Flat Roof Damage - Where do I stand

digital_biscuit

Hi All

Due to this horrid weather we have had 2 of our flat roofs damaged. Felt blown off and masses of water leaking through.

We have only owned the house 2 years and therefore have no idea how old the felt is, however, the insurance company say they may not cover if the roof is over 10 years old.

Has anyone been in this situation and had claims accepted?

Even if the roof isnt covered, what about the damage caused from the water leak?

Any ideas/advice would be brill!

Happy new year to you all!
Digi

forgotmyname

Possible maintenance issues. When was it inspected last? Any issues when buying the property?

dacouch

Who are you insured with?

Do you have Accidental Damage on your Building Insurance?

Spikey1

Its unlikely that your Insurer will decline your claim given the widespread and well publicised storms we have had in the last few days.


If, as you describe, your felt blew off and the winds in your area were 'storm force' it would be extremely difficulty for your insurer to dispute your assertion that the roofs were damaged by storm. They may suspect that it was suffering from age-related deterioration too, but in the absence of evidence that this was the case then they will accept your claim for both the external and internal damage.

digital_biscuit

Hi All

These replies have made me feel a little better! I could probably cry every time I go in either room!!

To answer the questions
Have no idea when inspected last, we have owned the house two years and havent had inspection. Didn't know they needed replacing every 10 years until these issues. No problems buying the house though.

Insured with e-sure and yes we have accidental damage, how can that help?

Thanks again!!
Digi

joncombe

digital_biscuit wrote: »

Hi All

These replies have made me feel a little better! I could probably cry every time I go in either room!!

To answer the questions
Have no idea when inspected last, we have owned the house two years and havent had inspection. Didn't know they needed replacing every 10 years until these issues. No problems buying the house though.

Insured with e-sure and yes we have accidental damage, how can that help?

Did you have a survey done when buying the house? If so and it was two years ago it would give an idea of the condition of the roof 2 years ago. If no concerns were raised I can't see there being an issue with this as a claim of storm damage.

Flat roofs don't necessarily need replacing. At the last house I lived we had one built and it lasted more than 15 years (when we left the house) without any leaks. An inspection is probably just as simple as looking out the window! The flat roof we had was covered with gravel, so the only checks were that no parts had become uncovered as if so they could get damaged by the sun (remember that!) making it blister in the summer.

Regarding accidental damage I think that can be important to cover internal damage, even if the external damage is not covered by your policy.

digital_biscuit

Thanks for response. Survey states "age related deterioration". That is all.

Quentin

digital_biscuit wrote: »

Thanks for response. Survey states "age related deterioration". That is all.

It is a fact that a flat roof will deteriorate with age and needs regular maintenance/felt replacement etc.

That survey won't help your claim, so don't use it!! The implication of the report is that the roof showed signs of expected deterioration, and needed attention sooner rather than later.

Be prepared for paying for the repairs to the roof.