[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by npwalters

Everything -except lawncare - is more expensive in TV.

Is that because contractors think we are rich and we can afford to pay more?

That was what most homeowners thought when we lived in Va/

[mcewingg]

Hi we are also Brits in TV. We will need to replace our roof in the next few years so good advice. Maybe see you somewhere sometime.

[queasy27]

Originally Posted by stujake

I hope that your comments don't give people the idea that their insurance company will automatically pay to re-roof their house when the need arises.

Your authoritative account sounds like what should happen. For whatever reason, the majority of roof replacements here are considered to be wind/storm damage and are covered.

I received notice from my insurance company that my policy was going to be discontinued because my roof was almost 16 years old and 15 is their maximum. I got bids from three companies and their inspectors all found covered damage. In the end, I only had to pay my deductible. About half of the folks in my neighborhood have had new roofs lately and they had the same experience.

The roofers did find a rotten section of wood under the shingles, but my guess is that's not uncommon or necessarily indicative of storm damage.

I don't know why more insurance companies aren't rejecting these claims, or who's in cahoots with who. Premiums are definitely going up.