Insurance Is Requiring a New Roof for Many Florida Homeowners. Here’s What You Should Know
At installation, most new residential roofs have an expected lifespan of at least 15 years, and sometimes up to 30 depending on the type of material. However, many Florida homeowners have been faced with an unexpected situation: insurance companies are increasingly telling homeowners they need a new roof when their roof reaches 10 years or older.
At My Florida Roofing Contractor, we’ve spoken with numerous customers facing an unexpected roof replacement and helped them to navigate this process to protect their home. But what’s the reason for this emerging situation? And what steps should you take if your insurance company tells you you need a new roof? Let’s take a look.
Insurance Requires a New Roof Unexpectedly
Recently, we’ve gotten more and more confused calls from homeowners here at My Florida Roofing Contractor. Their situation is this: their insurance provider has required them to get a new, despite the roof being in generally good condition, simply because the roof is more than 10 years old.
For most homeowners, this comes as a surprise, as residential roofs generally carry a longer expected lifespan than this.
Why Is Insurance Requiring a New Roof at 10 Years or Older?
Insurance companies depend on effective risk management to succeed. While the service they provide involves protecting their investment, they still need to make money. As roofs become riskier to protect, insurance companies must reconsider the level of protection they provide.
Here in Florida, we face a unique roofing situation given our state’s unique climate. Specifically, Florida is prone to hurricanes, which routinely damage or destroy asphalt shingle roofs, the most common in the residential industry.
Insurance companies requiring homeowners to get a new roof is likely due to high volumes of claims for hurricanes, as the new roof is more likely to stand up against wind and storm damage due to being newly installed or because it will be made from a more durable material.
Can I Wait to Replace My Roof?
In most cases, it isn’t a good idea to delay a roof replacement once your insurance provider has deemed it necessary. Not only is it possible for your insurance company to deny coverage in the future if you refuse to replace your roof, but material costs are continuing to increase year over year. Delaying a roof replacement now will likely result in needing to spend more money to replace your roof in the future. Therefore, if your insurance company has required you to get a new roof, the best course of action is to start planning your roof replacement right away.
We Can Accommodate Tight Timelines
Once it’s decided that your roof needs to be replaced, it’s best to replace it right away. As more and more homeowners are faced with this situation, we’ve been working hard at My Florida Roofing Contractor to work efficiently to accommodate this growing unexpected need.
Our team is known for working diligently to build high-quality roofs while adhering to timelines, even if those timelines are restricted by unforeseen circumstances.
Unsure About Your Next Steps? Talk to Our Team!
For many homeowners we’ve talked to over the last few months, a roof replacement was completely unexpected. At My Florida Roofing Contractor, our professional team of roofing experts and customer service specialists is standing by to help plan your new roof to ensure you continue receiving the insurance coverage you need.
We’ll work with you to select the perfect new roof to suit your needs, your budget, and your desired look for your home. Contact us today to get started!
