Orlando, Fla. —Besides spectacular plants and flowers blooming, the beneficial rain may also cause trouble in your home if your roof is not properly maintained.

As we prepare for summer temperatures we must know that sunlight, hot temperatures, and extreme weather conditions can pose hazards to the strength and durability of your roof, but luckily there are measures you can take to protect your home. You have a roof leak if you spot mold, mildew, or water stains on the top of your home. Also, if you suddenly have shingles in your downspout, chances are your roof is not doing well.

• Inspect shingles 
• Treat for moss, lichen, and algae
• Clean and maintain the gutters
• Remove leaves and debris
• Trim branches hanging near your roofline
• Replace the caulk around flashings as needed
• Keep your attic well insulated

Through your attic you can inspect the underside of your roof, a good way to do it is to get there during a rainy day with a flashlight. Wet spots and mold will become more visible during a rain event, making it easier to detect. Once you track those spots, follow them to their highest point in the attic which may take you to its point of origin. Mark the area clearly for further inspection. 

If you don’t have an attic you should inspect the shingles, pipe gaskets, gutters and downspouts, dormers, and seals around vents for wet spots.

Does homeowners insurance cover leaks or damage to the roof?

Coverage can vary but, generally, damage caused by the following perils may be covered by your home insurance policy:

• Windstorms
• Hail
• Snow, sleet, or ice damage
• Lightning strikes
• Fire
• Falling objects

If your roof is leaking due to damage from a covered peril, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible. If the roof damage is a result of neglect or wear and tear, it likely won't be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. If your roof is older, your policy may provide limited coverage or none at all, depending on your insurance company and policy. Because most roofs have to be replaced every couple of decades, insurance will not cover the slow and natural wear and tear of the roof. So if a roof is more than 20 years old, you may not have any roof coverage at all.

Wind damage to your roof can range from a few shingles peeling to a tree crashing into it. When filing a roof damage insurance claim due to wind, an adjuster may inspect your roof. Many policies have separate deductibles for hurricanes and windstorms, which can be a percentage of your home's total dwelling coverage. If your belongings are also damaged, such as furniture, appliances, and clothing, your personal property coverage may pay to repair or replace those items.

At Orlando Insurance Center we are— ALL THINGS INSURANCE— our local insurance specialists will also help you save in the purchase of insurance bundles.  Give us a call today at (407) 680-1214— for an initial consultation and quotes from among 20 different insurance carriers who support us!