What is flat roof house insurance?
Unlike standard pitched roofs, flat roofs are susceptible to damage from water and tend to need regular maintenance to combat leaks and damage. Most insurers will pay close attention to the material, age, and condition of your roof before offering cover.
When it comes to insuring your property, a roof is considered flat if it has a slope of less than 10 degrees. The steeper a roof’s pitch, the quicker rain and snow roll off, lowering the chance of water pooling and degrading the roof materials. The flatter the roof, the higher the chance of damage occurring.
Flat roofs are commonly found on extensions or garages, and often make up only a small percentage of the overall roof.
It is vital that you know what percentage of your roof is flat, as that will make all the difference when it comes to calculating your home insurance premium.
- Less than 20 – 30% flat: Unlikely to alter the cost of your home insurance.
- More than 20 – 30% flat: Your roof is likely considered non-standard, and the price of your premium will be impacted.
Insurance companies will usually consider the roof materials when calculating your premium, as certain materials are more durable than others, meaning you will be less likely to make a claim for damages. Common materials include:
- EPDM membrane
- Felt roofing
- Asphalt
- GRP fibreglass
Your insurer will also want to know:
- When your roof was installed or upgraded
- If it was professionally fitted
- How it is maintained and how often
Note: No material will perform well under standing water over a sustained period. Good drainage and regular maintenance matter just as much as the material itself.
Flat roofs are often considered riskier as they are less suited to Ireland’s heavy rainfall. They tend to have a shorter lifespan than standard pitched roofs and are more likely to suffer leaks and deteriorate.
A flat roof can also make your home an easier target for thieves looking to gain entry through windows.
Standard home insurance isn’t designed to cover these additional risks, so you’ll need flat roof insurance in order to sufficiently protect your property.
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What does flat roof insurance cover?
Like standard home insurance, flat roof insurance covers unexpected damage to the structure of your home from:
Fire
Burglary
Flood
Vandalism
Storm
- Subsidence
You might also consider adding extra cover for:
Home emergency: Costs if a pipe bursts or boiler breaks down
Accidental damage: Repairs to your home if an accident occurs
Personal possessions: Protection for your belongings outside the home
Personal accidents: Support if you sustain injuries from an accident
What is not covered?
Standard flat roof cover has certain exclusions, such as general wear and tear or vermin infestation. The main exclusion to be aware of is damage caused by lack of maintenance.
It’s your responsibility as the homeowner to keep your flat roof in good repair. An insurer could reject your claim if you fail to maintain your roof, as damage could be attributed to poor upkeep.
What is the cost of insuring a home that has a flat roof?
The cost of home insurance for a flat roof in Ireland can vary depending on factors such as the property’s age, location, roof construction, and the level of cover you choose.
In our July 2026 research, the average premium for a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a flat roof in Dublin 8 – with buildings cover of €370,000 and contents cover of €28,000 – was €545.29 per year.
For comparison, we also obtained quotes for the same property with a pitched roof instead of a flat roof. The average premium fell to €430 per year.
This gap reflects the higher risk insurers associate with flat roofs: a greater likelihood of water damage claims and a shorter roof lifespan compared to pitched alternatives. However, premiums vary between insurers, so it’s always worth comparing quotes.
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How to reduce the cost of flat roof insurance?
Keeping your flat roof in good condition is the single most effective thing you can do. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, effective waterproofing, and good drainage all reduce the risk of water damage. If you’ve recently had your roof inspected or replaced, let your insurer know, as this could work in your favour.
There are other ways you can secure more competitive home insurance quotes.
- Install approved locks, monitored burglar alarms, and security lighting
- Combine your buildings and contents cover
- Pay annually instead of monthly
- Choose a higher voluntary excess
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers
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Who offers flat roof insurance in Ireland?
Most insurers in Ireland have strict eligibility criteria or limited cover options for homes with more than 20% to 30% flat roof coverage, making it difficult to obtain a quote directly from an insurer.
Instead, we recommend using a specialist insurance broker, as this is typically the quickest and most effective way to get a flat roof house insurance quote in Ireland.
With many specialist brokers, you can complete an online application form in just a few minutes and receive a quote back within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Some insurers will ask for a professional inspection every one to three years. This depends on your specific policy, so check the terms carefully.
In between professional check-ups, it’s worth doing your own visual checks to spot early signs of trouble, particularly after heavy rain.
Some insurers also ask for proof of inspection to show the roof has been properly maintained, so keep hold of any documents in case you need to make a claim.
Often, yes. If part or all of your roof is flat, you may pay more for your home insurance, as flat roofs are more prone to damage. Always let your insurer know if any part of your roof is flat, so your policy properly reflects the risk. If less than 20 – 30% of your roof is flat, it’s unlikely to affect your premium.
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