Business roof claims are underpaid by six figures. Membrane systems, HVAC curbs, interior damage—carriers exclude scope and lowball. Here's how to fight back.
⚠️ Commercial roof claims are underpaid by $75,000-$200,000 on average. Carriers exclude membrane, insulation, decking, penetrations, and interior water damage. Full scope documentation recovers the difference.
Commercial roofing is not scaled-up residential. Membrane systems (TPO, EPDM, BUR), large footprints, HVAC curbs, penetrations, and interior damage create complex claims worth $75,000-$500,000+. Carriers routinely estimate partial scope at residential-equivalent pricing—leaving six-figure gaps.
Common commercial roof components carriers exclude or undervalue:
Retail building roof—carrier estimated membrane repair only, excluded decking and interior
Contractor estimate: complete membrane replacement, decking, interior ceiling repairs
Supplement and line-by-line comparison recovered the balance
Commercial roof claims require contractor estimates that itemize every component. Generic "roof replacement" estimates won't support negotiation.
Obtain detailed estimates that specify:
Compare the carrier's estimate to contractor estimates line by line. Identify excluded items, quantity shortfalls, and pricing below market. Present this in a structured supplement with photos and supporting documentation.
Roof leaks cause interior damage. Water travels through insulation, decking, and ceiling systems. Document ceiling damage, insulation replacement, drywall, and any equipment or inventory damage. Carriers often omit interior scope entirely in initial estimates.
When roofing, interior repair, and possibly HVAC work are required, overhead and profit (O&P) applies—typically 10% overhead and 10% profit. Carriers frequently omit O&P. Include it in your supplement with policy and industry support.
We provide estimate comparison tools and supplement frameworks for commercial roof claims. Business owners commonly recover $75,000-$200,000 beyond initial offers.
Don't accept six-figure shortfalls. Get professional tools to document and negotiate commercial roof claims worth $50,000-$500,000+.
Start Your Claim ReviewCarriers often propose patch repairs when damage warrants full system replacement. Code requirements, membrane age, and damage pattern may require replacement. Document with contractor and engineering input.
Water intrusion damages more than the roof. Document the full chain: roof → insulation → decking → ceiling → interior. Exclude nothing.
Building codes change. Re roofing may require different insulation R-values, fastening patterns, or fire ratings. Document code compliance costs.
Carriers frequently exclude membrane replacement, insulation, decking, HVAC curbs, penetrations, edge metal, interior water damage, and code upgrades. A complete commercial roof system includes multiple components—document each with contractor estimates.
Commercial roof claims are commonly underpaid by $50,000-$200,000. Large footprints, membrane systems, and interior damage from leaks are frequently excluded or undervalued. Supplements routinely recover 40-60% beyond initial offers.
Yes. Water intrusion from roof damage typically triggers coverage for interior damage: ceilings, insulation, drywall, flooring, equipment. Document the full chain of damage from roof to interior. Carriers often exclude interior damage in initial estimates.
TPO (thermoplastic), EPDM (rubber), and BUR (built-up) are different commercial roof systems with varying costs and installation requirements. Ensure the carrier's estimate matches your actual roof system—wrong system type leads to massive underpayment.
Yes. When multiple trades (roofer, HVAC, interior) are required, overhead and profit (O&P) should be included—typically 10% overhead and 10% profit. Carriers often omit O&P on commercial claims. Challenge this with supporting documentation.
Initial adjuster inspection: 1-3 weeks. With supplements and negotiation: 6-14 weeks. Complex claims with interior damage and business interruption may extend to 4-6 months. Proper documentation accelerates resolution.