Skip to main content

How Will The Age of My Roof Affect My Home Insurance?

By January 30, 2019January 5th, 2021Home Insurance, Improvement, Insurance

How old is your roof? The question may be simple, yet for many homeowners it’s a difficult one to answer. Unless you’ve replaced it during your ownership, discovering the roof’s age can take some research—and remember, no signs of leaking doesn’t mean it’s in acceptable condition.

If your property is a recent purchase then your home inspection report should have a section on the roof’s condition. For older purchases, a roofing contractor can estimate the life expectancy of your current roof, and identify any issues.

Checking the roof from the ground is a poor way to assess your roof’s condition. Shingles wear, tear, and age. They also curl and come loose. The flashing around your vents may need updating or perhaps it’s your ridge vent that needs fixing. You could also have mold in hard to see areas.

Having your roof inspected every five years or so is a good habit to keep. It’ll give you peace of mind and help identify any problems early on.

So how does your roof’s age and condition factor into your home insurance? Well, it depends on your situation and the specifics of your insurance carrier:

  • For new policies, most insurance providers will have an age requirement for your roof. Typically it must be no more than 20 or 25 years old.
  • The life expectancy of your roof is also a factor. For example, if an inspection on your house is ordered and your insurance provider has questions regarding the life expectancy of your roof (how many reasonable years it has left), you may need a professional roofer to inspect and sign off on its current state.
  • Type of roof matters. Metal, asphalt, and architectural shingles can make a difference in the rate but also the replacement cost for your home.
  • Some home insurance policies provide discounts for newer, full replace roofs, while some policies will surcharge for older, poorer condition roofs
  • A Roof in poor condition can be deemed unacceptable and may result in a policy cancellation if repairs/concerns are not met.
Insurance policies for any type of property!