The form and substance of your roof are the two most important factors that an insurance company will consider. Many would-be homeowners are unaware that the form of their home’s roof may result in higher insurance premiums. This is primarily due to wind testing and roofs’ ability to drain standing water. Hip roofs, gable roofs, and flat roofs are the three most frequent types of roofs seen in Florida.
Roof Shape:
Hip roofs have inclines on all sides, which means the roof slopes down from the front and back of the home, as well as on both sides. The insurance company considers this a significant bonus because it has a stronger wind resistance, which means the roof can withstand higher wind speeds without being blown off. Hip roof homeowners will pay lower insurance costs than their non-hip counterparts.
Gable roofs have two sloped sides and a gable, or peak, at either end of the structure. These roofs are among the most widespread in the United States, and they are praised for their capacity to shed water and debris quickly. However, due to their significant wind vulnerability, insurance firms charge slightly higher premiums for gable roofs. During hurricanes or other high-wind storms, these roofs might collapse or lift away from the walls.
For an insurance business, flat roofs are the least desirable roof shape. Flat roofs have little pitch or slope, which causes problems with water pooling. Insurance companies frown on these roofs, regardless of the sort of material they are made of.
Roof Material:
Roof materials are also taken into consideration during the insurance underwriting procedure. The type of material used to construct your roof will determine how long the insurance provider is willing to provide coverage. Regular life expectancies for the most prevalent roofing materials include standard shingles, architectural shingles, tile, and metal, according to insurance providers. The life expectancy of each varies depending on the insurance provider, although it is usually smaller than the roofing contractor’s claim.
Shingles are widely used, however there is a distinction to be made between regular shingle roofs and architectural shingles. On the roof, standard shingles fit together perfectly, sitting level and butting up against each other. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, overlap one other to give the roof a textured appearance. While insurance companies typically grant conventional shingles a 15-year life expectancy, many carriers will extend that life expectancy for architectural shingles by additional 5 years. Because tile and metal roofs are believed to be stronger than shingle roofs, they can last up to twice as long. In most cases, insurance companies may allow tile and metal roofs to last up to 30 years before requiring replacement. To be clear, these figures do not represent the roof’s actual lifespan; rather, they represent the age of the roof at which insurance companies are comfortable giving coverage, based on their experience.
There are more ways to lower insurance costs by using wind mitigation and water resistance methods that may be updated by licensed professionals in your area, in addition to the roof qualities covered in this blog. If you have any concerns about your roof’s longevity as it relates to insurance or a home you want to buy, the best practice is to acquire the necessary inspections and consult with an insurance specialist about potential insurance implications.
Moore Resources is a St. Petersburg-based independent insurance agency that provides homeowners insurance, auto insurance, personal insurance, and business insurance. Our service area includes the entire state of Florida, in addition to the Tampa Bay area. Moore Resources has been serving the residents of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, including St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Brandon, Dunedin, Gulfport, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Riverview, Ruskin, Seminole, Temple Terrace, Tierra Verde, Town n Country, and the Gulf Coast Beaches, regionally.
This blog’s sole objective is to provide general information. It is not intended to understand specific policies or coverage. Contact a certified insurance agent for further information on your policy.
What counts as a flat roof?
What is the definition of a flat roof? A flat roof is one that has a low or no pitch and is usually made of timber frames coated in a durable substance like concrete, bitumen, or felt. Most insurance companies consider a roof to be flat if it slopes less than 10 degrees on more than 25% of its surface area.
What is considered a flat roof for insurance purposes?
House insurance can be more expensive if your home has a flat roof. This is because flat roof homes are considered to have a higher risk of water infiltration, weather damage, and burglary by insurers.
It’s doubtful that having less than 30% of your roof flat will affect the cost of your insurance.
Is my roof flat?
In other cases, the roof’s construction makes it evident to insurers that it’s a flat roof – for example, if it’s felt or bitumen covering a timber deck.
You can also use Google Earth to estimate the percentage of your roof that is flat; for example, if the flat component of your roof occupies around a quarter of the total roof area, then 25% of your roof is flat.
By examining any studies you had done when you bought the house, you might be able to figure out if you have any flat roof portions on your house, as well as their pitch.
Why do insurers ask about flat roof?
We need to ask about them because they are non-standard hazards for insurers, and you need to notify us whether you have felt roofing on the site. A good broker will then assist insurers in determining the danger that your roof poses.
The structure, maintenance schedule, repairs, and claims history are all factors that influence your risk level.
We’ll use all of the information we have to find the optimum premium for your unique situation. That is why we like to speak with our consumers face to face.
To be clear, a flat roof is anything with a pitch of 15o (I in 6) or less, and we’d anticipate most brokers to have comparable requirements.
