Decennial insurance for roofers: roofing, zinc work and waterproofing
A badly laid roof causes leaks that make a building unfit for purpose: this is the core of a roofer’s decennial guarantee. Lev Assurances helps you declare your activities precisely (roofing, zinc work, timber frames, waterproofing) so that you are genuinely covered.
- Tile, slate and metal roofing
- Zinc work, gutters, underlays
- Certificate to attach to your quotes
NEED ADVICE?
Roofing activities to tell apart
- Roofing (tiles, slates, metal)
- Zinc work and rainwater drainage
- Timber roof frames
- Flat-roof waterproofing
- Roof window installation
Risks specific to roofing
Roofing claims are mainly water leaks: poor overlaps, faulty flashings, leaking valleys or ridges. When they make a home unfit to live in, they fall under the decennial guarantee for ten years after handover.
Roofing, timber frames and flat-roof waterproofing are separate activities in insurers’ nomenclature. A roofer who occasionally builds a flat roof or repairs a frame must check that these activities appear on the certificate. See covered activities and exclusions.
Installing solar panels on roofs is often treated separately by insurers, as it involves both waterproofing and electrics. If you install them, mention it when requesting a quote.
In addition, professional liability covers damage to third parties during the works, such as a tile falling on a car. The decennial insurance cost depends on these activities and your turnover.
More about decennial insurance
Construction insurance
Overview of construction insurance in France: decennial, dommages-ouvrage, professional liability.
Decennial liability (BTP)
Our main page on decennial insurance for construction professionals.
Decennial certificate
What the certificate must contain and when to give it to the client.
Covered activities and exclusions
Why declared activities determine what is covered.
Dommages-ouvrage insurance
The project owner’s insurance, complementary to decennial cover.
How we review your decennial insurance
Specify your roofing work
Tile, slate or zinc roofing, zinc work, roof framing, roof windows, flat-roof waterproofing: each activity must be declared.
Prove your roofing experience
Qualification (CAP or BP in roofing) or proven experience, business registration, previous certificates and claims history if any.
Review cover and excesses
Limits, excesses and exclusions (for example undeclared waterproofing or integrated solar panels) are reviewed with you.
Receive your certificate
If accepted and the policy is taken out, the certificate listing the insured activities must be attached to your quotes and invoices, in line with Article L. 243-2 of the French Insurance Code.
Let’s review your decennial insurance as a roofer
Describe your roofing, zinc or framing work, your experience and your turnover: Lev Assurances reviews your file and, if an insurer accepts it, supports you through to the certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Must a roofer take out decennial insurance?
Yes. Roofing is part of the structure under the French Civil Code: decennial insurance is compulsory before work starts, whatever your status.
Are leaks covered?
Leaks that make the building unfit for purpose generally fall under the decennial guarantee, within your declared activities and the contract terms.
Is flat-roof waterproofing included in roofing?
Flat-roof waterproofing may be a separate activity depending on the insurer’s classification. It must be declared explicitly and listed among the insured activities if you carry it out. Check this on your certificate before starting work.
Is solar panel installation covered?
Only if the activity is declared and accepted by the insurer. Roof-integrated panels are often subject to specific conditions (system used, qualification).
Decennial insurance suited to your trade
Decennial insurance is chosen according to the activities you actually carry out, your experience and your projects. Lev Assurances helps you declare the right activities and understand your contract — Lev Assurances, broker registered with ORIAS no. 24001858, supervised by the ACPR (French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority).