Stronger roofs gain attention as insurers tighten standards

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Industry leaders say resilient materials are becoming essential as severe weather drives insurance changes. 

As extreme weather events increase in both frequency and severity across the United States, the roofing industry is being pushed to adapt at a faster pace. Insurance carriers, regulators and contractors are reassessing how roofing systems are evaluated, installed and insured, placing greater emphasis on durability, resilience and long-term performance. That shift is being driven by a clear pattern. Severe weather is no longer isolated to specific regions or seasons. Instead, it is becoming more widespread and more destructive, impacting communities nationwide. In an episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Brenda Perkins of Brava Roof Tile explained how these changes are reshaping expectations across both the insurance and construction sectors. 

Brenda shared her insights, “We've got to be able to have more resilient communities. There is a need for really good, high-quality, resilient products: roofing products, home products.” As a result, insurers are adjusting how they assess and manage risk. Brenda noted that carriers are placing increasing importance on roofing systems that can withstand both impact and high winds. Standardized testing, including UL 2218, plays a critical role in this process by measuring how well materials perform under stress. These ratings are no longer abstract benchmarks; they directly influence policy structures, deductible requirements and, in some cases, whether coverage remains available in high-risk markets. 

This evolving insurance landscape is also influencing decision-making at the contractor and homeowner level. Instead of replacing damaged roofs with comparable materials, many property owners are opting for higher-performing systems designed to reduce future risk. The reasoning is practical: repeated claims can lead to rising premiums or loss of coverage altogether. “It's not a matter of if, but when,” Brenda said. “You're going to have a potential of if you file too many claims, you're not going to be able to keep your coverage.” 

In response, contractors are reframing how they present roofing options. Conversations are shifting beyond upfront cost to include long-term value, potential insurance savings and overall risk reduction. Financing options and incentives are further supporting this transition, making resilient roofing systems more accessible to a broader range of homeowners. 

Overall, these changes point to a broader industry realignment. The intersection of weather, insurance and construction is setting a new baseline for performance, where stronger, more resilient roofing systems are no longer optional upgrades, but a necessary response to an increasingly volatile environment. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how stronger, more resilient roofing systems are shaping insurance standards and helping contractors and homeowners adapt to increasingly severe weather conditions!