Shopping for Flat Roof Insurance

Shopping for flat roof insurance is frustrating for many homeowners because so many home insurers either don’t offer or limit the cover.

As a result, specialist brokers and firms service the market, but they are not always easy to find.

To help, here are some common questions about flat roof insurance answered:

What is a flat roof?

This may seem obvious, but to many buildings insurance companies, a flat roof is any roof with a pitch of less than 30 degrees. In some cases, the pitch can go down to 20 degrees.

The pitch is the angle between horizontal and the angle of the tiles.

Do construction materials make a difference?

Yes. But this should be decided by building control. Tile overlap and materials are different for lower pitch roofs to prevent water blowing between the tiles.

Flat roofs can be pitch and felt over marine plywood or a range of synthetic membranes.

Different materials have varying lifespans and resistance to water.

Only my extension has a flat roof

Still tell the insurer as they may want extra information about the size, construction method and condition of the roof.

Will an insurer cover damage to the contents from a leaking flat roof?

No. You should take out a contents insurance policy for this and make sure the insurer does not exempt this damage or charge a higher excess.

Does flat roof insurance cover wear-and-tear?

Mostly not. Any building insurance is designed to pay out for an incident that causes damage to your property, like a storm. And when you get an inspection done, if the damage caused requires you to get a flat roof replacement done, then the insurance may help save some money on that front as well. You will have to check with your preferred roof repairmen on how to go about using the insurance for repairs and/or replacements.

Snow is a problem for flat roofs. Sometimes snow builds up and the weight damages the frame supporting the roof, meaning you might need to call the Complete Roofing Solutions company to come out and reinforce it. In this event, do be prepared that many insurers will not cover this because the damage was not caused by high winds or rain — but an accumulation of snow over a period of time. Thus, if it ever gets damaged, bricklaying might be necessary to refurbish and repair it. For help revamping your flat roofs, you could think about reaching out to bricklaying melbourne specialists or someone equally qualified in your area.

What questions do I need to ask an insurer about flat roofs?

You need to ask several questions:

What is the minimum roof pitch covered by the policy?

Does cover include leaks?

Does the policy include special terms or charges?

Where do I buy flat roof insurance?

Try an independent insurance broker or a specialist insurance company.