Your roof plays an integral role in a structure, and keeping it in good condition is a must for the longevity of a home and ensuring you remain compliant with your insurance policy. Every insurance policy has fine print, and most people don’t take the time to read it, but if you take a look at yours, you’ll find that there’s information about what you need to do to remain compliant, especially when it comes to the condition of your roof.
Ivy Roofing Specialists is experienced in roof maintenance in Sydney, which means we can help you protect your home.
Why Roof Maintenance Matters for Insurance Compliance
Insurance is there to fall back on, but if you let your roof fall into disrepair, your insurance company could reject a claim should you make one for roofing and roof repairs. Insurance policies commonly include stipulations that allow for storm damage exclusion if there’s pre-existing wear and tear that weakened the roof’s structural integrity.
Australia’s big insurers (AAMI, RACV, and NRMA) include roof-related clauses that can void your policy. In addition to pre-existing wear and tear, inadequate maintenance commonly leads to rejected claims. So, if you have minor damage to your roof now, roofing repairs are a must to keep your insurance policy valid.
Additionally, it is also important to note that your roof should also comply with Australian standards. The team at Ivy Roofing Specialists are starting to see a large number of metal roof claims being rejected due to incorrect roof design and non-compliance with Australian standards.
Common Roofing Issues That Could Invalidate Insurance
So, what common roofing issues could invalidate your insurance policy? Let’s take a look.
The first issue is missing roof tiles or damaged tiles. A regular inspection would prevent this, allowing roof contractors to handle tile roof repairs quickly will protect your policy and your roof. Likewise, if the flashing and seals haven’t been properly maintained.
Do you have a metal roof? If it’s a rusted or leaking roof, it’s a problem for your insurance policy.
Quick gutter repairs are a must because if yours are clogged or your downpipes are blocked, this can invalidate your insurance. A sign of gutter and downpipe issues includes poor drainage or pooling water, and these are both enough to have your policy invalidated.
By enlisting the services of a roofing company near you, you have documentation to back up regular inspections and a record of repairs to support your insurance claim should you need it.
Seasonal Roof Maintenance
Bushfire Season (Summer)
It’s important to keep your gutters clean all year round, but especially during the summer months when bushfires are rife in the area. Remove dry leaves and debris from roof valleys, gutters, and check around your downpipe exits. You could speak to a contractor about ember-proofing if you live in a bushfire zone, and you must ensure that all roofing materials meet the local safety standards.
Autumn
Leaves drop at a rapid pace during the autumn months, so it’s important to clean your gutters more regularly and order gutter replacements or guttering repairs if you notice any issues. You should be on the lookout for signs of water pooling, mould or moss, as this could indicate bigger issues. If there is any damage, ensure it’s repaired before storm season.
Winter
It’s vital that you inspect your roof for damage after storms, looking for any signs of water ingress, displaced flashing, or tile damage. A local commercial roofer will handle tiled roof repairs quickly. Additionally, ensure your ventilation is fully functional and that the insulation is still intact.
Spring
Spring is the ideal time to call in a roofing business near you to carry out a full inspection. An expert can check for damage after heavy rain, hail, and storm damage and make recommendations for commercial roof repairs.
Contact Ivy Roofing Specialists to schedule a professional roof assessment with a reputable local roofing company. We can provide a full report so you know exactly what your roof needs to remain in tip-top shape.
Tips for Staying Insurance-Compliant
You should always retain records of maintenance and repairs, whether you have regular roofing maintenance or ad hoc roofing services as needed. Maintain a file with invoices and photos of any roofing and repair carried out.
Ivy Roofing Specialists are happy to maintain ongoing relationships with our clients and can schedule annual professional inspections for you to keep a record of. At Ivy Roofing Specialists, we keep a record of all the jobs we do on your roof with photos and assessments. We are happy to provide your records as proof of maintenance.
In the meantime, if you notice a small issue, you should have it repaired immediately. Don’t wait around for a visible leak!
It’s good to maintain open lines of communication with your insurance policy provider, especially when you’re dealing with something big like a roof replacement or repair. Familiarise yourself with your insurance policy and get to know the exclusions to ensure you keep your policy valid.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice water stains on your ceiling, sagging ceilings, or water patches on the floor, it’s a clear sign to call in the professionals to handle roof repairs. You might be tempted to carry out some DIY repairs, but this can void your insurance policy or warranty. Many warranties and policies stipulate that repairs and work must be carried out by a commercial roofing company.
Always find licensed commercial roofers near you to carry out work, ensure they are insured and experienced in handling the work you require.
Why Choose Ivy Roofing Specialists
- Ivy Roofing Specialists has local knowledge of Sydney’s building codes
- Ivy Roofing Specialists employs an experienced team of licensed, insured professionals who live locally in areas we work
- We provide preventative maintenance plans to ensure your policy remains intact
- Ivy Roofing Specialists provides free inspections and consultations
Final Thoughts
Roofing is an expensive part of a structure, and taking a proactive approach to roof maintenance is the safest way to protect your home value, remain compliant with your insurance policy, and avoid emergency disasters.
Get in touch with Ivy Roofing Specialists today to schedule a professional roof inspection and ensure you meet your insurance requirements.
