Flat roof insurance

What is flat roof insurance?

Flat roof insurance is essentially home insurance for homes where part or all of the roof is flat. Roofs with a slope of less than 10 degrees are considered flat. You can expect similar benefits to a standard home insurance policy, but it might be more expensive due to the increased risk of damage.

Insurers view flat roofs as higher risk as they are more likely to be damaged in bad weather and are susceptible to leaks. Flat roofs may also make a building less secure.

Why do insurers ask about flat roof?

Flat roofs are at more risk of damage during a storm and heavy rainfall.

Rainwater and other storm debris will naturally slide off a standard gable roof type. But with a flat roof, there’s a greater risk that water could just sit on the roof and eventually leak through. In general, flat roofs need more maintenance than standard sloping roofs.

Flat roofs are also viewed as posing more of a security risk as they can potentially make it easier for burglars to gain entry.

How can I protect my flat roof?

Flats roofs are more vulnerable to bad weather than standard sloping roofs. The lifespan of a flat roof is about 10-25 years before they need to be replaced. A gable roof is more likely to last up to 40-50 years.

Here’s what you can do to help protect your flat roof:

• Check it regularly, inspecting your flat roof for any pools of water or visible damage at least a few times a year.
• Keep it clean and remove any algae, moss, fungus or debris.
• Trim overhanging branches to reduce the risk of debris falling from nearby trees and damaging your roof in high winds.
• Install a good drainage system with plenty of guttering so water easily drains away.