Poured concrete roofs are commonly used in Monroe County, FL (the Florida Keys) because of their durability and protection against hurricane force wind and rain. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with concrete roofs due to their durability and resistance to damage. However, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (CPIC) currently uses an underwriting manual that ambiguously describes “Concrete Roofs.” As a result, the guidelines under-estimate the remaining useful life (RUL) and are issuing non-renewals to policyholders who don’t replace or recoat the roof.
FIRM is currently working on a white paper to submit to the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) asking for a review of Citizens’ guidelines. The paper aims to define a poured concrete roof, review sections in Monroe County’s building code and the Florida Building Code (FBC) related to concrete roof construction compliance, detail the life expectancy of a concrete roof, and explain how CPIC’s definition and application in its underwriting manual is flawed.
FIRM is asking for contractors, engineers, building officials, insurance agents and property owners with knowledge and experience in concrete roof construction in Monroe County to offer input to support the paper’s assertions. Any interaction, dealings, underwriting request or even cancellations you’ve had with Citizens on this topic would be very helpful. Please email info@firmkeys.org if you would like to add input.