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Insurance For Roofing Companies
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What Types of Roofers We Insure
Residential Roofing
Residential roofing includes installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of roofs on homes and other residential structures.
Operations may include:
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes and triplexes
- Townhomes
- Condominiums
- Apartment buildings
- Manufactured and modular homes
- Garages, sheds, and detached structures
- Home additions
Insurance carriers may consider the contractor's maximum working height, percentage of repair versus replacement work, subcontractor usage, roofing materials, and whether the contractor performs structural work.
Commercial & Industrial Roofing
Commercial roofing can involve substantially larger roof areas, different roofing systems, specialized equipment, and greater working heights than typical residential roofing.
Buildings may include:
- Retail stores
- Shopping centers
- Office buildings
- Warehouses
- Manufacturing facilities
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Schools
- Churches
- Medical facilities
- Apartment complexes
- Government buildings
- Industrial facilities
Common commercial systems include TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen, built-up roofing, metal roofing, coatings, and other low-slope systems.
Roofing by Building Height
Maximum building height is an important distinction for roofing contractors because working at greater heights can affect both liability and workers' compensation exposure.
- 1 Story: Homes, garages, small retail buildings, and similar structures
- 2 Stories: Homes, apartments, townhomes, and small commercial buildings
- 3 Stories: Apartments, condominiums, mixed-use buildings, and commercial properties
- 4–5 Stories: Mid-rise apartments, hotels, offices, and commercial buildings
- 6+ Stories: Larger commercial buildings, hotels, apartments, and high-rise structures
Contractors should accurately disclose the maximum height at which they perform
roofing work. Some insurance companies limit or exclude roofing above a certain
number of stories.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt composition shingles are among the most common residential roofing materials and may be used for repairs, reroofing, replacement, and new construction.
- 3-tab shingles
- Architectural shingles
- Dimensional shingles
- Designer and premium shingles
- Impact-resistant shingles
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing contractors may install or repair metal roofing on residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial buildings.
- Standing seam metal roofing
- Corrugated metal panels
- Exposed-fastener metal roofing
- Metal shingles
- Steel roofing
- Aluminum roofing
- Copper roofing
- Zinc roofing
Tile Roofing
Tile roofing installation and repair can involve heavier roofing materials and specialized installation techniques.
- Concrete tile
- Clay tile
- Spanish tile
- Mission tile
- Interlocking roof tile
Contractors may also perform underlayment replacement, flashing repairs, broken-tile replacement, and complete tile reroofing.
Slate & Specialty Roofing
Specialty roofing contractors may install, restore, or repair premium and specialty roof systems.
- Natural slate roofing
- Synthetic slate
- Wood shake roofing
- Wood shingles
- Cedar shake roofing
- Synthetic roofing products
- Composite roofing
- Decorative architectural roofing
Flat & Low-Slope Roofing
Flat and low-slope roofing is commonly found on commercial buildings, multifamily properties, additions, garages, and some modern homes.
- TPO roofing
- PVC roofing
- EPDM rubber roofing
- Modified bitumen
- Built-up roofing (BUR)
- Rolled roofing
- Self-adhered membrane systems
- Liquid-applied roofing systems
Roof Repair & Leak Repair
Not every roofing contractor performs complete replacements. Many contractors specialize partly or entirely in roof repair and maintenance.
Repair operations may include:
- Roof leak diagnosis
- Leak repair
- Missing shingle replacement
- Damaged shingle replacement
- Flashing repair
- Valley repair
- Roof vent repair
- Pipe boot repair
- Skylight leak repair
- Chimney flashing repair
- Storm damage repair
- Emergency roof repair
- Temporary tarping
Complete Roof Replacement & Reroofing
Complete roof replacement typically involves removing part or all of the existing roofing system and installing a new roof.
Work may include:
- Tear-off of existing roofing
- Removal and disposal of roofing materials
- Deck inspection
- Replacement of damaged roof decking
- Underlayment installation
- Ice and water barrier installation
- Flashing installation
- Roofing material installation
- Ridge vent installation
- Cleanup and debris removal
Roof-Over & Overlay Roofing
Some contractors install a new roofing system over an existing roof rather than performing a complete tear-off when building codes and roof conditions allow it.
Operations may include asphalt shingle overlays, metal roof-over systems, membrane overlays, and restoration systems.
New Construction Roofing
New construction roofing involves installing roofing systems on newly constructed residential, commercial, multifamily, or industrial buildings.
- Custom homes
- Residential developments
- Apartment buildings
- Commercial construction
- Warehouses
- Retail developments
- Industrial construction
Roofing contractors working in new construction may contract directly with property owners, builders, developers, or general contractors.
Storm Damage & Insurance Restoration Roofing
Roofing contractors may specialize in repairing or replacing roofs damaged by severe weather.
- Hail damage
- Wind damage
- Fallen tree or limb damage
- Rain and water intrusion
- Snow and ice damage
- Emergency roof stabilization
- Temporary roof tarping
- Full storm-related roof replacement
Some restoration contractors also work directly with property owners during the insurance claim and restoration process.
