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It's not THAT bad...or is it?

By Suesan Jenifer Therriault

Home Inspector with JTHIS-Professional Home Inspection Team NACHI 04062481

December 18, 2012 11:38 AM

It's not THAT bad...or is it? So how would you react if your insurance company was attempting to drop your insurance policy unless you replace your roof? You would most likely call a local contractor to take a look and make recommendations. My husband just happened to be that contractor and this is one of the pictures he took

Old damaged roof covering I'm not saying this roof is in perfect condition, but it's not THAT bad...or is it? The shingles show signs of curling, cracking and aging. The roof covering is not leaking at present but appears to be beyond its useful service life. There are numerous areas of moss and mold growth. I can't assure you that that it's not going to leak after a severe rain and wind storm. It's THAT bad!

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Tammy Lankford,

Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA

Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Hmmmmmp, I know some homes that shouldn't have insurance if that's the case.

Dec 18, 2012 11:41 AM

John & Irma Nelson

San Antonio Real Estate Broker/Agent with Get It Sold Realty - San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Real Estate Agents - San Antonio Homes

I agree i have seen some roofs that I am just amazed are covered!!! Thanks for the post however and it IS that bad!!

Dec 18, 2012 11:45 AM

Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties

Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN

The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Suesan, I agree it is not that bad. The shingles are laying down and it appears that there is life left in that roof. We get mold and mildew on our roofs becaus eof the high humidity. It can be cleaned. What is the insurance agent thinking?

Dec 18, 2012 12:00 PM

Suesan Jenifer Therriault

JTHIS-Professional Home Inspection Team - Blakeslee, PA

"Inspecting every purchase as if it were my own".

Tammy I agree with you, I know of many that shouldn't and I'm not sure an insurance company should have the right to force you to redo your roof. The other side of the story is of course, why should they insure a property knowing it has an obvious defect. In this case the person wanted to know if their roof was that bad and yes it was.

Great to see you again and thank you for commenting. I'll visit your blog soon.

Dec 18, 2012 12:02 PM

Hi John and Irma, the roof itself is not that bad. In other words if the home owner were in the position to monitor, maintain and do continuous repairs they might be able to get by for a while. The insurance company however is within their right not to want to take the chance on it.

Thank you for commenting. I'll visit your blog soon.

Dec 18, 2012 12:09 PM

Debbie to be honest it's not that bad in the sense that with proper maintenance it might be okay for a while. However the shingles are curling and cracking in numerous areas. Were it not for the insurance company refusing to renew her insurance she might be bale to get away with it till the summer.

Thank you for your comment. I'll be over to visit your blog soon.

Dec 18, 2012 12:14 PM

John McCormack, CRS

Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM

I am curious what spurred the insurance company to be evaluating the roof in the first place? Was their a claim or concern or are insurance companies doing random inspections or what. I have seen roofs in a lot worse condition than this and the owners still had insurance. Interesting.

Dec 18, 2012 01:22 PM

John, to my knowledge there has been no claim. The roof isn't leaking it's just old. It seems to me more and more that insurance companies don't want to insure anything they might have to pay out on. I've seen worse than this.

I guess the agent took pictures, sent them in and that got things going. I know that out here when you first get insurance they have someone come out and take pictures of the property.

Dec 18, 2012 01:39 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Red Hook, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Suesan with the insurance companies having more claims in the last few year, they are now scrutinizing everything.

Dec 18, 2012 02:54 PM

Jay Markanich

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA

Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I don't remember ever hearing that an insurance company told a homeowner they had to replace a roof! My roof is 14 years old and I had a tune up a year ago. But my insurance company has never been to my house to look at my roof!

Dec 18, 2012 07:01 PM

Roy Kelley

Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have not seen situations where insurance was canceled because of roof conditions. I would guess that there were other reasons as well.

Enjoy the holidays. Be sure to have your camera in hand to capture the special moments that you will wish to share.

Dec 18, 2012 07:31 PM

Charles Buell

Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA

Seattle Home Inspector

Suesan, how did the insurance company determine it needed replacement? There is no question that roofs can actually be in worse shape than they look at times---but it would likely require someone got up close and personal with it :)

Dec 18, 2012 10:31 PM

Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers

RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON

Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

We have never heard of this before! We agree with you though, that the insurance companies don't want to be paying out for repairs and are being more and more savvy, but honestly, that roof doesn't look bad to a layman. Glad to see you back in the rain!

Dec 19, 2012 02:05 AM

Marshall Enterprises

Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN

Antiques, Lawn Care, and Trashouts

Your posts have been so positive and helpful for homeowners and inspectors like you are hard to come by. I hope that people and realtors, buyers, and sellers undertand the exceptional level of service that JTHIS home inspection servies provides in Pennsylvania!

Mar 07, 2013 10:23 AM

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Suesan Jenifer Therriault

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