attics and ceilings

Taking care of any minor issues you find can pay off significantly in extending the life of your roof, preventing major damage in the future, and keeping your homeowners insurance premium as low as possible.