Is Gutter & Siding Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

Gutter and siding damage are common issues that homeowners in the DMV Metro area experience, and many wonder if their insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

BRAX Roofing is here to offer some insight into the insurance process and factors that can affect coverage.

What Are Covered Perils?

A covered peril is an event or circumstance your homeowners insurance policy specifically covers. This can include things like vandalism, theft, fire, and storms.

Stormy weather is the most common cause of gutter and siding damage. This may include wind, hail, heavy snow, fallen trees, and other severe weather events.

If your home is damaged due to a covered peril, your homeowners insurance policy should cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Not all policies cover all perils, and exclusions or limitations may apply, so consult your insurance company before filing a claim.

It’s also important to document any damage with photos and keep records of repair bills for reimbursement purposes.

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

When reviewing the terms of your insurance policy, you may see that your siding or gutters are covered for replacement costs or actual cash value. It’s important to understand the difference between these types of coverage, so you know what you might have to pay out of pocket to replace your siding or gutters.

Replacement cost coverage pays to replace damaged items with something similar. In contrast, actual cash value coverage accounts for the depreciation of the damaged items and compensates you for the value of the items at the time they are damaged.

If you have replacement cost coverage, you’ll likely receive more money to repair or replace your gutters or siding. Remember that some policies have coverage limits, so review the terms and talk to your insurance company to learn the specifics.

When Are Gutters & Siding Not Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

While storm damage is often covered, there are instances when your claim might be denied. Common reasons for this include:

General Wear & Tear

Your home’s exterior is designed to endure the elements, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be as good as new forever. Wear and tear aren’t covered perils because this process is inevitable over time and generally appears as minor damage.

Routine maintenance can mitigate some of the effects of wear and tear, so inspect your gutters and siding at least every six months and clean them annually.

Lack of Maintenance

Your insurance company may deny your claim if the adjuster determines that routine maintenance could have prevented the damage.

Keep an eye on your home’s exterior and perform preventative services each year. Hold on to your maintenance records so your insurer can’t use supposed neglect as grounds for denying coverage.

Outdated Materials

Insurance companies expect homeowners to replace aging materials before they become problematic. As a result, your claim may be denied if the damage occurred because of the material’s old age.

To avoid being denied the compensation you expect, keep track of when you installed your gutters and siding and replace them as necessary.

Schedule Gutter & Siding Replacement in the DC Metro Area

Storm damage most often results in roof replacement or repair, but it can also result in a need for gutter or siding replacement. At BRAX Roofing, we offer all exterior services for homes in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

Our team can assess the damage, offer a free estimate, and recommend the best course of action. We’ll help you understand the insurance claims process. Roofing, gutter, and siding replacement often go hand in hand, so our team can provide a comprehensive solution for all your exterior home repair needs.

Don’t let gutter or siding damage go unchecked — contact BRAX Roofing at 301-469-4880 to request a free estimate today.