Home Insurance and Roof Replacement in Canada
Everything you need to know about roof replacement in Canada.
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Content Writer
Is roof replacement covered under home insurance?
Yes, it is. If your roof gets damaged by a covered peril, your home insurance provider will pay for its replacement, regardless of the type of policy you purchase – whether it’s named perils, broad form or comprehensive. As long as the damage to your roof is sudden or accidental, typically because it’s caused by an act of nature, then your policy should cover it.
That said, there are some additional caveats to consider. After all, unlike your floors, walls or windows, your roof exists explicitly to shield everything inside your home from the elements, making it uniquely susceptible to damage, especially as it gets older, and increasing the likelihood of needing coverage. That’s why insurance forms often ask you to specify the age of your roof, as it helps insurers assess the likelihood of damage.
This goes hand in hand with premiums. The older the roof, the more insurers will charge you. If the roof is too old – 20 years or more – your coverage might be limited, or nonexistent. Be sure to consult with your insurer to avoid any surprises.
When to file a roof replacement claim
You should file a claim when a roof has been damaged by a storm, wind, hail, earthquake or similar event. The trick is knowing when that actually happens, as many homeowners don’t detect the signs of a damaged roof on time – due to how subtle they can be.
The two things you need to watch out for include:
- Inexplicable leaks. If your roof has recently endured thawing snow or a rainstorm, be on the lookout for water stains on your walls and/or ceiling, specifically on your top floor, as they could be caused by holes in your roof (e.g., because of damaged decking or flashing).
- Missing shingles. Strong winds can easily blow off your roof shingles. After a severe weather event – whether it’s a snowstorm, rainstorm or just windy weather – we recommend checking your roof for missing shingles. In fact, you might just find them lying around your property, which is a good indicator that your roof needs repairs. If you neglect the repairs, you’re likely to experience water damage down the road, due to leaks – which your insurance company might not cover (as that could fall under the ‘neglect’ category).
If you spot any of the above but you are unable to pinpoint the source of damage – specifically whether it’s due to neglect or a rainstorm, for instance – contact a roofing professional to assess your roof. If, however, the damage occurs right after an event like a rainstorm, and you’re someone who keeps an eye on it, feel free to file a claim.
Consider learning about home replacement cost to get a better understanding of how much coverage to expect.
Roof replacement exclusions you need to know
It’s crucial that you understand what your insurance does not cover when it comes to roof replacement, so you don’t waste your time filing a claim, or worse, get blindsided by a rejection.
Here are some of the common reasons for your roof replacement claim to get denied:
- Wear-and-tear damage: If the damage stems from wear and tear, such as softness in your decking due to high humidity, for instance, then your insurer will reject your claim. That’s because wear-and-tear damage – for anything home-related, not just the roof – is the homeowner’s responsibility. It’s predictable damage that can be prevented through maintenance and repairs.
- Lack of maintenance: This goes hand in hand with wear and tear. This can especially be a problem when you file a claim for a covered peril. For instance, if your roof collapses due to severe wind (a peril listed in your policy) but it was in poor condition during the incident, your claim could still get rejected.
- Rodent/infestation damage: If your roof gets damaged by birds, rodents, termites or other species, your claim will get rejected. Insurance companies don’t cover this type of damage. This applies to your entire home, not just the roof. Like wear and tear, this type of damage is the homeowner’s responsibility, since it’s mostly preventable. It’s also rarely unexpected or sudden.
- Snow or ice buildup: Thawing snow is one thing, but if your roof collapses due to ice or snow buildup – something that’s usually preventable – your insurance won’t cover you.
The commonality here is that none of these damage types can be called ‘sudden,’ ‘accidental’ or ‘unexpected.’ At the end of the day, your roof is your responsibility. However, if the roof is relatively new, and it gets damaged by something completely outside of your control, such as a storm, then there’s a very good chance you’ll get the coverage.
How to maintain a great roof and prevent damage
The best-case outcome for everyone is that your roof stays intact. The good news is that the likelihood of it doing so is mostly within your control. Yes, certain incidents, especially weather-related ones, are unpreventable. However, you can prevent or at least mitigate most damage by keeping your roof in good condition.
In addition to inspecting your roof every fall and spring, we also recommend:
- Clearing your gutters and eavestroughs of debris to avoid ice and snow buildup.
- Trimming your trees or any branches that touch (or threaten to touch) your roof.
- Opening your roof vents to prevent the accumulation of moisture, as that can lead to structural weakening.
- Checking for loose shingles and any issues with your flashing and decking.
- Looking out for pest damage and infestations.
Ensure your roofing materials are strong
Make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand the elements by ensuring its materials are strong. Here are some recommendations:
- Asphalt shingles: This is the most common roofing material in Ontario. It’s affordable, easy to install and lasts about 20 years.
- Slate and tile: This material type is a good deal more expensive than asphalt shingles, but it’s also resistant to fire, rot and insects – in addition to providing good insulation. Like asphalt shingles, this roofing material lasts for about 20 years.
- Tar and gravel: This material works best for low-slope roofs and lasts about 20 years. Since most homes in Ontario have steep roofs, this material may not be suitable for you.