Yes, you read that right: a flat roof isn’t supposed to be flat at all! In fact, being excessively flat is frequently the source of issues. Even if the guttering is kept clear, a perfectly flat roof may cause water to pond. When the water freezes and thaws, this can lead to a build-up of silt on the roof and strains in the membrane.
To allow for rainwater run-off, a flat roof should have a minor incline of at least 1 in 80, ideally more. It should also have a marine or WBP (water and boil proof) plywood decking.
Traditional torch-on felt, made of bitumen and commonly used in conjunction with fibreglass underlay, and contemporary EDPM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), a synthetic rubber, are two types of coverings. Different roofers have different preferences, but if your roof is too flat or decked with chipboard, it will ultimately sag and leak again, regardless of what you cover it with. Sticking plaster patch repairs are likely to be the same.
Flat roofs and maintenance
Of course, getting the pitch and drainage perfect, as well as keeping the roof in good repair, is only the beginning. Twigs, leaves, and other debris are likely to fall into the gutters and drains, necessitating regular examination and removal.
Repairs and insulation
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors warns that Building Regulations require any flat roof that is being re-covered should be insulated to current standards at the same time. This means you must either contact your local government’s building-control department, which will inspect and authorize the work, or use a roofing contractor who is registered with one of the government’s “self-certification” programs. Insulating a flat roof is definitely a smart idea, but it must be done with caution so that moisture and wood rot do not occur in the structure. The NFRC also publishes a flat roofing handbook for homes.
Does it cost more to insure a flat roof?
Insurance companies evaluate the risk and expense of insuring a home. Although flat roofs are less expensive and easier to construct, they are more difficult to insure. How?
Water Accumulations
Rainwater is swiftly drained off slanted roofs, preventing it from accumulating on the surface. Pooling is a problem on flat roofs with little or no slope. Water leaks, mold, and rotting are all consequences of this condition. Ice can quickly collect on a flat roof, which is not meant to hold the added weight, on the rare occasions when it does ice up in Florida.
Short Life Span
On a sloped roof that is 20 years or older, an insurance carrier may cancel or alter coverage. After only ten years, flat roofs will require an insurance review. After barely a decade, flat roofs must be rebuilt. As a result, many homeowners choose for sloped roofs after having their roof replaced by a professional.
Damage
Flat roof membranes are susceptible to punctures from falling branches or pedestrian activity. During the installation or maintenance of a roof, it is easy to cause damage. During hurricane season, homes in Florida may suffer serious roof damage. In the end, flat roofs do not withstand the weather as well as slanted roofs do.
Can you claim on your house insurance for a new roof?
- Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof replacement if the damage is caused by a natural disaster or an unexpected occurrence.
- Most homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover the cost of replacing or repairing a roof that has deteriorated over time due to wear and tear or negligence.
- Keep records of repairs, before-and-after images, and inspection reports to ensure your claim is approved. When damage happens, notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Why do people have flat roofs on houses?
The benefits of flat roofing are being discovered by a growing number of households and business owners. Flat roofing is defined as a horizontal or level base that is attached to the ceiling joists of a home or structure. The pitch of a roof is its slope. Flat roofing is nearly level as compared to sloped or pitched roofs. A flat roof, on the other hand, isn’t completely flat, as it has a slope of roughly 10 degrees.
Flat roofing has been utilized since antiquity and is still the standard in desert climates. Here are some of the reasons why flat roofing is so popular with homes, as well as the benefits of having a flat roof on a commercial structure.
- The fact that they are so easily accessible is arguably the most important factor in their popularity. When inspecting the surface of your roof, keep in mind that a level roof is much easier to climb and walk on. As a result, compared to sloped roofing, this style of roof is more sturdy and safe.
- A flat roof has more room for equipment like exhausts and air conditioning vents since it has more square footage. Furthermore, because the surface is level, it can provide stability for large goods even when they are in use.
- Many individuals pick this sort of roofing because of its durability and longevity. Consider the fact that the average flat roof can last up to 30 years. This is due to the fact that it is made up of gravel and tar.
- Flat roofs are less expensive to purchase and install than pitched roofs. Furthermore, re-coating a flat roof is less expensive.
- Roof decks can be made from flat roofs. A roof deck not only provides a vast space for lounging and partying, but it also protects a roof from damage.
Flat roofing is used on commercial structures including shopping malls, warehouses, huge department shops, condos, residential complexes, and manufacturing plants. This is owing to the fact that commercial buildings are significantly larger than residential constructions. Consider the challenges of having a slanted roof on a building the size of a department store.
Furthermore, the installation would necessitate a substantial amount of additional material. A flat roof on a business structure is easier to install and takes less time. Flat roofing on a commercial structure is also easier to maintain and access, as well as providing greater area for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning equipment, exactly like a home flat roof.
Green roofing options are also available on flat roofs of commercial structures. Some people are even planting small, drought-resistant plants on their commercial roofs, which can assist reduce heating and cooling costs while also extending the roof’s life.
