Whether you’re a business owner, facility manager, or contractor advising clients, understanding how your roofing decisions affect insurance rates can save thousands over the life of a policy. In this guide, we’ll explore:

• - Why insurers care so much about roofing
• - Which materials are preferred by insurance carriers
• - How the roof’s age, installation, and upkeep factor into premiums
• - Strategic steps to minimize costs through smart roofing choices

‍

Why Roofs Are a Top Priority for Insurers

Roof damage is one of the leading causes of commercial insurance claims, especially in regions prone to hurricanes, hail, snow, or fire. A weak or outdated roofing system significantly increases the chance of structural loss, business interruption, and water damage, all of which are expensive for insurers to cover.

‍

As a result, insurance underwriters closely evaluate a roof’s:

• - Material type
• - Age and expected lifespan
• - Slope and drainage
• - Compliance with building codes
• - Maintenance records and inspections
• Even a high-value property can face higher premiums—or even coverage denial—if the roof poses a liability.

‍

Roofing Materials Insurance Companies Favor

Not all commercial roofs are created equal in the eyes of insurance providers. Some materials are more resistant to the elements and fire, while others are cheaper upfront but come with higher long-term risk.

‍

Here’s a breakdown of common commercial roofing materials and how insurers typically view them:

‍

1. Metal Roofing (Standing Seam, Galvalume, Coated Steel)

• - Insurance Perception: Highly favorable
• - Why: Metal roofs are extremely durable, wind-resistant, fire-resistant, and have a long lifespan (40+ years).
• - Cost Benefit: Insurers often offer discounts for metal roofing in hurricane or wildfire-prone zones.
• - Downside: Higher upfront installation cost, potential cosmetic hail damage

Best for: Warehouses, retail plazas, government buildings in storm-prone regions

‍

2. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) and PVC Membranes

• - Insurance Perception: Moderately favorable
• - Why: These single-ply membranes are lightweight, energy-efficient, and resistant to UV, chemicals, and punctures.
• - Cost Benefit: TPO roofs are often eligible for Energy Star rebates and may lower premiums in heat-exposed environments.
• - Downside: Vulnerable to poor installation quality; susceptible to pooling and seam separation without good maintenance

Best for: Low-slope commercial roofs, hospitals, food service facilities

‍

3. Modified Bitumen and Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

• - Insurance Perception: Neutral to slightly unfavorable
• - Why: Traditional materials with solid track records, but heavier and more prone to moisture issues or cracking over time.
• - Cost Benefit: Lower cost initially, but higher premiums due to leak potential and heat absorption
• - Downside: Higher fire risk unless fire-retardant cap sheets are used

Best for: Older buildings with compatible support structures

‍

4. EPDM Rubber Roofing

• - Insurance Perception: Mixed
• - Why: Long-lasting and affordable, but less resistant to punctures and UV unless white-coated.
• - Cost Benefit: Decent value with proper upkeep, but less favorable in hail or fire zones
• - Downside: Shrinkage and seam separation if not properly installed and maintained

Best for: Office buildings in moderate climates

‍

How Roof Age & Condition Impact Insurance Rates

Even with the best materials, time takes a toll. Once a roof crosses the 15–20-year threshold, insurance underwriters typically:

• - Increase premiums due to the higher risk of leaks or collapse
• - Reduce or eliminate “replacement cost” coverage (shifting to “actual cash value”)
• - Require third-party inspections and roof condition reports
• - May deny claims linked to roof failure if maintenance is lacking
• ‍Proactive replacement—especially before the roof becomes uninsurable—is a smart strategy for minimizing long-term insurance costs.

‍

The Role of Roofing in Insurance Risk Scoring

Insurers use a composite scoring model to evaluate commercial properties. Roofing can affect several of these variables:

‍- Windstorm vulnerability: Roof material, attachment method, wind rating

• - Fire exposure: Fire resistance rating of roofing assembly
• - Water intrusion likelihood: Condition, slope, drainage, material seams
• - Business continuity risk: Downtime caused by roof failure or interior damage
• - Maintenance practices: Inspection frequency, documentation, repair history
• ‍
• A well-maintained, well-documented roofing system can dramatically improve your score and lower your insurance premium by 10%–25%, depending on your provider and region.

‍

Strategic Roofing Upgrades That Reduce Insurance Costs

If you’re planning a commercial roofing project, consider these cost-saving, insurance-friendly moves:

‍- Choose Class A fire-rated materials

• - Install FM-approved or UL-rated systems for wind and uplift resistance
• - Add roof anchors and fall-protection systems to reduce liability during future inspections or repairs
• - Improve drainage systems to prevent water from ponding
• - Keep maintenance logs, inspection reports, and repair receipts

Some insurers also offer risk mitigation credits or discounts for using fortified roofing systems that exceed code. 

‍

Roofing Isn’t Just Structure—It’s Strategy

Your commercial roof does more than protect your building—it affects your financial health, resilience, and ability to secure affordable insurance.

‍

Insurance companies favor roofs that are:

• - Constructed with durable, fire and wind-resistant materials
• - Properly maintained with thorough documentation
• - Up-to-date and professionally installed
• - Designed with risk mitigation in mind

By choosing the right roofing material and investing in ongoing upkeep, you signal to insurers that your property is a low risk, and you’ll be rewarded with lower premiums, broader coverage, and long-term value.

‍

Choose Allied Roofing

When you need a roof built to last, you need Allied Roofing. Our experienced professionals install even complex systems to insurance standards, ensuring your business stays protected. We proudly serve businesses in Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and beyond. You can explore our work and contact our roofing experts to get started today!

‍