Does home insurance cover roof leaks?

Home insurance for roof leaks – what’s covered?

Roof leaks are covered by buildings insurance, which forms part of your home insurance. Buildings insurance protects the overall structure of your home, from windows and doors to your trusted roof.

If you spot a roof leak, home insurance can help cover the repair costs – though it depends on the cause of the leak and where the damage is.

Storm damage

Extreme weather and high winds from storms can lift or tear tiles off the roof, allowing water to penetrate the underlying structure. Buildings insurance can cover broken roof tiles and any subsequent leaks (please note, there are some restrictions when claiming for storm damage, please check your policy documents for more details).

Falling trees

Buildings insurance can cover your roof from the impact of falling trees – though there are some exceptions. For example, if you cut down a tree and it falls on your home, this won’t be seen as accidental damage and is unlikely to be covered by insurance.

Vandalism

Vandalism describes damage to your roof done by someone else, simply for the sake of causing damage. Any malicious damage to your roof that results in a leak is generally covered by buildings insurance.

Home insurance for roof leaks – what’s not covered?

While home insurance covers roof leaks in most cases, there are specific instances where it won’t cover damage to your roof.

Wear and tear

Damage to your roof resulting from general wear and tear may not be covered. This is because home insurance is designed for unforeseen events like a storm, flood or fire. Examples of wear and tear include if your roof is over 15 years old, or if it’s in bad condition due to poor maintenance.

It’s important to keep a record of any maintenance or repairs to your roof, so you have evidence if you need to make a claim.

Damage to home contents because of a roof leak

If any possessions in the home are damaged following a roof leak, this would be covered by contents insurance rather than buildings insurance. You can take out contents insurance separately as part of your home insurance, or as a full policy combined with buildings insurance.

Contents insurance covers things such as:

Fire
Theft
Vandalism
Flooding or storms
Explosion or lightening
Water escaping from burst pipes
Falling trees and branches

Faulty repairs or maintenance

If a roof leak is caused by poor workmanship, this would need to be resolved with the roofing contractor. Similarly, roof leaks won’t be covered by insurance if it was the result of a DIY job.

It’s the homeowner's responsibility to keep their roof in a good state of repair. Poor maintenance may put your roof in bad condition and result in leaks – in which case, it’s up to you to handle repairs.

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How to find a roof leak

In most cases, you may be able to identify a leaking roof early on. Finding the source of a roof leak is a crucial step in making a successful claim and getting it fixed before it becomes a major issue.

Consider these simple steps to find your roof leak:

Identify tell-tale signs: Look out for visible signs of a leak in the home, such as moisture or mould. It’s likely the leak is nearby.
Check the loft: If you have access to the loft or attic, look for any dark spots. Check for mould on loft insulation or your roof timbers.
Look for source of light: In the loft, turn off all the lights. You may be able to see daylight coming through cracks or holes in the roof.
Watch out for drips: If it’s a particularly rainy day, watch out for spots where rainwater is entering the property.
Try the hose test: Head to the roof and gently spray a hose onto the area you think has the leak. Have someone inside the home to spot any water leaking in.
Look for missing tiles: If your roof has missing tiles, this can mean that water is getting into your roof space. For flat roofs, look for any visible cracks in the tar or coating, and check along the seams of the roofing material.

If you’re unsure where the leak is coming from, it’s worth getting help from a professional. Check your home insurance policy documents to see what repairs you’re covered for.

How to prevent roof leaks

The first step to preventing roof leaks is to regularly inspect your roof and make sure it’s up to standard. This will allow you to spot any early signs of leaking and nip them in the bud before they become significant. It will also help you to when filing a home insurance claim for your leaking roof.

Check roof tiles often

Regularly inspect your roof tiles to see if any are damaged or missing. Replacing any damaged tiles as soon as possible can limit the chances of any water coming in and subsequent leaks.

Clear your gutters

Blocked gutters can lead to leaking roofs and structural damage. Regularly check your gutters and remove any leaves and debris to keep your guttering clear and maintain good water drainage.

Keep trees at bay

Though they’re beneficial in lots of ways, trees can cause significant damage if they fall on your home, or if branches interfere with roof tiles. Trim back any branches that overhang your roof and watch out for any signs of subsidence caused by nearby trees, which can lead to structural damage.

Inspect your skylights

Skylights must be well-sealed to prevent air leaks and water infiltration. If your home has a skylight, ensure the seals are still intact and watertight and look for signs of dripping water from the unit.

Maintain your flat roof

The structure of flat roofs are different to conventional ones, but they should still be frequently inspected and maintained. Regularly check the felt or asphalt coating your roof for cracks, tears or blisters.

Frequently asked questions

Will home insurance cover a leaking roof if I live in a flat?

Whether your leaking roof is covered by home insurance will depend on the cause of the leak and where you’re situated. For example, if you live in a top-floor flat and your roof starts leaking, your insurance policy may cover the costs of damage and repairs. It also depends on whether you’re renting, a leaseholder or a freeholder.

Will my insurance cover roof leaks if I am renting?

As a renter, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to take out buildings insurance and carry out repairs, so you won’t need to make the claim yourself. However, tenants’ contents insurance might cover items that are damaged by the leak.

What is classed as wear and tear on a roof?

Roof wear and tear refers to damage that occurs naturally as the roof gets older. This can include curling shingles, broken or deteriorating flashings and signs of water damage. Roofs over 15 years old are classed as old, and may not be covered by home insurance.

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