The Problem With T-Lock Roof Shingles

T-Lock Roof Shingles were widely used on Colorado Springs homes and other areas where high winds were a problem, but were discontinued sometime around 2004. Until recently, insurance companies were still insuring homes with these type of roofs. However, over the past few years and due to wind and hail damage claims, most insurance companies have stopped writing new coverage for these because when there is damage, it is not able to be repaired and the entire roof must be replaced.

The few insurance companies left that will still cover these types of roofs will only cover them at depreciated value and since most remaining roofs are now close to 10 years old, the amount of coverage that would be provided on an actual cash value will cover very little after the deductible has been met.

For those of you looking to buy a home, keep this in mind as this issue is sometimes not brought to the home buyer’s attention until the home has closed and the new home owner gets a notice from the insurance company that they are going to cancel the insurance policy due to the roof being ineligible.

For those of you who do not know what a T-Lock roof looks like, I have included a picture. They make a distinctive T shape by the means that they lock to each other.

If you are interested in a home with this type of roof, you should talk to your realtor about this issue before the negotiating process with the seller or beware of the possibility of having to replace the roof yourself.