Roof Coatings & Restoration Systems
Roof restoration can extend the life of an existing roof without performing a complete replacement.
- Silicone roof coatings
- Acrylic roof coatings
- Elastomeric coatings
- Reflective roof coatings
- Waterproofing systems
- Seam sealing
- Commercial roof restoration
Spray Foam Roofing
Spray polyurethane foam roofing involves applying foam insulation and protective coatings to create a seamless roofing system.
This type of work is frequently performed on commercial, industrial, agricultural, and low-slope buildings.
Roof Decking, Sheathing & Structural Repairs
Roofing projects sometimes require repair or replacement of the structure beneath the roofing material.
- Plywood decking replacement
- OSB sheathing replacement
- Rotten decking repair
- Fascia board replacement
- Rafter repair
- Truss-related repairs
- Roof framing modifications
Structural work should be disclosed when obtaining insurance because some
roofing classifications or policies may not automatically include structural
framing operations.
Flashing, Chimneys, Skylights & Roof Penetrations
Roofing contractors frequently install and repair components where the roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, skylights, and other penetrations.
- Chimney flashing
- Step flashing
- Counter flashing
- Valley flashing
- Skylight installation
- Skylight replacement
- Pipe boots
- Roof vents
- Exhaust vents
- Roof curbs
Roof Ventilation
Roofing contractors may install or replace ventilation systems designed to control heat and moisture in attic and roof assemblies.
- Ridge vents
- Soffit vents
- Box vents
- Turbine vents
- Powered attic ventilators
- Roof exhaust vents
Gutters, Downspouts & Drainage Systems
Many roofing contractors also install, repair, or replace roof drainage systems.
- Seamless gutters
- Sectional gutters
- Downspouts
- Gutter guards
- Scuppers
- Commercial roof drains
- Drainage modifications
Siding, Soffit & Fascia Work
Some roofing companies provide exterior services in addition to roofing.
- Vinyl siding
- Fiber cement siding
- Metal siding
- Wood siding
- Soffit replacement
- Fascia replacement
- Exterior trim
These operations should be included when describing the contractor's overall business activities to an insurance company.
Solar Panel Roofing Work
Roofing contractors may work around existing solar panels or coordinate roofing work with solar installation contractors.
Operations can include:
- Roof preparation for solar installations
- Flashing around solar mounting systems
- Roof repair beneath solar systems
- Coordination of panel removal and reinstallation
- Roof replacement on buildings with solar systems
Electrical solar installation is a separate exposure and should be specifically
disclosed if the roofing contractor installs or connects electrical solar equipment.
Roof Snow & Ice Removal
Some roofing contractors provide seasonal snow and ice removal services.
- Roof snow removal
- Ice dam removal
- Emergency snow-load reduction
- Commercial roof snow clearing
- De-icing work
Roof Cleaning, Moss Treatment & Maintenance
Roofers may offer preventative maintenance designed to extend roof life and correct minor problems before they require major repairs.
- Moss removal
- Algae treatment
- Roof cleaning
- Debris removal
- Gutter cleaning
- Minor sealant work
- Routine inspections
- Preventative roof maintenance programs
Emergency Roofing & Temporary Tarping
Emergency roofers may respond after storms, fires, fallen trees, water intrusion, or other property damage.
- Emergency tarping
- Temporary weatherproofing
- Emergency leak repair
- Securing damaged roofing materials
- Temporary roof coverings
- Storm response
Roof Inspections & Consulting
Some roofing contractors provide inspection and consulting services in addition to physical roofing work.
- Roof condition inspections
- Leak investigations
- Maintenance inspections
- Roof replacement estimates
- Storm damage inspections
- Commercial roof surveys
- Preventative maintenance recommendations
Subcontracted Roofing Work
Roofing companies may perform work with their own employees, subcontract portions of projects, or operate primarily as roofing general contractors.
Insurance companies may ask about:
- Percentage of work subcontracted
- Whether subcontractors carry their own insurance
- Certificate of Insurance requirements
- Written subcontractor agreements
- Additional insured requirements
- Type of work being subcontracted
- Whether the contractor supervises subcontractors
Other Roofing & Exterior Operations
Roofing contractors sometimes perform additional construction or exterior work that should be disclosed when applying for insurance.
- Waterproofing
- Deck waterproofing
- Exterior carpentry
- Roof framing
- Demolition related to roofing projects
- Sheet metal fabrication
- Roof access hatch installation
- Canopies and awnings
- Insulation installation
- Exterior restoration
- General contracting
DOK Insurance Agency can review the contractor's complete operations so the insurance application accurately reflects the work actually being performed.
Insurance Each Contractor Should Consider
1.🧰 General Liability
Protects against third-party injuries and property damage caused by your operations at the job site or completed work.
Most clients and GC contracts require this before you even step on-site.
2.🛠 Tools & Equipment Coverage
Covers handheld tools, trailers, and mobile equipment used in your daily operations—whether at the site, in your truck, or in storage.
Protects your gear from theft, fire, and vandalism.
