Does a home warranty cover a roof?

What does a home warranty typically cover?

It’s typical for new homeowners to get a home warranty because it can help sort through some of the early problems that come with buying a home.

“When you move into a new place, there’s always bound to be some problems that come up,” explained Tom Nolan, founder of home improvement company All Star Home in Raleigh, North Carolina. “An appliance can go bad, or you might find that there’s a leak in your roof. Many of these basic problems are covered under a home warranty, though it’s important to check with your company first to make sure.”

A home warranty can also make sense for those who’ve had their home for a while, since it prevents the need to scramble to cover the cost of a repair.

Home warranties typically cover:

• Air conditioners
• Furnaces
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Water heater
• Ductwork
• Washers
• Dryers
• Garbage disposals
• Refrigerators
• Stove or ovens
• Built-in microwaves

» LEARN: What does a home warranty cover?

Home warranty roof coverage

Home warranty companies often offer coverage for roof repair and leaks due to wear and tear, but you’ll probably need to upgrade from a basic plan or add separate roof coverage to get this protection.

Having home warranty roof coverage can protect you financially, but it can also simplify the process of finding a trusty roofer in the event something does go wrong, as it did for Robert in South Carolina: “For the cost of the service call … it alleviated my having to go find a roofer and hope that the guy knew what he was doing.”

The extent of roof coverage varies between providers and plans, but the following problems are typically covered:

• Damaged shingles
• Flashing or patch issues
• Small punctures
• Popped-up nails
• Shingles or shakes replacement
• Tile repair or replacement
• Seam repairs on a flat or rolled roof
• Underlayment repair
• Vinyl membrane repair

Roof-related systems like gutters and drainage, roof vents and exhaust fans may also be covered under some home warranty plans — these are important in maintaining the roof's integrity.

It’s important to remember that a home warranty isn’t a substitute for homeowners insurance or vice versa. Homeowners insurance covers the damage caused by sudden and accidental events, such as storms, fires or vandalism; a home warranty covers wear and tear.

It can be a good idea to get a home warranty and a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy to ensure your roof is covered in case of a wide range of scenarios that may lead to repairs or replacement.

» COMPARE: Home warranty vs. home insurance

What’s excluded from home warranty roof coverage?

To claim roof leak repairs, you’ll have to meet certain conditions, like timely reporting and adherence to warranty terms. While home warranties can cover a range of issues, the following are generally excluded from roof coverage:

• Any preexisting roof damage or leaks
• Roofs beyond a certain age
• Defective shingles
• Lack of regular maintenance
• Porches, sheds or decks
• Solar panels or chimneys
• Certain types of houses, like condos and townhouses, or metal or green roofs
• Extreme weather events or “acts of God”
• Full roof replacement

» CALCULATE: Cost to replace a roof

Finding the right home warranty for roof coverage

To find the right roof coverage, start by researching reputable home warranty companies. Look for providers with a good track record, positive customer reviews and transparent terms and conditions. Websites, customer testimonials and online reviews can be valuable resources for gathering information about a company’s reliability and reputation.

Once you have a list of potential home warranty companies, compare their roof coverage plans — but don’t forget to look beyond just roof coverage. Try to get as many items covered as possible at the best cost.

“When shopping for home warranties, look for a company that has a low monthly contract fee and low trade service fee that covers as many systems and appliances as possible, including plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems,” advised Angel Conlin, chief insurance officer at Kin Insurance.

Before finalizing your decision, carefully read the fine print of the home warranty contract. Pay close attention to the definitions of "roof," what types of roofs are covered and the specific components under warranty. Look for any clauses that might limit coverage or exclude certain types of damage.

Also, check for conditions that need to be met to make a claim for roof repairs, such as reporting deadlines and maintenance requirements. Be aware of any waiting periods before the coverage becomes effective.

Tips for maintaining your roof

Since poor maintenance can void your home warranty coverage, here are a few tips for keeping your roof maintained:

• Get regular roof inspections. These not only let you know when something needs to be repaired but can also serve as proof that you maintain your roof.
• Fix roof problems right away. Letting a problem linger can cause more damage and may void your home warranty.
• Avoid do-it-yourself roof repairs. Nonprofessional repairs may void your home warranty or may make the problem worse.
• Trim any trees that overhang your roof. This keeps them from damaging your shingles.
• Keep your gutters and downspouts cleaned out. Cleaning gutters can prevent water damage to your roof.
• Make sure your roof is clear. Clear off any snow or ice buildup during the winter, leaves in the fall and moss in the spring and summer.
• Prevent leaks. Caulk around screw holes, chimneys and vents in your roof to prevent water from seeping down into your roof.

» STEP BY STEP: Annual home maintenance checklist