Why Home Insurance Won’t Cover Leaks from Insufficient Silicone Sealant
Home insurance is designed to protect homeowners from unexpected damage, but many are shocked to find their claims denied when it comes to leaks caused by deteriorating bath or shower silicone sealant.
Insurers often classify these types of leaks as maintenance issues, rather than sudden or accidental damage, leaving homeowners with costly repair bills.
Why Insurance Companies Deny Claims for Leaks from Worn Silicone
Insurance providers typically cover damage that occurs suddenly and unintentionally.
However, water damage resulting from a slow leak due to worn or insufficient silicone sealant is seen as preventable through routine home maintenance. If your sealant has been deteriorating over time—showing signs of mould, cracking, or peeling—insurers are likely to reject any claims related to resulting leaks.
A common clause in home insurance policies states that homeowners are responsible for regular upkeep. According to the Financial Ombudsman Service, insurers often refuse claims for water damage if there is evidence that poor maintenance led to the issue.
The True Cost of Bathroom Leaks
If ignored, a faulty silicone seal around your bath or shower can result in serious and expensive repairs. Some common costs include:
Resealing and Minor Leak Fixes: If caught early, replacing the silicone sealant typically costs around £150 - £200.
Ceiling Water Damage: If a leaking shower leads to damage on the ceiling below, plastering and repairs can cost around £275 at an absolute minimum.
Structural Damage and Extensive Leaks: In severe cases where leaks cause damage to kitchen ceilings or walls below the bathroom, repair costs can escalate to £1,400–£1,700.
Complete Bathroom Repairs: If prolonged exposure to water results in damp, mould, or rot, full-scale renovations could cost thousands of pounds.
Real Case Studies from UK Homeowners
Shower Leak Causes Lounge Ceiling Damage A homeowner in the UK filed a claim after noticing a water stain on their lounge ceiling. The insurer denied the claim, citing a slow leak from a deteriorated shower seal as the cause. The homeowner had to cover the repair costs themselves, which amounted to over £2,500.
Hidden Leak Discovered Too Late In Enfield, a homeowner ignored minor signs of water damage around their shower. Eventually, a professional detected a hidden leak caused by cracked silicone, leading to necessary repairs exceeding £3,000.
Bathroom Leak Causes Mould and Damp A couple in Rustington found that failing silicone in their shower led to water seeping into their walls. The prolonged exposure caused significant mould growth, resulting in extensive repairs and a total cost of £4,500.
Prevention is Always Best
The best way to avoid costly repairs and claim denials is through regular maintenance. If you notice that your bath or shower sealant is cracked, mouldy, or peeling, take action before it becomes a bigger issue.
At Reseal UK, we specialise in silicone sealant replacement to keep your bathroom watertight and protected. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a major expense—contact us today for a free quote and ensure your home remains safe from water damage!
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