If Home Warranty Policies Do Provide Roof Coverage Its Likely To Be An Add
When you choose a home warranty policy, youll see a list of the systems and appliances that the warranty covers. Often these systems are arranged into packages at different price points to help homeowners select the level of coverage they prefer. Because roof repair and replacement is expensive for the warranty company, lower-priced packages may not include roof coverage at all, or the warranty company may make the coverage available as an add-on for an extra cost. Higher-priced packages may include the roof coverage as a standard part of the package, but youll want to look closely at the policy to make sure the roof is listed as covered.
Interested in getting a home warranty? American Home Shield is a lead provider in home warranties and covers up to 23 appliances and systems in your home, meaning that you can stay within your budget when it comes to costly repairs.
When Does Homeowners Insurance Exclude Coverage For Mold
Mold caused by your own neglect and lack of maintenance will likely be denied by your home insurance company.
Over time, a minor leak could cause mold to spread throughout the surrounding area. If you tried to file a claim for the leak and the resulting mold weeks or even days after the leak became apparent, your insurance provider would likely claim that you failed to act immediately and therefore deny coverage.
Also, no mold damage resulting from a regional flood is covered, since flooding is a peril excluded from your homeowner’s insurance policy. However, if you purchased a separate flood insurance policy, that coverage would extend to any mold damage caused by a flood.
Examples of when mold isn’t covered
- Your bathtub has leaked for years, resulting in a mold infestation.
- You live in a humid climate and failed to use a dehumidifier in your basement, and black mold grew as a result.
- A storm causes flooding, and subsequently mold growth, in your home.
Garage Doors And Tracks
Garage door openers may be covered in a typical home warranty, but the garage door and track are not usually included. As you would with washers and dryers, you should double check your home warranty to make sure the garage door opener is included.
However, if you are concerned about the garage door or simply want to replace it for aesthetic reasons, look to your homeowners insurance or plan to pay out of pocket.
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When Isn’t Mold Covered By Homeowners Insurance
Mold insurance claims likely wont be covered if the mold resulted from neglect, such as a pipe leaking under the kitchen sink for months, resulting in water damage and, consequently, mold. Another example of negligence is if a window isn’t properly sealed and rain seeps inside continuously over time, leading to mold growth. Learn more about how home insurance covers water damage.
How To Find Roof Leaks
The fastest way to find where a roof leak is coming from is to work upwards from any damp or mold-covered patch of the ceiling indoors. Though this is not always so simple. Locating the leak becomes difficult when the path of the water is not immediately apparent.
If the leak is hard to find, pour water over some likely areas and ask someone to call out when there is a visible drip in the home. Cracks inside the wall can also be conduits for water, leading it in unexpected directions.
Shingled roofs offer challenges to a simple upward path to the source of the leak, but they also come with handy clues to it. Just as mold and mildew gather at the ceiling leak, so do they at the source, often under the shingles in that spot.
If mold has not yet formed, there should be a trail of water formed by the slope of the roof leading you to the source.
No, American Home Shield Home Warranty does not cover roof leaks but you can review a host of the top companies on Home Warranty Reviews that cover roofs. Some of the companies include Choice Home Warranty.
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What Items Are Not Covered In Basic And Enhanced Home Warranty Plans
Contracts only cover specific parts, appliances, and systems, while all the rest is excluded. You may opt to pay an extra premium to cover items that are not already in a standard plan before signing the contract.
- Faucet repairs
- Hot tubs
- Outdoor items such as sprinklers
- Whirlpool bathtub
- Hauling away debris
- Remote Controls
- Gas A/C, Window Units
Make sure to accurately ascertain what is covered and not covered in your plan before signing any contract. While a home warranty is an added layer of protection, it doesnt replace every malfunctioning device.
Many Homeowners Insurance Policies Exclude Mold Claims
Many homeowners insurance policies exclude claims for mold, bacteria and fungi from their coverages.
Homeowners policies may pay for the removal of mold thats the direct result of a sudden, covered peril . In such a case, though, the claim is for the covered peril — and not the mold. The mold is deemed to be a direct result of the covered peril and, therefore, the policy may pay for its removal.
Claims for mold that aren’t the direct cause of a covered peril often are denied. For instance, most homeowners policies wont pay to have mold removed if its caused by a flood, because most home insurance policies dont cover floods. Homeowners that want to be protected from mold that floods cause usually need flood insurance that includes coverage for flood-induced mold growth.