3.🚧 Workers’ Compensation
Pays for injuries or illness on the job—including lost wages, medical care, and rehabilitation for your crew.
Legally required in most states if you hire employees or subs.
4.🚚 Commercial Auto
Covers company vehicles and attached trailers used to transport tools, equipment, and workers to job sites.
Essential for pickup trucks, vans, or flatbeds used in your business.
5.📐 Contractor’s E&O (Errors & Omissions)
Protects against claims of faulty work or failure to deliver services as promised—especially important for design-build contractors or consultants.
Can cover rework costs, legal defense, and settlements.
Contracting comes with risk—on ladders, in trenches, or on client property. These coverages are essential to protect your business, your crew, and your reputation.
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🛠️ Real Roofing Insurance Claims & Incidents
1. ⚡ Ladder Contacts Power Line — Fatal Electrocution
What happened: In September 2023, a roofer was setting up a ladder during a roof replacement project when the ladder contacted an overhead electrical line. The worker was electrocuted and died.
The incident shows how something as routine as moving a ladder can create a catastrophic exposure for a roofing company. In addition to the employee injury, incidents like this can lead to workers' compensation claims, OSHA investigations, and significant liability concerns.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor / OSHA [link]
2. 🪜 Roofer Falls 20 Feet During Residential Roof Replacement
What happened: In June 2024, a roofing employee was installing underlayment and shingles on a two-story home when he fell approximately 20 feet onto concrete pavement. The worker suffered fatal head injuries.
Residential roofing may look routine, but falls remain one of the most serious exposures in the industry. Proper workers' compensation coverage, fall-protection procedures, employee training, and accurate roofing classifications are critical.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor / OSHA [link]
3. 🔥 Roofing Torch Allegedly Causes Residential Fire
What happened: Homeowners sued a roofing contractor after a fire allegedly destroyed their residence. The lawsuit alleged that roofing work involving a torch used to heat roofing material caused the fire.
Hot-work roofing can create extremely large property-damage claims. Contractors using torches, open flames, welding equipment, or heat-applied roofing systems should make sure those operations are properly disclosed and covered by their policy.
Source: Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Co. v. Henry Z Roofing LLC [link]
4. 🚫 Major Roofing Fire Meets a Torch-Down Exclusion
What happened: A roofing contractor was sued after a commercial building fire allegedly resulted from hot-torch roofing work. The contractor then sought protection under its commercial general liability policy.
The problem was that the policy contained a specific Torch Down Roofing Exclusion. The case illustrates an important lesson for roofers: having a general liability policy does not necessarily mean every roofing operation is covered.
Source: Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London v. Duxworth Roofing and Sheetmetal Inc. [link]
5. 🏢 Roofer Falls 40 Feet Through Commercial Roof
What happened: In March 2023, a roofing crew was replacing a commercial roof in Florida when a section of the existing roof collapsed beneath a worker. The employee fell approximately 40 feet to the concrete surface below and died.
Commercial roofing exposure is not limited to falling from the roof edge. Deteriorated decking, skylights, openings, weakened roof sections, structural collapse, and debris handling can all result in catastrophic injuries.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor / OSHA [link]
6. 🏗️ Roofer Falls 51 Feet From Commercial Low-Slope Roof
What happened: In January 2025, a roofer working on a new-construction, low-slope commercial roof lost his footing near the roof edge and fell approximately 51 feet, suffering fatal injuries.
"Flat roof" does not mean low risk. Commercial membrane roofing can involve substantial working heights, leading-edge exposure, large open roof areas, specialized equipment, and multiple contractors working at the same jobsite.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor / OSHA [link]
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Is general liability required for contractors?
Yes. Most states and clients require contractors to carry general liability insurance to cover job site accidents and property damage.
2.Do subcontractors need to be insured separately?
Yes. Subcontractors should carry their own liability and workers' comp policies, and you should request certificates from them.
3.What happens if I damage a client's property?
Your general liability policy can cover the cost of repair or replacement if you're responsible for damaging the client's home or items.
4.Is my trailer or tools covered on the job site?
Standard property policies may not cover equipment on-site. Inland marine coverage protects tools, machinery, and materials in transit or on the job.
5.Can I get coverage if I’ve had claims in the past?
Yes. We work with carriers that specialize in higher-risk contractors and will review your claims history to find the right fit.
6.How quickly can I get a certificate of insurance (COI)?
In most cases, same day. Once your policy is active, we can provide COIs for project bids and compliance.
7.Do I need workers’ compensation if I’m a solo contractor?
Possibly. Some states require workers’ comp even for sole proprietors or 1099 workers. It depends on your state’s laws and the contracts you sign.
8.How much does contractor insurance cost?
Pricing varies by trade, location, payroll, and coverage type. Most small contractors pay between $900–$3,000/year for general liability alone.
9.What if my policy is canceled or non-renewed?
We can help. Our agency works with multiple carriers and can often find replacement coverage even for hard-to-place businesses.
10.Do you cover general contractors and specialty trades?
Yes—we insure GCs, electricians, plumbers, painters, HVAC, remodelers, and more with policies tailored to each trade’s risks.
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