Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: Costs, Lifespan & Maintenance Tips
5-Minute Guide on Commercial Property Risks - Issues & Answers with Commercial Building Roofs.
Intended Audience:
Building owners, facility managers & maintenance personnel.
Commercial Roofing Property Insurance Claims:
In moderate climate areas, 30 to 40% of all property damage claims will be roofing related and with claims amounts usually ranging from $30,000 to $100,000.
In areas prone to severe weather, over 50% of the commercial property insurance claims can be roof-related & can exceed $250,000 for large facilities.
The most common types of commercial roof damage claims in order of frequency are wind, hail & water leaks.
Typical Commercial Roofing Repair Costs per Square Foot by Weather Event:
Storm or Wind = $3 to $12
Hurricane or Tornado = $10 to +$30
Heavy Raining = $2 to $8
Hail = $4 to $15
Ice or Snow = $3 to $10
Lightning = $5 to +$20
Extreme Heat = $1.5 to $5
The Typical Working Life of the Most Common Type of Commercial Roofs:
This is the Single-Ply Membrane Roof (SPM), comprising up to 60% of all commercial roofs in the U.S.
The SPM will usually be made of a single layer of synthetic rubber that comes in strips from 7 to 50-feet in length, 5 to 12-feet in width and around 1.5 to 3.5-inches in thickness.
The typical lifespan of a SPM roof is between 15 to 30-years, but this can vary by the type of membrane materials, its overall thickness, quality and installation workmanship.
With annual inspections and a good maintenance program, it is possible to extend the life of a SPM roof by up to 10-years.
Recently Installed Single-Ply Membrane Roof Consisting of Synthetic Rubber
Typical Single Ply Membrane Roof Layers from Top-to-Bottom:
The single membrane layer (gravel topping is not usually installed)
A layer of adhesive material to hold the membrane in place (optional).
An insulation layer for building energy efficiency.
A vapor control layer that prevents inside moist air from wetting the roof.
The structural roof deck which can consist of metal, concrete or plywood.
Negative Factors that can Influence the Lifespan of a Commercial Roof:
Poor installation workmanship.
Inadequate materials thickness as thinner membrane roofs tend to age faster.
Ponding water due to a flat roof slope & inadequate drainage.
Harsh climate extremes such as extended high summer temperatures.
A lack of roof walkways & protective matting to support pedestrian traffic.
A lack of regular roof inspections and maintenance.
Warning Signs that a SPM Commercial Roof May Need Replacing:
Membrane discoloration.
Visible membrane cracking or blistering.
Punctures in the membrane.
Separation or splitting of the membrane seams.
More than occasional roof leaks.
Interior signs such as wet or sagging insulation, mold & water stains.
Main Roofing Inspection Points:
The exterior roof surface.
Roof edges including flashing & coping caps on parapets.
Roof penetrations to include skylights, vents & conduits.
Roof drainage to include drain spouts & gutters.
The building interior condition immediately below the roof.
The roof’s maintenance history to include the types of repairs.
Roof documentation to include photos & diagrams.
Commercial Roofing Contractor Selection Criteria:
A minimum of 5-years commercial roofing experience & a proven track record.
A valid state license to install & repair commercial roofs.
Certificates of workers compensation, liability insurance & completion bonding.
An ability to demonstrate sound financial health.
A clear description of the work to be performed, cost & project timeline.
Roofing materials manufacturer’s warranties.
Contractor workmanship guarantees.
An acceptable OSHA compliance history, with no Willful or Repeat citations.
A current workers compensation modification factor of 1.0 or less.
Good ratings by the Better Business Bureau, Google, Yelp, etc.
Rapid, 7/24 emergency response times, such as with storm damage.
Local building code compliance knowledge.
The Important Takeaway:
Regular Roof inspections & preventative maintenance can save a building owner 4 to 6-times the equivalent costs of damage repairs.
🟢 For Additional Information or questions on this Subject, Contact Centurion’s Loss Control Manager, Rob Brooks, at:
☎️ (606)434-0739
🟠 Disclaimer:
This publication is intended for general educational purposes only, and is not to be considered as business, financial or legal advice.
Readers should consult with appropriate professionals before making any decisions based on the content of this newsletter.
Some of the data &/or statistics referenced within were obtained using artificial intelligence.
Centurion Insurance Services and the writer make no guarantees or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the reliability, completeness or suitability of the information contained herein.
We will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of the information provided.
