An important endorsement to watch out for in your general liability policy: The Roofing Operations Endorsement

RCS Influencer Ashley Pietsch says a few minutes of preparation now can prevent major financial headaches later.

If you’re a roofing contractor, you know that insurance is meant to protect you when things go wrong — but not every policy provides coverage the same way. One critical detail to review in your general liability policy is the Roofing Operations Endorsement. 

This endorsement typically applies to heat application roofing — like torch-down, hot air welding, wands or hot tar work. Because these methods carry higher fire risks, insurance carriers want to see that contractors have proper safety measures in place before extending coverage. 

Most insurers require anyone performing torch work to be CERTA certified (Certified Roofing Torch Applicator). This certification confirms that your crew understands and follows established safety protocols that reduce fire risk and protect your coverage. 

The Roofing Operations Endorsement often includes specific safety requirements — for example, maintaining a designated fire watch person, keeping fire extinguishers on-site and staying at the job location for a certain period after hot work is completed. If these procedures aren’t followed and properly documented, a claim could be denied under the endorsement’s exclusion. 

It’s also important to understand that these conditions don’t just apply while the work is in progress. The endorsement can extend to completed operations, meaning that even after the job is finished, a fire loss could be excluded if the required safety protocols weren’t followed. 

Roofing Operations Endorsements are common across the insurance industry, but their details vary from one carrier to another. Reviewing your policy closely — and making sure your team understands what’s required — can be the difference between having coverage or facing a costly uncovered claim. 

Before starting your next heat application roofing project, take time to review your general liability policy and confirm the requirements of your endorsement. A few minutes of preparation now can prevent major financial headaches later. 

At Integrity Insurance & Bonding Inc., we specialize in helping roofing contractors navigate these details with confidence — so you can focus on what you do best: Building and protecting roofs, while we help protect your business.