Why Roofing Details Matter to Insurers
Flat roofs and valley gutters are common across residential and commercial properties — but they’re also among the biggest causes of insurance disputes and claim rejections.
Most property owners:
- Fail to declare their roof type or percentage flat area
- Skip regular inspections and documentation
- Only realise the problem after a storm or water-ingress claim is denied
This guide explains the key roof types, insurer expectations, and what maintenance records you’ll need to keep your cover valid.
Flat Roof Types & Their Insurance Implications
Felt Over Timber (Built-Up Felt)
- Traditional 2–3 layer felt applied with hot bitumen
- Common on older domestic properties and garages
Insurance Notes:
- Must be declared as a flat roof
- Insurers typically require inspection every 1–2 years
- Higher deterioration risk → may carry age limits or increased excess
EPDM (Rubber Roofing)
- Single-ply rubber membrane, durable and flexible
- Popular for modern refurbishments
Insurance Notes:
- More resilient than felt, but still subject to inspection clauses
- Check for manufacturer guarantees and UV exposure ratings
GRP (Fibreglass / Glass Reinforced Plastic)
- Seamless, rigid roofing system
- Promoted as having a 20–25-year lifespan
Insurance Notes:
- Considered low-maintenance if installed correctly
- Inspect annually for cracks, lifting edges, and pooling water
Asphalt Flat Roof
- Hot-poured bitumen with stone chippings
- Found on older commercial and high-end homes
Insurance Notes:
- Long-lasting but UV-sensitive — needs regular checks
- Declare surface type and approximate age to prevent disputes
Asbestos Cement Roof Panels
- Found on older garages, warehouses, or pre-1980s extensions
Insurance Notes:
- Must be disclosed — insurers class as high risk
- Costly removal and contamination risk
- May be excluded or attract a premium loading
Common Flat Roof Insurance Pitfalls
| Issue | Insurance Impact |
| Not declaring % of flat roof | Policy may be voided |
| Lack of maintenance | Claims rejected for “gradual deterioration” |
| Pooling or sagging | Classified as wear and tear |
| Storm claim without evidence of sudden damage | Often declined |
| No inspection records | Breach of policy condition |
Tip: Most insurers require roofs to be inspected annually and maintained with written evidence.
Valley Gutters – The Hidden Risk
Valley gutters run where two sloped roofs meet — typical in:
- Industrial estates and warehouse blocks
- Retail centres
- Large terraced or multi-unit properties
Because they collect high volumes of rainwater and debris, blockages are a leading cause of internal flooding and claim rejection.
Maintenance Requirements
Insurers commonly expect:
- Biannual clearance (Spring & Autumn)
- Maintenance logs or invoices for proof
- Checks on flashings, outlets, and overflow points
If overflow causes flooding, insurers will:
- Review maintenance history
- Likely decline the claim if cleaning wasn’t done
Best Practices to Stay Covered
- Know your roof construction and percentage flat area
- Declare all details accurately on proposal forms
- Schedule annual inspections and photo documentation
- Clear gutters and valleys at least twice a year
- Retain contractor reports and invoices
- Take before-and-after photos after cleaning or storm events
Why Choose SRS Insurance?
At SRS Insurance, we help landlords, property managers, and developers secure the right protection for flat roofs and valley gutters, including:
- Accurate roof-declaration support for underwriting
- Specialist insurers accepting mixed or older roof types
- Guidance on inspection and maintenance compliance
- Fast claim assistance and documentation review
Our expertise helps ensure you’re insured properly — not just priced cheaply.