Commercial Roofing Insurance Claims: What Building Managers Need to Know

When a storm, hurricane, or unexpected roof failure hits your commercial property, it’s more than just a maintenance issue, it’s a potential business disruption. Whether you manage an office complex in Jacksonville, a retail center in Ponte Vedra, or a multifamily property in St. Johns County, knowing how to handle a commercial roofing insurance claim is critical to minimizing downtime and maximizing coverage.

Here’s a step by step guide building managers can follow to confidently navigate commercial roof damage claims in Florida.

Know What Is Covered And What Is Not

Always review your policy’s Roof Coverage Endorsement and understand if it pays Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value the latter factors in depreciation.

Most commercial property insurance policies cover:

• Wind or hurricane damage
• Hail impacts
• Water intrusion due to storm created openings
• Fire, lightning, or falling debris

However, they don’t usually cover:

• General wear and tear
• Neglected maintenance issues
• Pre-existing damage
• Faulty installation

Get Immediate Documentation and Damage Control For Your Commercial Roof

After a storm or event photograph the roof and interior damage such as leaks, ceiling tiles and inventory loss. Log the date and time of the incident. Contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional inspection and emergency services.

At SPC Roofers, we offer Photo documented roof inspections, thermal imaging for moisture intrusion and emergency tarping and leak mitigation. These actions help prevent further damage and fulfill policy requirements for “reasonable protective measures.”

File Your Claim Promptly

In Florida, you must file commercial property claims within one year of discovering storm related damage. Contact your insurer and open a claim as soon as possible. Your contractor can help review your policy’s deductible and storm coverage, provide written reports to support the claim and meet the insurance adjuster on site to ensure no damage is missed.

Understand the Adjuster’s Scope vs. Contractor’s Scope

An adjuster’s job is to document and estimate the damage but they may not catch all commercial roofing system issues, especially on flat or membrane roofs. SPC Roofers works alongside adjusters to clarify what’s storm related vs. pre-existing. Advocate for full repair scope (seams, insulation, decking), and push for proper code compliant replacements per Florida Building Code.

Minimize Business Disruption During Repairs

Work with a roofing contractor who understands property management timelines. Is licensed and insured for commercial jobs in Florida and offers detailed proposals with timelines, staging plans, and post job cleanup. At SPC Roofers, we schedule work around tenant needs, handle permitting, and deliver clean, compliant projects on time and with minimal interference.