What are leading factors influencing roof damage and claims?

by Nils Deacon, Manager, Inspections and Rating Services

Underwriters’ Corner will be concentrating on various elements and mitigation measures concerning roofing losses in the U.S. as a series. We started with last month’s edition that introduced the International Building Code (IBC) and associated standards used in addressing this multi-billion dollar problem for the insurance industry.

Roof damage and claims saw a significant rise in 2024, with some estimates at $31 billion in claims, a rise of about 30% from 2022. Insurance Information Institute (III)

Understanding major causes of roof damage is vital to address this important issue. The concept of wind loads is a major factor that affects mitigation measures to prevent loss.

Wind load is the force or pressure wind exerts on a building. This is important in how a building is designed. The forces include pushing (positive pressure), pulling (negative pressure / uplift) and sideways (shear) forces. These factors are calculated based on wind speed, building shape, and location.

Wind load calculators including these and many other factors are used to develop roofs and structures that can withstand varying wind speed scenarios throughout the country. III

As noted in a previous Underwriters’ Corner, the International Building Code specifically addresses these factors in the roofing section of the code. The IBC utilizes and references specific technical requirements of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) roofing criteria.

DISCLAIMER: This information reflects the interpretation of MSO, Inc. with regard to NFPA Standards and Codes and other code sources. It does not represent these codes’ official position on the items discussed.