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If you are the owner of a home with a flat roof, your home could be more susceptible to issues that pitched roofed homes aren’t. You’ll likely need a different kind of home insurance – one that covers you against these risks so you can sleep soundly knowing your home is protected.
What is flat roof insurance?
Flat roof home insurance covers most of the same perils as regular home insurance, but also covers the specific risks that come along with the flat roof. It’s common that properties with flat roofs are considered non-standard construction in terms of home insurance. So, if your home has a flat or low-pitched roof, or you’re planning on building an extension that features one, it’s likely you’ll need specialist cover.
What is a flat roof for insurance purposes?
The standard to qualify for flat roof insurance would be a roof that is level or has a low pitch (the steepness of the roof). This pitch is commonly defined as having less than a 10-degree slope, usually constructed of a timber frame and then covered with concrete, bitumen, felt, fibreglass, rubber, and on some occasions, grass. But it is not uncommon for providers to only cover weather-resistant materials.
What are the risks of flat roof homes in the UK?
With new trends and people’s ever-changing taste, flat roofs have become increasingly popular in the UK as they were previously predominantly seen in warmer clients. Their popularity has increased in the UK, especially for home extensions. But what are the risks of flat roof homes in the UK?
- Lack of drainage: If you live in the UK you have no doubt experienced the seemingly constant rainfall during the winter months, which on a traditional roof runs down the tiles into the gutters to drain off and away from your property. But flat roofs don’t function in the same way so it is not uncommon for rain, snow and debris to stay on the roof which can lead to caving, leaks and excessive wear and tear over time.
- At risk from burglars: It’s possible that flat roofs can make your home an easier target for burglars as it potentially allows them access to upstairs windows.
- Weather damage: Flat roofs should have a slight gradient which allows rainwater to run off and also have a decking of marine or WBP plywood. A poorly fitted roof can eventually lead to problems such as water ingress, condensation, water pooling cracking and thermal movement.
Which types of flat roofs can be insured?
We insure all types of flat roof constructions in most cases, which includes non-standard construction, which means the walls are made of something other than standard brick or stone with no slate or tile roof.
Typical materials that can be insured:
- Felt and timber frame
- Fibreglass mix
- Green roofs
- Asphalt
- Rubberised compounds
When obtaining a quote for flat roof insurance, it’s important to know the flat roof material as well as what percentage of the roof is flat. A 100% flat roof is a different risk to a 50% flat roof.
What you should consider before getting flat roof insurance
There are a range of factors to take into consideration when looking to insure your flat roof, but we’re here to help guide you through the process.
It’s common that insurance providers will ask if your roof is made of modern materials, which in turn provide better weather resistance, and also how much of your overall roofing is considered flat.
Some additional steps you can take to help you protect your roof are:
- Ensuring it is properly waterproofed
- Installing quality drainage systems of gutters & drainpipes to help water leave the roof quickly.
- Use leaf guards on your gutter to prevent clogs.
- Keep up to date with the maintenance on the roof, especially after any particularly adverse weather conditions.
- Install a burglar alarm system to deter and alert you of burglars.
- Ensure windows have high-security locks so no one can enter your property that way.
- Add insulating material above the decking.
- Once the flat roof is installed, have a qualified person inspect the flat roof at least once every two years. Prevention is better than cure!
What are the pros and cons of flat roof insurance?
Pros
Flat roof insurance cover is specifically designed for the increased level of risk that comes along with having a flat roof. Having the correct insurance in place in the event that something goes wrong means you can feel at ease knowing that you’ll be covered.
Cons
Specialist cover such as this does come at a higher price – but for good reason. There is a higher risk of damage and theft with a flat roof.
It is also pivotal that you inform your insurance provider of the full picture, otherwise you won’t be covered. For example, if your insurance provider is unaware of what percentage of your roof is flat, you won’t be covered.