- Concrete: This material is tough and versatile (in terms of colour and style). It also lasts about 30 years, though due to its weight, it may require additional roof framing.
- Metal: Metal roofs are incredibly durable, since they can withstand a lot of pressure, including heavy snow. These roofs also last a very long time – almost 50 years.
Recent home insurance quotes
Recent home Insurance Quote from Milton, ON
Detached 3,408 sq ft
June 12, 2025
Cheapest Quote
$ 142 / month
$ 1,706 / yearAverage Quote
$ 236 / month
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$ 94 / month
$ 1,128 / year
40 %
Recent home Insurance Quote from Milton, ON
Detached 1,610 sq ft
June 12, 2025
Cheapest Quote
$ 63 / month
$ 752 / yearAverage Quote
$ 95 / month
$ 1,142 / yearSavings
$ 33 / month
$ 396 / year
34 %
Recent home Insurance Quote from Milton, ON
Detached 1,415 sq ft
June 12, 2025
Cheapest Quote
$ 96 / month
$ 1,152 / yearAverage Quote
$ 166 / month
$ 1,990 / yearSavings
$ 70 / month
$ 840 / year
42 %
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Frequently asked questions about roof replacement
Got more questions about roof replacement? We got you covered.
How much of the roof replacement cost will my home insurance cover?
Ideally, your home insurance would cover 100% of your replacement cost.
However, this may not be possible, depending on your circumstances or policy type.
For instance, if your roof is old and in poor condition, your insurance company may refuse to pay for its repairs, even if your policy covers this type of incident. Alternatively, your provider may cover the cost only partially – perhaps no more than 25% of it. This would be up to the individual company.
If the incident is not covered by your policy, then you’re unlikely to receive any money for it either.
The amount you receive may also be tied to your overall replacement cost coverage. For instance, if you have standard replacement cost coverage, then in an ideal scenario (e.i., the incident is fully covered and your roof is less than five years old), then the insurer should cover 100% of the estimated replacement cost (this may end up being lower or higher than the actual replacement cost).
How do I start a claim?
Start the claim process as soon as you are aware of damages. If possible, document the condition and talk to your insurance provider. Also, make temporary repairs if needed.
Does home insurance cover general wear and tear of my roof?
No. As roofs age they will require regular maintenance to keep it functioning properly. But this is considered general maintenance and would not be part of home insurance coverage.
Why did my roof replacement claim get denied?
Your roof replacement claim might’ve gotten denied because of the following:
- Previous damage: If your roof was already damaged when the incident occurs (due to missing shingles, for instance), your claim is likely to get denied, since you’re the one responsible for keeping your roof in good shape.
- No maintenance: If the roof was poorly maintained at the time of the incident – due to its old age, for instance – then your claim will probably get denied.
- Pre-existing defect: If your roof has a manufacturer or contractor defect that causes it to suffer damage due to a covered incident, your claim might get denied. To prevent this, make sure your roof has a warranty, so that the manufacturer or contract can address the issue. You may also want to invest in an additional warranty, just in case (though most roof warranties last a very long time – for 10 to 40 years).
- Late filing: If you file your claim months or a year after the incident, your claim will probably be rejected. To prevent this, be sure to contact your insurer as soon as the incident occurs.
My roof replacement claim got denied. Now what?
Aside from paying for your roof out of pocket, you can get a contractor to inspect your property and submit the required forms to your insurer, so that they can repeal their decision. You can also hire a lawyer to back up your contractor’s claims, which would be more costly, but possibly also more effective. Do keep records of any letters or images that might be exchanged during this process.
Lastly, you could also contact your manufacturer or contractor to get them to repair your roof. In fact, if it’s determined that your roof is defective, you should contact them immediately.
How do I know if my roof needs repairs?
Your best bet is to have your roof examined by a professional every year. That way, you’ll know ahead of time if it needs repairs – before any serious damage is done to the rest of your home. The general rule of thumb is to replace your roof every 10 to 15 years, especially if you have an asphalt shingle roof (standard in Ontario). Concrete or metal roofs can go on without repairs for much longer than that, however.
That said, some telltale signs that your roof might need repairs include:
- Cracked or curled shingles
- Wet streaks or spots on the outside walls or interior ceiling
- Visible damage around your chimneys and/or vents
- Light coming in through the roof
Does insurance pay for a new roof or just repairs?
It depends on the kind of damage your roof sustains. Assuming your claim is approved, your provider will pay either for a new roof or repairs. Certain limits in your policy might also play a role in terms of how much your insurer would be willing to pay for your roof replacement or repairs. For instance, if your roof is on the older side, they might cover only a portion of the cost. If the damage is partly due to the lack of maintenance, your insurer might refuse to cover the full amount.
Read your policy to make sure you’re not blindsided in the event of a claim. If you’re confused about something in your policy, contact your provider to discuss the policy with them in person.
Taras Trofimov, Content Writer
Taras has over nine years of content marketing experience across multiple industries in B2B and B2C spaces. He has produced thought leadership content for organizations like Constellation Software, Facebook and Yellow Pages as well as outlets like Huffington Post and MSN Canada.
He graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and studied Technical Communication at Seneca College.
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