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Will Insurance Cover a 20 Year Old Roof in Texas
ROOFING PODCAST, HOUSTON TEXAS - CLICK BELOW TO LISTEN
🎧 Podcast: Does Insurance Still Cover a 20-Year-Old Roof in Texas?
In this episode, we dig into one of the most confusing homeowner questions — will my insurance still cover an older roof? We break down how Texas insurers evaluate roofs that are 20 years or older, the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value policies, and what storm-related exceptions may still apply. Precision Roof Crafters explains what to document, how to prepare your claim, and what to expect during the adjuster inspection so you know where you stand before the next storm hits.
Homeowners often wonder if their insurance still helps when a roof gets older. In Texas, this question is common when a roof, after about two decades, gets damaged after a storm.
There is no single yes or no answer.
Roof age does not automatically cancel coverage, but it does change how insurance companies evaluate damages and how claims are processed. These are some changes that homeowners should try to understand, to manage their expectations.
Why roof age matters to insurance companies
Insurance covers sudden and unforeseen events. It does not necessarily cover gradual and expected wear and tear. As a roof gets older, some insurance companies see deterioration as a normal expectation, and that changes how they look at damages and how claims are triggered. Texas has many homes that are exposed to extreme heat, high humidity, hail, and strong winds - especially the Greater Houston area. These weather conditions age roofing materials, often more than other, milder climates. Even this is factored in by insurance companies when they process claims.
How older roofs are typically treated in Texas insurance policies
The insurance policy you hold, the wording therein matters more than roof age. Two central concepts come up often.
Gradual Damage Versus Sudden Damage
Damage because of gradual breakdown isn’t typically covered under insurance; however, if the damage is linked to a specific event, coverage can still be considered, even on an old roof.
This is why inspections concentrate on the evidence of storms and leave impact marks and displaced materials storms over age and fading.
Depreciation and Settlement
Some policies settle a claim by taking the depreciated value instead of the full replacement cost, and as roofs get older, depreciation increases, so this is an aspect that settles a claim even when coverage is available.
Knowing if the policy is a depreciated value policy or a replacement value policy is important before setting any expectations.
Some Insurance reality with Roof Holes in simple terms:
Over time, holes from these kinds of events will appear ducts to shield the holes from the elements. Coverage depends on cause and policy terms.
Precision Roof Crafters will document their findings and explain the condition of your roof to you. Coverage decisions will be determined outside of the inspection.
What Adjusters Focus on When Inspecting Older Roofs
Adjusters look for consistency across the board. With storm damage, there tends to be a pattern of lifted shingles, brittle and creased materials, and impact marks. With old age damage, there tends to be a pattern of hollow and brittle.
They also review prior reports of repairs, damage, and weather to see if the damage lines up with the weather events
Age of the Roof
Many homeowners assume that age alone excludes coverage, and many others believe that if a storm passes, it automatically is covered. It's a very common mix up. Both assumptions cause frustration. The documentation that drives insurance decisions consider cause, documentation, and terms of the policy, not just the age of the roof.
How inspections help clarify coverage questions – especially a Precision Roof Crafters 22 Point Inspection!
An expert inspection distinguishes storm impact and long-term damage. Inspections are completed with photos, measurements and notes that provide clarity.
This is valuable to homeowners as it helps determine what repairs or replacements are needed and if it is worth filing a claim.
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What Precision Roof Crafters documents during inspections
- A few points of focus for inspections are the:
- current condition of the materials
- damage characteristics
- patterns
- as well as the flashing and ventilation.
- The primary objective is to accurately describe the current condition of the roof, not the predict the future.
The absence of ambiguity allows homeowners to have informed conversations with their insurance company.
Houston specific considerations for your older rooftop
Houston roofs are designed to withstand a lot. Big heat changes, sudden rains, and hurricane season take their toll. Older roofs have a lot of wear and that is of particular concern.
Ventilation issues can be problems and that can cause more aging. These aspects are reviewed closely during inspections so that the history of the roof can be accurately assessed.
What to do when a roof has reached its life expectancy
When your roof is nearing or has surpassed its second decade in age, regular roof inspections should be a top priority. Waiting until roof damage occurs will reduce inspection options, as options will be further limited.
The ideal route is to get a professional roof inspection that will provide a detailed explanation of your roof's current condition, remaining lifespan, and potential next steps to be taken.
Contact Us today and let’s cover the most important aspects of the situation so you can avoid swimming in a pool of assumptions.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions - Updated)
- Is every roof hole an emergency?
Not every hole causes immediate interior damage. Even so, every hole should be inspected quickly due to Houston weather.
- Can a hole be repaired without replacing the roof?
Yes, in many cases. This is very dependent though.
- Why does decking matter when fixing a hole?
Decking is meant to hold the roof system in place. If it is compromised, surface repairs alone do nothing.
- Should homeowners attempt a temporary fix?
Yes, in some cases temporary fixes may slow down water intrusion. But a professional repair is still required.
Tags
homeowners insurance, insurance adjuster, insurance claim roof, Precision Roof Crafters, roof age, roof damage claim, roof depreciation, roof inspection, roof insurance, roof repair, roof replacement, roofing company Houston, storm damage roof, Texas roof coverage
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We are proudly known as 'The Above and Beyond' team for a reason, because we always over deliver! We eagerly await your phone call and the next opportunity to demonstrate this unparalleled commitment. Give us a call us today and experience the Precision Roof Crafter difference.
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