Similarly, generic claims for mold usually arent honored, since it cant be directly tied to a covered peril. Long-term exposure to humidity, seeping pipes and repeated leaks usually arent covered by homeowners policies, so mold from these and similar issues typically aren’t covered either.
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What Are My Options If I Have A Problem With Mold Termites Or Radon
When it comes to mold, termites and radon, its always advised that you work with a professional. All three can be dangerous to your health, as well as the health of your house.
· Mold can be treated, but prevention is always preferred. Keep your home systems in check with a home warranty. Additionally, do what you can to make your home an unwelcome environment for spores.
· For termites, work with a local pest control company. Certain pest control companies in your area may even offer a termite warranty. Search your area for a reputable company and see what they can do for you.
· Radon testing can be done yourself or through a professional. There are also measures for removing radon from your home and ways to prevent it from getting into your house in the first place.
While Select Home Warranty doesnt cover repair or removal of mold, termites, and radon, we can keep your systems and appliances working like new.
Find the right home warranty plan for you and even get a free quote to see how much you might save when you go with us.
When To Get Help Fighting Mold
As a general rule, small mold infestations can be handled by home owners. But an area more than 10 square feet in size requires professional cleaning.
A minor mold problem can be tackled easily with household cleaning products. However, if you have a large infestation, you could suffer serious health effects if you try to clean it up without taking the proper precautions. This is especially true if you suffer from allergies or have a weakened immune system.
Everyday mold occurs in bathrooms, around sinks, along exterior door thresholds, and in damp basements. These mold problems can typically be handled with a good cleaning.
More serious problem mold grows on drywall and in structural pieces including studs and sub flooring. Serious problem mold is typically best handled by professional mold remediation companies.
Of course, some types of mold are highly toxic and require professional help regardless of the size of infestation. If you experience an allergic reaction to mold, or youve been told that the mold in your home is toxic, dont hesitate to get professional help for your mold problem.
A professional can protect your home and your health by taking rigorous protective measures. They are experts in removing and containing mold and can help you not only control your current mold problem, but discourage it from coming back in the future.
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How Much Does It Cost To Remove Mold From A House
The average cost of mold removal is $2,347,1 but removing mold from an entire home can cost up to $30,000. This makes it even more crucial to spot mold early or prevent it altogether in order to avoid the high costs of remediation.
Getting rid of mold as soon as possible is extremely important in stopping its spread. Small mold remediation can cost an average of $4581 while larger scale remediation averages at about $6,333. If the infected area is more than 10 square feet, its best to hire a qualified mold inspector and get a quote. Such an inspector can charge $200 $6002 for a visit.
Mold removal costs depend on the area that it is being removed from:
- Crawl spaces only: $500 $4,000
- Ducts, crawl spaces, walls, attics: $2,000 $6,000
- Widespread structural damage: $10,000 $30,000+
The Environmental Protection Agency permits areas of mold that are less than 10 square feet to be cleaned by homeowners themselves with long gloves that go to the middle of your forearm, goggles and an N-95 respirator.
What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House
Mold can be found anywhere on and under carpets, in crawl spaces, on your walls, on your shower curtain. Generally, its going to be greenish to very black spots that youll be looking for, though mold can also be white, orange and purple. If you see a part of your house that looks like it has a rash, thats probably mold. If youre in a room where its often damp, thats another telling sign that you may have mold lurking about.
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Mold Caused By Floods Or Acts Of Nature
In some cases mold can grow as a result of water damage from outside forces. Whether your homeowners insurance covers mold in that instance depends on what caused the damage to begin with.
Mold thats a result of storm surges, like floodwaters, is usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance, Harper says. Thats because standard home insurance policies dont cover flood damageyou need flood insurance for that.
If you have a flood insurance policy and your home is flooded due to heavy rains, a hurricane, or another act of nature, then your policy may extend to mold removal and repairs necessitated by flooding. Flood insurance costs on average around $700 per year in addition to your regular homeowners insurance premium, though it may cost more if you live in an area thats at higher risk for flooding.
That may be worth the investment, however, if youre concerned about mold resulting from a flood. According to FEMA, just one inch of water in your home can cause $25,000 in damage. Flood insurance with mold coverage could help mitigate some of the cost.
Mold that results from other acts of nature, such as a hurricane or an ice storm, may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. For instance, if a hurricane tears your roof off and water gets inside the home, causing mold to grow, you might be able to file a claim for that along with other damages to the home.
