Do Home Warranties Cover Roofs?
Updated April 15, 2024 at 7:35 pm
You did your due diligence by purchasing a home warranty, but the fear of expensive repairs has you wondering if it is enough. Your roof will inevitably need repairs, so it begs the question: Do home warranties cover roofs?
Unfortunately, most home warranty coverage does not include roof replacement. However, it might offer some coverage for smaller repairs. Before you shell out the cash for a new roof, here’s what you need to know about whether home warranties include roofs and whether home warranty roof coverage is even worth it.
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Home Warranty Services
Vault’s Viewpoint on Home Warranty Coverage
- A home warranty rarely includes roof coverage, but you can sometimes add it to your policy.
- Policies generally have coverage limits, meaning they won’t cover a full roof replacement.
- Exactly what a home warranty roof covers varies between providers.
What Is a Home Warranty?
A home warranty is a type of additional coverage that a homeowner can buy to protect certain parts of the home. It protects multiple home systems, including your air conditioner, water heater and electrical system. It can also cover basic appliances like your refrigerator, stove, built-in microwave and washer and dryer.
Does a Home Warranty Cover Roofs?
Unfortunately, a home warranty does not usually cover your roof. If you want this protection, you usually have to add it on to your existing home warranty for an additional cost.
A roof coverage add-on will cover the leaks that can occur over time from normal wear and tear. Meanwhile, the effects of the leak, such as mold and damage to interior drywall, are handled by your home insurance policy.
You can add roof coverage to your home warranty at any time, so there are no restrictions or expiration dates.
Typical Repairs Included in Home Warranty Roof Coverage
These are some of the repairs typically included with home warranty roof coverage.
- Minor punctures
- Patch and seal flashing
- Popped-up nails
- Seam repairs on a flat or rolled roof
- Shingle damage
- Shingle or shake replacement
- Tile repair or replacement
- Underlayment repair
- Vinyl membrane repair
Your policy will itemize the exact coverage included with your policy.
What Is Not Covered by Home Warranty Roof Coverage?
Not everything is included with home warranty roof coverage. Here are some of the common issues excluded from typical policies:
- Chimney damage
- Corrosion
- Improper roof installation or repair
- Inclement weather
- Leaks around satellites, skylights and solar panels
- Leaks over non-living areas, such as your garage
- Mold
- Natural disasters
- Neglect and lack of maintenance
- Older roofs of a specific age
- Pre-existing issues
- Roof vents
- Rust
- Shingle defects
- Structural issues
- Vandalism
Always pay attention to roof coverage terms. Some roof warranties only cover more popular types of roofs like asphalt or wooden shingles. Eco and metal roofs are generally not covered.
There may also be limitations regarding the location of the roof. Some policies only repair areas that cover living areas, like your living room or bedroom. Attachments and additions to your roof, such as solar panels and gutters, are typically excluded.
Home warranty companies usually place a limit on roof coverage, with the average falling between $500 to $1,500. Any repairs that exceed this cap will then become your responsibility. With these limits in place, home warranties don’t cover a full or even partial roof replacement, leaving you to foot the bill. However, check your policy so you know exactly what your provider includes.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
A roof can last anywhere from 20 to over 100 years, but you may need certain repairs before then. Different materials used for your roof have different life expectancies. For example, 3-tab asphalt shingles last 20 years, while clay and concrete last over 100 years.
| Roofing Material | Average Life Expectancy in Years |
| Asphalt (Architectural) | 30 |
| Asphalt Shingles (3-Tab) | 20 |
| Clay/Concrete | 100+ |
| Copper | 70+ |
| Fiber Cement | 25 |
| Green (Vegetation-Covered) | 5 to 40 |
| Metal | 40 to 80 |
| Simulated slate | 10 to 35 |
| Slate | 60 to 150 |
| TPO | 7 to 20 |
| Wood | 25 |
Other factors can impact the total life of your roof. For example, heavy winters and brutal summers can put your roof through a regular beating, causing cracks, leaks and missing shingles. Because of this, a roof in very cold or very hot areas may not last as long as somewhere with milder temperatures.
Best Home Warranty Companies for Roof Coverage
If you are considering purchasing a home warranty with roof coverage, these are some of the best home warranty companies to choose from.
- America’s First Choice Home Warranty
- American Home Shield
- Choice Home Warranty
- Elite Home Warranty
- Liberty Home Guard
- Select Home Warranty
How to Find the Best Home Warranty Roof Coverage
Once you choose the right home warranty company, these are some factors to consider when choosing the best policy for your roof.
Type of Coverage
Some home warranty companies will include some roof repairs in their basic coverage. Find out whether your policy includes coverage for your roof. Otherwise, you will need to purchase extra coverage at an extra cost to supplement your existing home warranty.
Cap for Coverage
There is often a limit to how much your home warranty company will cover for your roof. While this can vary between companies, it generally falls under $1,500 total. Before purchasing coverage, review the maximum limit for your policy. You will be financially responsible for any costs that exceed that amount.
Exclusions
Home warranty companies vary in the exact repairs they cover. Some materials and types of roofs may not be included in every plan. Take the time to review your plan so you can ensure your specific roof will be covered.
Customer Service
Consider how and when customer service will be available in case you have a question. The best home warranty companies offer 24/7/365 support so someone is always there to help if disaster strikes. Customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Google, Trustpilot and Yelp can also give you an idea of what to expect.
Cost
Compare pricing between the best home warranty companies to find the lowest price. You may be able to find a lower price from a different home warranty company.
Does Home Insurance Cover Roofs?
It all depends. Homeowners insurance is selective in the type of coverage that it offers. Damage caused by accidental events, like fallen branches, is included in home insurance coverage. Catastrophic events are also cause for coverage and include things like storms, fires and other natural disasters. So if your roof is damaged from a fallen branch after a big storm, your insurance may cover repairs.
However, insurance does not cover normal wear and tear that can occur over time, such as leaks.
Tips for Maintaining Your Roof
Your home warranty coverage will be rendered null and void if you fail to maintain your roof responsibly. Typically, this includes the following maintenance.
- Conduct a visual inspection annually and after major storms or events to ensure your roof is not suffering from damage.
- Prune nearby trees to avoid unnecessary damage to your roof.
- Check sealant and caulking at least once or twice a year.
- Clear leaves and debris regularly.
- Clean your gutters every six months.
- Remove moss and algae.
- Act immediately upon the first sign of mold.
- Try to avoid walking on your roof whenever possible to preserve its structural and cosmetic integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Roof Warranties Worth It?
Roof warranties can be well worth the cost. Plans are very affordable and can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs. Just review your cap for coverage; this will limit how much your home warranty company will pay before your coverage runs out.
Does a Roof Warranty Cover Mold?
Mold is not covered by a roof warranty. Instead, it is handled by your home insurance policy.
What Do Home Warranty Roof Repairs Cost?
The average roof costs about $10,000 to replace. In comparison, the average cost to add on home warranty roof coverage is $8 per month, making it well worth the investment for many. When you need repairs, you will have to pay a service fee, but this typically costs under $125.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
