If you are a property owner or manage a commercial building, managing your insurance policies is a big part of your job. You may wonder – does your building’s insurance policy provide for the repair and replacement costs of your roof, regardless of what is needed? Does your policy protect the building in the case of storm damage, such as if a hurricane rips away the roofing material? If you aren’t sure about the terms of your commercial roof insurance policy – or what the policy covers – then the roof and the building are likely at risk.

Warranty or Insurance: Which Applies?

There is a myriad of situations that may cause roof damage, ranging from blazing UV rays to wind damage and ponding water. However, damage may also be caused by improper installation or negligence.

The roofing system, materials, and installation may be covered by product-specific warranties, including warranties that apply when a qualified roofing contractor is used to perform the installation. These warranties are distinct from your building insurance. Instead, they are basically mini-policies paid for by the product manufacturer. If these warranties are extended to cover roof installation, the manufacturer is exhibiting confidence in your roofing contractor’s ability and skill.

A commercial property insurance policy is considered separate and above these product warranties. Every policy is different, so it is essential to review your policy carefully or contact your insurance agent to clarify coverage and modify if necessary. Some questions you may wish to ask include:

Is the entire roof covered and insured- from roof deck to surface materials?
Is the roof insured against insect or animal damage, water intrusion, storm damage, and debris from other buildings due to wind events?
Does the insurance policy pay for the full replacement cost if the commercial roof is destroyed? (Some only pay for needed repairs.)

Routinely Update Your Policy! Most insurance companies will offer the coverage you need, but you have to regularly update them on any changes. When you erect new signage, install additional HVAC units, or consider satellite dishes, be sure to speak to your insurance company about these changes. Recent work or expansion should always be reported to your insurance provider.

What is Considered Negligence?

No insurance policy will pay a claim if the damage was caused by negligence on the part of the building owner or management. Be sure to check with your provider as to any requirements that may affect maintenance procedures or disqualify you from coverage. Whatever actions you take to protect and maintain your roof, be sure to document it carefully.

Property managers should save complete records of any:
- - - Annual or semi-annual inspections, with dates
    - Regular maintenance activities
    - Any minor repairs needed and performed
    - Visitor logs of anyone who accessed the roof – and why they were allowed access
Being able to prove that you were diligent in performing inspections and promptly addressing any issues or concerns will bolster an insurance claim should it be necessary.

Revisit Your Policies

Property insurance is often purchased and filed away unless needed. However, property managers must get into the habit of checking their commercial property’s insurance policies periodically to ensure they cover the current reality of the roof – its age, condition, repair history, and risk. Your roof protects your building, and you must protect your roof.

Unicoat Industrial Roofing has decades of expertise in protecting commercial roofs while extending their longevity. We are happy to help our clients with any documentation they need when making a claim – but we prefer to help them take proactive steps to mitigate the damage happening at all.

Call Unicoat Roofing today to learn more about commercial roof coatings – and experience the protection that a professional roofing contractor can provide.