Can A Building Owner Insure A Commercial Or Industrial Flat Roof?

by | Nov 5, 2024 | Featured, Planning and Budgeting

Some insurance companies do not like flat roofs. That’s because, when they are installed improperly, they can have drainage problems that lead to structural issues.

On the flip side, properly installed and maintained flat roofs can be extremely versatile, durable, and affordable. In fact, flat roofs can be the lowest-cost roof system over the life cycle of a building.

So, is it possible to insure a commercial or industrial flat roof?

One Perspective

I am not an insurance expert, but I have done roof replacements that were part of an insurance claim and, in my experience, flat roofs are not insured separately, but as part of the building itself.

FLat Roof aluminum flashing bent or blown-off from wind. | Flat Roof Solutions
If you are insured against storm damage, for example, and a storm comes through and damages the roof, breaks some windows, and/or destroys or impairs products inside, then your building insurance should cover all those losses – including the roof. Whether the insurance pays for an entire new roof, or merely some repairs, is up to the adjuster.

One Example

Insurance companies can also have different requirements, coverages, policies, and premiums. 

For example, I worked with customers who were insured by Factory Mutual (FM). FM has very specific roof installation requirements that need to be met before they will consider insuring your building. They tend to want stronger wind uplift values in the roof assembly before they issue a policy. Stronger uplift values make the roof less likely to be blown off in a windstorm.

Whether satisfying these, or other, requirements makes sense in your situation will depend on the cost of the additional roofing, set against the potential policy premium savings. I recommend you consult a trusted insurance broker before deciding on an insurance provider and policy. 

Expert Advice

Whether you’re a beginner, need advanced information about flat roofing topics, or a refresher,  this is where you can learn everything you need to know about commercial and industrial flat roofing.

Contact us for more information or pricing.

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Author

Jared Van Vranken is Vice President and lead estimator at Flat Roof Solutions in Malvern, PA. Jared has directed the installation, repair, recovery, and replacement of commercial flat roofs for more than a decade at Flat Roof Solutions. He guides clients in selecting the best roofing materials for their needs and budget.

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