Why You Should Consider Home Warranty Roof Leak Coverage

A leaky roof is more than just a mild inconvenience. If water enters a home through the roof, it can damage systems and appliances within the home, invite mold, and compromise the home's structural integrity. Homeowners should attend to a leak in the roof as soon as they notice it. 

Does Home Insurance or Does Home Warranty Cover Roof Leaks?

Most home warranties cover major systems within a home, such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. It's also common for home warranty plans to cover washers, dryers, refrigerators, and other such appliances. Roof repair is not usually covered by default by most home warranty programs, but homeowners can upgrade their plans to obtain that coverage. 

An upgraded home warranty with roof coverage is more expensive, but it's one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. The roof is among the most expensive components of a home to repair, so a home warranty of around $50 per month could save you many thousands of dollars in the long run.

Homeowner's insurance, unlike a home warranty that covers roof repairs, will not cover the cost of repairing a leaky roof, which is becoming an increasingly significant concern due to the rising cost and availability of labor in the construction industry. According to responses on the January 2023 survey for the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, the cost and availability of labor have also been a relatively widespread problem, reported as a significant issue by 82% of builders in 2021 and 85% in 2022.

Cost of Roof Repair

You might think a leak would be a quick an easy fix, but it's not always that simple. It requires the work of trained professionals working in dangerous conditions. Here are a few of the things that can affect the overall cost of repair:

Roof grade. Some roofs are rather flat while others are quite steep. A steep roof is more challenging to work on, meaning professionals can charge more.

Roof material. Some construction materials used for roofs, such as specialty shingles, can go for a premium. They can add up quickly if many need to be replaced. Some materials may require an experienced professional to install.

Size and location of the leak. The size of the area affected, of course, will determine how expensive the repair is. Also expect a more expensive bill if the leak is in a hard-to-reach area.

Severity of the leak. If the leak has gone unnoticed or ignored for too long, water may have rotted wood or corroded metal, which leads to more expensive repairs.

These factors mean the cost of roof repair is unpredictable. On the low end, it could cost a few thousand dollars. On the high end, it can go into the tens of thousands. A provider with a comprehensive collection of home warranty plans that covers roof repair can protect you from those costs.

Effects of a Damaged Roof

Even minor leaks can have far-reaching consequences:

Mold. Dampness in your ceiling and walls creates the ideal conditions for mold. Some forms of mold may just cause a musty smell. Others, such as black mold, can cause severe respiratory issues. Mold removal is extremely costly.

Stains. Accumulation of water can discolor ceilings, floors, and walls, ultimately depreciating the value of your home.

Structural damage. If a leak has begun to rot wood or rust metal, the integrity of the home could be in question. Water could also damage electrical wiring and other systems, only compounding the cost of repairing your home.

Protect the Roof Over Your Head with Liberty Home Guard

A leaky roof can very quickly turn into a serious problem. We can help. Whether you're an existing customer or new homeowner, Liberty Home Guard offers plans that give peace of mind at an affordable price. Call us at (866) 699-4589 to find the plan that works for you and your home.