Gutters drain rainwater away from your home effectively and into a safe area where it can’t cause any damage. Unfortunately, their constant exposure to weather conditions like heavy rain and strong winds makes them susceptible to damage. Repairing or replacing them should fix the issue, but will homeowners insurance pay for the job? Exterior Building Solutions, one of the top local roofing companies in the area, shares more insight.
Gutters drain rainwater away from your home effectively and into a safe area where it can’t cause any damage. Unfortunately, their constant exposure to weather conditions like heavy rain and strong winds makes them susceptible to damage. Repairing or replacing them should fix the issue, but will homeowners insurance pay for the job? Exterior Building Solutions, one of the top local roofing companies in the area, shares more insight.
Determining Gutter Damage
You can tell if your gutters are damaged via a quick visual inspection. A section of the gutter system may look warped or sagging, or seem like pulling away from its attachments. There may also be obvious signs of corrosion, as well as noticeable cracks, holes or dents. Other issues that point to possible gutter damage include mold and rot in the fascia boards or siding panels, and water streaks along your home exterior. Pooling water near your home’s foundation and eroded soil on your landscaping means that water runoff is spilling out of the clogged gutters.
Factors Affecting Coverage for Gutter Replacement
When determining whether a gutter repair or replacement is covered by homeowners insurance, there are a few factors to consider. These include the type of coverage you purchased, the cause of the damage, whether it was normal wear and tear or storm damage, and even your area’s risk of extreme weather events such as hail storms or tornadoes. It’s critical to carefully read all clauses within your insurance policy to find out if the gutter repair or replacement costs are eligible for reimbursement under certain circumstances.
Are Your Damaged Gutters Covered?
Gutters damaged by fire, lightning, vandalism, flying debris, and snow loads may be covered by your insurance, but only if these perils are stated on the fine print. Damage that isn’t caused by a covered peril will be your responsibility. For instance, aging or deteriorated gutters aren’t typically covered by insurance companies. Also, they won’t pay for the repair or replacement of the gutters if they find out that the damage resulted from your negligence or failure to schedule maintenance.
To keep your gutter insurance coverage intact, be sure your gutters remain in top condition. Whether you need to install a new system or repair an existing one, count on Exterior Building Solutions to get the job done. In addition to gutters, we also provide emergency roof repair services. Give us a call at (314) 876-6753 for more information. You can also fill out our online form to request a quote. We serve homeowners in Chesterfield and St. Louis, MO.