Like many homeowners, you likely have a homeowners insurance policy to protect you from unexpected disasters. The last thing you want to worry about after a disaster is the cost of making essential repairs. Your insurance covers everything from devastating wind or hail storm damage to your home’s siding to recovering from a fire.

But, you may find yourself wondering whether your insurance will cover the cost of a new roof. Ultimately, whether your insurance covers the cost of a new roof will depend on the kind of damage you’re dealing with and what caused this damage. If you need a new roof and want to learn more about whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover it, keep reading. 

When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Replacement? 

If you want to determine whether your homeowners insurance policy will cover your new roof, it may be best to contact the insurance company to discuss the service. However, there are a few situations in which they will cover damage and the need for replacement. Most standard insurance policies cover roof replacement if a sudden and accidental peril causes the damage.

This damage typically includes:

• Storm damage from wind, hail, heavy rain, or snow
• Fire or smoke damage
• Fallen objects like tree branches
• Vandalism or other malicious acts

For example, if a storm rips shingles off your roof or leaves visible dents or holes in the roof, your homeowners insurance policy will likely pay for repairs or replacement, depending on the extent of the damage. However, the extent of the coverage will depend on your policy and the provider’s specific guidelines. 

You should also check whether your policy covers replacement or actual cost value. Replacement cost value means you’re reimbursed for replacing your roof with a new one of similar material and quality. Actual cash value factors in depreciation, meaning your insurance may pay out significantly less if your roof is older. 

When is Damage Not Covered? 

While there are many scenarios in which your homeowners insurance will cover roof replacement, there are several instances where a claim will be denied, including: 

• Normal Wear and Tear: Your homeowners insurance is designed to support you through unexpected events, not inevitable deterioration. It is considered a maintenance issue if your roof is old and worn out. Most insurance providers won’t cover a replacement just because your roof has reached the end of its lifespan. 
• Improper Maintenance or Installation: If your roof damage is due to neglect, such as failing to fix a leak, remove debris, or maintain your gutters, your insurance provider may deny your claim. Similarly, if your roof was improperly installed or doesn’t meet building code, coverage may be voided, and you’ll have to cover replacement. 
• Pre-Existing Damage: Your insurance typically won’t cover damage that existed before the policy went into effect. If your roof was in poor condition when you bought your home or switched insurance providers, you can’t expect them to foot the bill when you schedule a new roof installation. 
• Cosmetic Damage Only: If your roof sustains superficial damage, such as a few discolored shingles or minor dents from hail, it may not be sufficient enough to qualify for a replacement. Insurers generally require that the damage affect the roof’s functionality before approving a full replacement. 

How to File a Roof Insurance Claim Successfully

If you are going to file a claim for a roof replacement through your homeowners insurance, there are a few things you need to do to ensure you get as much of the project covered as possible. Filing a claim with your insurance can be complex, but taking the right steps improves your chances of approval. To increase your odds of getting the project approved, make sure you: 

• Document the Damage: Start this process by taking detailed photos of the damage as soon as possible. Capture different angles and any accompanying interior damage caused by leaks. The more evidence you have, the easier it is to build a solid claim. 
• Contact Your Provider Promptly: Your insurance provider may have a limited window for submitting damage claims, usually between 30 and 60 days. If you want to ensure coverage, reach out to your provider as soon as possible to start the process. 
• Get a Professional Inspection: Many roofing companies in your area will offer free inspections and provide a report outlining the extent of the damage, likely cause, and estimated repair or replacement cost, which helps you establish your case. 
• Review Your Policy: Before you submit a claim, read your homeowners insurance policy carefully to understand what’s covered and any potential exclusions or deductibles that apply. This can help you determine whether the claim is worth filing. 
• Be Prepared for an Adjuster Visit: Once you’ve submitted your claim, your provider will likely send an adjuster to inspect the damage. Be present during this inspection, and provide photos, reports, and estimates you’ve gathered to ensure this goes smoothly. 

Tips to Protect and Maintain Your Roof

While you can’t prevent every disaster, you can take proactive steps to protect and maintain your roof and ensure you’re covered if something goes wrong. The best way to do this is by: 

• Scheduling regular roof inspections and maintenance
• Keeping your roof free of debris
• Making minor repairs as soon as possible
• Documenting roof work and maintenance

With proof of regular maintenance and ongoing protection measures in place, you can hopefully avoid the headache of having to pay out-of-pocket for essential roof repairs. 

Invest in a New Roof from Lifetime Roofing

If you want to schedule an inspection before filing a claim through your homeowners insurance, it’s essential that you work with a reliable roofing company, like our team at Lifetime Roofing. With almost 20 years of experience helping homeowners across the Salt Lake City area repair and replace their roofs, we know we can do the same for you. From minor damage to major repairs, we’ve done it all. 

If you’d like to learn more about how our team can help you through the homeowners insurance claim process or schedule an inspection, contact us today.

