Why do church insurance rates keep going up? The frequency, severity, and cost of wind-hail storms is the driving factor. Louisiana has a coastal exposure on the south and borders tornado alley on the NW. We can get hit from several directions. Insurance companies are now focusing on the type and age of roofs to mitigate this damage.
Not only are church insurance rates increasing due to wind-hail losses, the age and condition of church roofs are being reviewed very carefully by insurance companies. Several have advised they will be looking at roof ages on new business, and RENEWAL business. Older age roofs, or those in need of significant repair could cause insurance companies to add a wind-hail deductible, change coverage from REPLACEMENT COST to ACTUAL CASH VALUE on the roof, or even exclude future claims caused by wind-hail losses until the roof is replaced.
SHINGLE ROOFS - Standard vs. Architectural Shingles:
Standard 3-tab shingles fits together on the roof like a puzzle. They sit flat and butt up against each other. Architectural shingles overlap one another so the roof appears textured or 3-dimensional. Architectural shingles are expected to last longer than standard shingles.
Replacement Cost coverage will NOT be provided on roofs that have exceeded 75% of their life expectancy. Below are guidelines that most insurance companies are adopting as they review church roofs:
- Insurance companies expect roofs with standard 3 tab shingles be no older than 15 years old.
- Insurance companies expect architectural shingled roofs be no older than 20 years.
- Insurance companies expect metal roofs to be no older than 25 years old.
Periodic inspections and general maintenance to roofs can help prevent interior water damage.
- Be sure gutters are always cleaned and unobstructed.
- Inspect the roof to repair nails or screws that have backed out.
- Ensure that plumbing vent stacks, turbine vents, or other protrusions through the roof line have caulking and sealant that is not old, cracked, or dried out.
- If you have metal valleys, flashing around the steeple or where roof lines join, ensure this metal is not rusted or in need of fresh sealant around edges.
Do your part as the building owner to protect your property by maintaining your roof and collectively all Louisiana churches can reap the benefits of lower wind rates. Please contact our office to discuss your roof if you have specific questions.