When someone’s thinking about getting their roof checked, fixed, or replaced, insurance probably isn’t the first thing on their mind. Especially for those living in North East England, where the weather can be famously grey and wet, the main concern is usually whether the roof can handle whatever the skies throw at it.
People also tend to worry about how solid their roof is, how much it might affect energy bills, and how expensive any work could be.
The Connection Between Roofing and Insurance
Roofs are one of those “out of sight, out of mind” parts of a house. Because they’re not always visible, most don’t give them much thought unless there’s a clear problem. And when something does go wrong, many aren’t even sure what their home insurance covers.
As the RAC points out, most UK home insurance policies do include cover for sudden damage caused by unexpected events like storms, heavy rain, or falling trees. On the other hand, damage that comes from general wear and tear, or poor maintenance, usually isn’t covered.
Whatever the issue, it’s always worth checking the fine print in the policy before assuming anything.
How Roofing Affects Insurance Costs
There’s another way roofing and insurance go hand in hand, and that’s in how much a person pays for their insurance. The state of a roof can have a big impact on premiums.
A well-looked-after roof, with regular checks and upkeep, is more likely to stay in good shape. Catching problems like loose tiles or debris early makes it less likely for serious damage to develop, and less likely an insurance claim will be needed.
The materials used for the roof also matter. Different types of roofing materials vary in how well they stand up to bad weather or fire. Slate or metal roofs, for example, are often viewed favourably by insurers, which could help lower premiums. On the other hand, if the roof’s made from something less reliable, the cost of cover might go up.
The age of the roof makes a difference too. The older it is, the more chance there is of needing to call in local roofers in places like Sunderland, Durham, or Newcastle to carry out a replacement. Roofs that are 15 years or older are also more at risk of failing suddenly, which increases the chance of having to make a claim, and with it, potentially higher insurance premiums.
Lastly, location plays a role. The UK gets its fair share of stormy weather, but coastal areas in the North East might face even more risk of damage, making insurance claims more likely.
All of this shows why it’s worth keeping an eye on the roof and making sure it stays in good condition. The link between roofing and insurance costs isn’t something many people think about.
Estates Roofing offers a free roof assessment, which covers roof replacements too.