- Flat roofs are easier to clean than sloped roofs, despite the fact that both require regular maintenance.
- Flat roofs are a wonderful alternative for people who live in areas with little rainfall.
- This style of roofing is popular among homeowners who prefer a more modern look.
- Hire a reputable and professional roofer who can handle difficult aspects such as particular installation instructions.
- Make sure your flat roof can endure high winds. As a result, knowing information like the wind uplift design pressures for a roof’s perimeter and corners is critical.
- Check to see if your flat roof has enough drainage and isn’t completely flat. Pondingwater, as well as the growth of fungus and algae, can occur on a roof with a slope of less than 10%, putting a pressure on the structure.
- For flat roofs, ponding water, which is water that remains on the surface of a roof for more than 48 hours following rain, can be an issue. Even the tiniest low spots on a flat roof might result in water ponding.
What are roof types for insurance?
Insurers frequently consider the type of roof and the type of material when calculating rebuild costs. The finest protection comes from roofs composed of slate, tile, concrete shingles, or metal, but they’re also the most expensive to replace.
In most states, the following is how different roof materials rank for insurance costs (from lowest to highest):
Does a dormer count as a flat roof?
There are a variety of styles to choose from when it comes to adding a dormer to your home. As an example…
Flat roof dormer: As the name implies, this is a horizontally oriented dormer with a flat roof.
A dog-house dormer is a dormer with two pitched sides, similar to a traditional dog house.
L-shaped dormer: as previously said, this dormer is made up of two components that make a L shape.
A hipped roof dormer is similar to a dog-house dormer, but has three sides rather than two.
Should a flat roof have bubbles?
Blisters can appear on any flat roof system material (such as bitumen), whether it’s a membrane roof or a built-up roof. To deal with a blister region early, you’ll need instructions on how to treat blisters on flat roofing and ways for preventing roof blistering.
Adhesion between Layers of Materials
Blisters are elevated surfaces that form when the adhesion between layers, such as bitumen, breaks down. Roofing blisters are typically caused by trapped air or water within a flat roof membrane or built-up roof. The gaps between the membrane system layers are filled with air or water, resulting in bubble-like protrusions.
Warm or hot weather causes trapped air or water bubbles in the membrane to expand, while dry or cooler temperatures at night cause it to constrict. They occur as a result of inadequate installation and ventilation, in addition to moisture in the membrane. Blisters can grow larger inside the membrane unless the bubbles break.
Ways for Preventing Roof Blistering
The most reliable method is to have a professional, high-quality flat roof installed in the first place, followed by maintenance by a skilled roofer. When it comes to installing a new roofing system for your business building, you need hire the best expert contractor who can do the job according to the manufacturer’s standards. This simple technique aids in the prevention and early detection of roof blistering.
More Blister Prevention
Otherwise, especially in hot weather, it’s necessary to keep foot movement on the surface to a minimum. Walking over a blister can cause it to break open, exposing the area to the elements and potentially causing more damage. To avoid moss or algae growth, be sure to keep your roof clean and maintained. Because moisture and air are the main causes of roofing blisters, keeping bubbles and pools of water out and preventing the formation of life forms that produce air in the membrane region can help.
How to Fix Blisters on Your Roof
Repairing blisters on a roof is primarily a professional job. You should use an experienced roofing systems firm like Stapleton Roofing to handle this repair. Avoid touching the blisters, putting weight on them, or attempting to mend them yourself. When roof blisters burst out, you may assist roofers have an easier, less expensive repair job by simply taking precautions to avoid them from developing or becoming other roof problems. Also, don’t put off getting a blister treated for too long. They may not cause severe problems right away, but given enough time, they will.
If Blistering Roof Worsens
A blister is one example, but many different forms of roofing problems begin little and insignificantly. However, they continue to grow and generate new problems (sometimes gradually, sometimes more abruptly) until a roof is seriously damaged. If a homeowner does not pay attention to the state of their roof, they may end up paying a lot of money for roof and home repairs, dealing with roof difficulties at an inconvenient time, and a variety of other issues. After your new roof is installed, be sure to keep it clean, dry, and inspect it for repairs on a regular basis, and maintain it as needed.
A Trusted Roofing Contractor
Stapleton Roofing has helped consumers all around Arizona, and we’re ready to assist you with your repairs. If you want to check on the state of your roof after it’s been installed, we can do so. Stapleton Roofing is the business roofing contractor of choice in the Stapleton area. Call us at (602) 562-4991 or (602) 755-6250 to talk about your plans. You may also obtain a free estimate by filling out our contact form. Phoenix and the neighboring areas are part of our Arizona service area.
Are flat roofs any good?
Because of the smaller area involved, flat roofs are often less expensive to build.
Because of their simpler form, they usually take less time to build than standard pitched roofs.
Pitch roofs are typically thought to be more aesthetically pleasing than flat roofs.