Article Reviewed by a licensed insurance professional: Sam Meenasian (CA dept of insurance license #0F75955).
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Roofing can be a dangerous job, and not just because of heights. If you’re a roofer, you know the moment the roof is off or exposed, you’re left with a big ol’ vulnerable space just begging for bad weather, debris, or any unexpected event to sneak in. That’s where open roof coverage comes in.
Why is Open Roof Coverage Important?
Picture this: You’ve just started working on a client’s roof, and halfway through the day, a freak storm rolls in. You scramble to cover the open area, but the wind blows in sideways, soaking the interior of the house. Water starts pouring in, and before you know it, the client’s kitchen ceiling is dripping. That’s not just a bad day at work—that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Without the right coverage, you’d be on the hook for the damages.
Open roof coverage steps in to protect you from these unexpected events. It specifically covers damages that happen to a structure while the roof is being worked on. This can include rain, snow, or debris damage, and in some cases, it can even cover theft or vandalism that occurs when the roof is left exposed.
According to industry data, over 50% of roofers experience some kind of accidental damage during a project, especially in regions with unpredictable weather. The cost of repairs from an incident like this can be staggering. For example, water damage alone averages around $2,700 for minor incidents but can easily skyrocket if things get out of control. This is why open roof coverage isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a “need-to-have” if you’re a roofer.
Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Open Roof Coverage
Skipping open roof coverage is like playing with fire. You might get away with it a few times, but all it takes is one bad storm or one random accident to sink your business. According to IBISWorld, the roofing industry generates over $51 billion annually in the U.S., but the average roofing contractor has a profit margin of just 6-8%. With margins that tight, the costs from one unexpected disaster could wipe out months’ worth of profit. Why take the risk?
Also, many clients are becoming savvy about the types of insurance their contractors hold. Don’t be surprised if a client asks whether you have open roof coverage. Having it can actually help you land more jobs, as it reassures the client that they won’t be left holding the bill if something goes wrong while their roof is exposed.
A Real-World Example A small roofing business owner in Colorado shared their experience online after a bad hailstorm hit mid-project. They said, “We had half the roof off when the hail started coming down hard. I thought the tarps would hold, but nope. Water got inside, and the ceiling caved in. We’re talking $10,000 in damage. Thankfully, we had open roof coverage, so we were only responsible for the deductible, and the insurance handled the rest.”
That’s the kind of peace of mind you’re buying with open roof coverage.
Why Choose Us for Your Roofer Insurance?
At USA Business Insurance, we understand the specific risks roofers face. We’ve tailored our roofer insurance policies to include options like open roof coverage, so you’re fully protected no matter what happens on the job.
Let us help you protect your business, so you can focus on doing what you do best—building strong roofs. Reach out to us today for a free quote, and we’ll make sure you’re covered, rain or shine.
