Home Home Insurance and pitched zinc roof

C

clicker

Registered User
Messages
19
Hello all

I am currently getting a single storey extension to the rear of the house. The roof on the extension will be a zinc roof with two pitches. Somebody involved in construction recently mentioned to me that it is difficult to get insurance for a house with a flat (or pitched) roof. The reasons being, that they give burglars easy access to the windows upstairs, and that they are more prone to leaking.

Has anybody ever heard of this?

I would appreciate any advice.
 
I'd imagine most extensions are flat roofs. Mine is and I doubt it made a huge difference to insurance premium. They will usually ask you something along the lines of "is more than 50% of your roof flat" on the proposal for home cover.
 
The main issue is not whether the roof is flat or sloping etc. The issue is what is the construction of the roof. If the flat roof is of timber decking and is covered green mineralised felt or of torch on felt, then this is what is referred to as being of "non standard construction". In essence, it is in theory at a greater risk of being damaged due to fire, therefore increasing the risk of a claim arising. If you propose a zinc covered roof, by all means, disclose this to underwriters, but i would believe that they will treat this as standard construction and there will be no issues on getting cover.

Please be certain that your contractor has extensive experience of installing zinc roofs. This is very specialist work and if not done in precisely, you could end up with a leaky roof.
 
My house Insurance is due for renewal on the 1st May and I have been phoning around for quotes. I have been ask by 2 companies has any part of my house a flat roof. As my garage has a flat roof I had to be able to say what % the garage roof is of the overall size of my house. My garage is attached to my house. I wasn't ask what type of flat roof it is.
 
Megan said:
My house Insurance is due for renewal on the 1st May and I have been phoning around for quotes. I have been ask by 2 companies has any part of my house a flat roof. As my garage has a flat roof I had to be able to say what % the garage roof is of the overall size of my house. My garage is attached to my house. I wasn't ask what type of flat roof it is.
Click to expand...


It is normally part of the "assumptions" that they read out to you when giving a quote over the phone. Thats where they rattle on about you having no criminal convictions, cover declined, special terms imposed etc.If they dont mention it to you, it will normally be outlined on the written proposal form. In the insurers online sites, you will note that cover is provided on the basis that you adhere to their "assumptions", one of which is that the construction is of slates, concrete etc.
 
What is the definition of the 'flat roof', becuase a zinc roof can be anywhere from 5 to 90 degrees pitch.
 
i think a zinc roof is different from a felt roof. far more weather proof so insurance shouldnt have an issue
 
I have dealt with claims where there has been a zinc roof and I have not had any problems with them.
Declare it to your insurers and you should not have any problems.
 
Ed054 said:
I have dealt with claims where there has been a zinc roof and I have not had any problems with them.
Declare it to your insurers and you should not have any problems.
Click to expand...

Anyone had any experience of fibreglass roofs - are they considered "standard construction" for insurance purposes?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top