Roofing emergencies in your Salt Lake City home lead to major headaches. You want to protect the interior of your home before your roofing contractor arrives while also ensuring you don’t cause additional damage to your roof. When faced with roofing repairs, you may feel tempted to schedule with the first team you find. 

However, before you schedule essential repairs, there are a few things you should verify with your chosen Salt Lake City-based roofing team. If you’re about to schedule roof repairs, keep reading to learn more about what you should look for in a reliable roofing contractor to ensure you get the best repairs for your Salt Lake City home. 

1. Find Someone with a Great Reputation

One of the easiest ways to find a reliable roof contractor in the Salt Lake City area is to look for a company with a great reputation. When your neighbors have a good experience with a company, they’ll post about it. Whether you see a social media post about their experience or you hear it straight from them, this is a great way to ensure you’re working with a reliable team. 

If none of your friends or family have scheduled roof repairs recently, consider turning your attention to review sites. Check out the Yelp and Google Reviews for companies in your area. Reading through reviews will give you an idea of what it will be like to work with your chosen roofing company, ensuring they’re up to the challenge. 

2. Look For a Team Who Provides Service Warranties

When you’re choosing a Salt Lake City-based roofing contractor, you want to ensure the team you’re working with provides warranties for their work. You want a team that is proud and confident enough to stand behind the work they’re providing. Before scheduling roof repairs, it’s a good idea to ask about the warranties they provide for their services.

Warranties are a great way to avoid compounding repair costs over time. If there is a problem with your existing roofing materials, your roofing company’s warranty should cover these costs. Without a warranty for their repair services, you’ll be forced to pay out of pocket, which can quickly lead to an overwhelming roofing bill. 

3. Ensure They Have Plenty of Repair Experience

The last thing you want to deal with when scheduling repairs for your Salt Lake City home is discovering the team you’ve planned with doesn’t have the appropriate experience. Improperly trained or inexperienced roofing contractors may not complete the job properly, leading to a bigger headache down the road. 

Before you plan your repairs with a chosen roofing contractor, it’s essential to discuss their experience with them. Ensure they have plenty of experience making comprehensive repairs to roofs across the area, from weather-related repairs to leaks, broken tiles, and more. By ensuring this ahead of time, you’ll avoid problems later on.

4. Verify Contractor Licenses and Insurance

With so many roofing contractors in the Salt Lake City area, you want to work with a team that is properly licensed and insured to provide these services. Working with an unlicensed, uninsured team can lead to major problems for you. The team may not have the experience and training necessary to provide legitimate repairs. 

If you want to protect your home, it’s essential to ask the team about their licensing and insurance. You can verify licensing through Utah’s license lookup and verification system. With this verification, you can rest assured that the team you’ve scheduled with has the proper training and tools to repair your roof. 

5. Compare Quotes Among Roof Contractors

If you’re preparing for roof repairs for your Salt Lake City home, you may want to save as much money as possible. As you prepare to schedule, you’ll likely request quotes from all of the companies you contact. While it might sound tempting, it is important that you don’t simply choose the team with the lowest price.

Comparing quotes is important for several reasons. The quote should include information about what is included in your roof repairs, warranties, permits, and more. While some companies may offer less expensive repairs, their services may not cover as much as other companies. Instead of choosing based on price, choose a team that provides comprehensive repairs. 

6. Ask the Team Plenty of Questions

You may worry that you’re asking too many questions when trying to find the right team if this is your first time scheduling roofing repairs. However, while it might seem like overkill, it is essential that you ask your chosen Salt Lake City-based team plenty of questions before scheduling roof repairs. 

You don’t want to find out after you’ve scheduled that the company you’re working with doesn’t have the training, tools, or experience to get the job done properly. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Write down any questions you have before contacting them to ensure you don’t forget anything, and consider looking up appropriate questions to ask if you’re unsure. 

7. Discuss Post-Repair Cleanup

The last thing you want to discuss with your Salt Lake City roofing contractor before scheduling is post-repair cleanup. Some roofing companies may not provide comprehensive cleanup for your roofing repairs. If you have pets and children running around, this might mean you’ll have loose nails and debris left over that could result in costly and scary injuries.

Make sure to discuss cleanup with your team to ensure they do a complete cleanup after they’ve finished repairs. You want a team that won’t leave nails in your driveway or broken shingles lying in your yard. Discuss this beforehand to ensure you aren’t left with an unexpected mess and more work on your hands. 

Quality Roof Repairs in Salt Lake City

When you need roof repairs for your home in Salt Lake City, don’t settle for any less than the best team in the industry. Our team at Lifetime Roofing has years of experience providing comprehensive repairs, from minor leaks to major damage. No matter what damage you’re facing, you can trust that we have the training and experience to keep your home safe. 