Typical Home Warranty Costs
Home warranties start at about $300 annually and can range up to $800 depending on the add-ons to your policy. The premium is usually paid up front or in installments. Variables that can affect cost include property type and if the home is brand new or over 5,000 square feet. Most home warranty companies have websites where you can get quotes.
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What To Do If Your Mold Claim Is Denied
If your homeowners insurance company denies your mold claim, you may want to get a licensed contractor to offer a second opinion on what caused the damage. You could also attempt to appeal the denial with your insurance company if it has a specified appeals process. If not, your state insurance commissioner may be able to offer help on what you can do to get the claim approved or to file a complaint about denial.
Protect Your A/c Ductwork With Regular Maintenance
Your A/C ductwork is so important to the air quality in your home and, by extension, to your and your familys health, that it really pays to keep it in good shape.
Inspect your ductwork yearly to identify possible problems. Look for dust or debris coming out of your registers. Get a closer look at the inside of your ducts by removing the vent covers and looking inside with a flashlight. Look for mold and mildew, as well as signs of infestation, which can include dead insects or rodent droppings. Check the outside of your ductwork, if and where it is exposed, for leaks, and block them with duct tape.
You probably dont need to have your ductwork cleaned, unless it is clogged, its releasing excessive amounts of dust and debris through the vents and registers, or you find evidence of rodents, insects, or mold and mildew inside the ducts. To keep your ductwork clean, change your HVAC filters every one to six months. Change them more often if you have pets, or someone in your home has respiratory problems or allergies.
AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.
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What If My Claim Is Denied
The most likely reasons mold claims are denied are because they are caused by an uncovered peril, or are found to be caused by owner negligence. If you have direct proof of the cause, its best to submit that information when filing your initial claim this will help prevent any miscommunication or misunderstanding.
What Home Warranties Dont Cover
Plans cover your major systems and home appliances, but they don’t cover everything that can go wrong. Generally, home warranties do not cover issues related to:
- Preexisting conditions
- Items typically covered by home insurance
- Unusual wear and tear
- Commercial-grade appliances
- Items under manufacturers’ warranties
Home warranties dont usually cover fireplaces. However, your home warranty may cover the gas lines to your fireplace, which are considered part of your home’s heating system. Solar panels typically come with a long warranty from the manufacturer, making them ineligible for coverage.
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How To Avoid Having A Mold Damage Claim Denied
There are several things you can do to prevent mold and/or improve the odds of having your claim approved if you incur mold damage.
On the prevention side, you can:
- Install dehumidifiers in areas that are prone to dampness
- Regularly check plumbing pipes and fittings to look for leaks
- Adequately ventilate bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other areas of your home where mold may have an opportunity to grow
- Keep gutters clean to prevent the formation of ice dams in winter, which can lead to leaks
- Regularly inspect your roofand around windows and doorsand caulk cracks that could allow water to leak in
- Properly insulate interior and exterior pipes in winter to avoid breakages or leaks
- Routinely check appliances and hot water heaters for signs of leaks
If you have to file a claim for mold damage:
- Properly document the damage with photos and/or video
- Provide up-to-date maintenance records if you have them
- Follow any and all instructions the insurance company gives you to process the claim
- Contract approved mold removal companies to clean up the damage
How Can You Prevent Mold Growth
The cheapest way to deal with mold is by preventing it from growing in the first place. This is especially important for homeowners in mold-prone states such as Florida or Louisiana. You can achieve this by regularly cleaning, ventilating and dehumidifying areas prime for mold growth, or by doing the following:
- Keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 60% with air conditioners and/or dehumidifiers.
- Install exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Don’t install carpets in damp areas, such as basements or bathrooms.
- Don’t allow water to accumulate under house plants.
- Bleach your bathroom frequently.
- Regularly clean out your gutters.
- Periodically check crawl spaces, laundry rooms and cabinetry beneath sinks for mold dampness.
- Inspect and replace hoses to appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators every five years.
Being mindful of this list could help you save thousands of dollars over the course of your homeownership. However, if you do suffer a home flood, there are also several measures you can take to make sure mold doesn’t grow before you can get a mold prevention team into the affected area.
- Remove any standing water as soon as you’ve photographed the damage.
- Move any rugs or affected furniture outside to dry.
- Open windows and run a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the room.
- Disinfect the area with bleach.
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