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.
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.
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