If you would like to learn more about our roofing services or schedule an appointment to make roof repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Building a new home in Northern Utah can be incredibly exciting. As people move to town, they often think about how they’ll spend their winters enjoying the state’s ample ski resorts or summer visiting one of the “Mighty Five” national parks. But, before any of this can happen, you need to ensure your new home is built according to Utah building regulations. 

Among the most important components of any new build is your roof. Whether you’re working with a custom home builder or acting as your general contractor, understanding Utah roofing regulations and local building codes is essential to ensure your home is safe, compliant, and built to withstand the region’s unique climate.

If you’re preparing to build a new home in the state, keep reading to learn more about Utah roofing regulations and codes to ensure your home meets safety standards. 

Why Roofing Codes Matter

Roofing codes aren’t just a minor hurdle. They exist to protect your major real estate investment and family. In Northern Utah, where homes face heavy snow load in the winter, strong winds, and large temperature fluctuations throughout the year, roofing systems need to be properly designed, installed, and inspected. 

Failing to follow Utah roofing regulations and codes can result in delays, failed inspections, costly repairs, and safety risks down the line. If you’re excited about your move to the state, this can certainly put a damper on things. That’s why it is crucial to understand what is required for roofing on new construction homes in this part of the state.

Explaining Utah Roofing Regulations and Codes 

Most cities and counties in Northern Utah follow the International Residential Code (IRC) with amendments specific to the state. The most recently adopted version in Utah is typically the IRC 2015 or IRC 2018, though this may vary depending on the city you’re moving into. Utah also follows the International Energy Conservation Code, which affects requirements for attic insulation and roof ventilation. 

You’ll want to check your local building codes for precise requirements, but here are some of the key Utah roofing regulations and codes for new construction homes: 

Roof Load Requirements

One of the most important parts of the Utah roofing regulations and codes is load requirements. Northern Utah’s winters can be harsh, and roofing systems must be designed to handle snow loads. The snow load requirements vary by elevation and municipality, but they are essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable home through Utah’s harsh winters. Your roof truss system and decking must be designed to accommodate these loads.

Roofing Materials and Fire Ratings

Utah’s dry summers and wildlife-urban interface (WUI) areas make Class A fire-rated roofing materials essential in many new builds. If you aren’t sure which materials are best for your home, consider speaking to your chosen roofing contractor about their asphalt, metal, or concrete tile options to see which ones best meet this standard. You should also ensure that local building officials approve your chosen roofing material and that it is suitable for the slope and structure of your home. 

Underlayment Requirements

According to Utah roofing regulations and codes, all new roofs must include appropriate underlayment based on their slope and the type of material used. For standard asphalt shingle roofs with a slope greater than 4:12, one layer of #15 felt or synthetic equivalent is typically required. For homes in areas prone to ice dams, especially at higher elevations like in Park City, an ice barrier membrane is required along the eaves, usually extending at least 24 inches past the interior wall line.

Roof Ventilation Standards

Proper attic ventilation is essential for energy efficiency, moisture control, and roof longevity. Utah roofing regulations follow IRC Chapter 8, which states that ventilation openings must total 1 square foot per 150 square feet of attic space unless a vapor barrier is installed, in which case the ratio may drop to 1:300. Additionally, intake and exhaust vents must be balanced to ensure airflow. If you work with a reliable roofing contractor, they should ensure your roof meets these ventilation requirements, helping you avoid costly fines. 

Flashing and Drip Edge Requirements

Flashing at all wall intersections, chimneys, valleys, and penetrations, like vents or skylights, is required to prevent leaks. A drip edge is also required at eaves and rakes to protect the sheathing from water damage. Flashing must be corrosion-resistant and installed according to manufacturer specifications and IRC standards. Following this Utah roofing regulation ensures you avoid water damage in your new home. 

Roof Pitch and Drainage

Most jurisdictions require roofs to have a minimum pitch of 2:12 unless a flat roofing system is specifically engineered with proper drainage. Flat or low-slope roofs must be built with adequate waterproofing layers, internal drains, and scuppers. Proper drainage is also essential. Gutters and downspouts must direct water away from the home’s foundation to prevent erosion and water damage.

Why You Need to Work With a Local Roofing Company

When preparing for an upcoming new construction project, it’s essential to work with a reliable local roofing company. Working with a team in your area ensures they understand Utah’s roofing regulations and codes, helping you avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes that could otherwise slow down the process.  

Whether you’re acting as your general contractor or hiring a home builder, you want to ensure your professional is licensed, insured, and familiar with Northern Utah roofing regulations. They should be able to provide guidance on materials, ventilation, and weather-specific concerns and help ensure a smooth inspection process.

Experts on Utah Roofing Regulations Near Salt Lake City, Utah

If you’re looking for a reliable roofing contractor near Salt Lake City who is familiar with Utah roofing regulations, turn to our team at Lifetime Roofing for support. We understand the requirements for every new home and can help you avoid surprises, ensuring your new home is safe for you and your loved ones. 

When you’re ready to schedule a new roof build, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.