John Campbell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Eagle Roofing Products
Several years ago, the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance (TRIA) partnered with Ducker Research and Consulting (now Ducker Carlisle) to conduct a study aimed at deepening the understanding of the average home value associated with tile roofing in comparison to asphalt shingle roofing. This study sought to identify additional purchase drivers that could stimulate demand for tile roofing. The research involved candid insights from builders, architects and roofing contractors.
In October 2024, TRIA organized an Insurance Forum in Sarasota, which brought together a diverse group of professionals, including roofing contractors, lawyers, consultants, distributors, adjusters, trade association representatives, lobbyists and a representative from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS). The primary objective of this forum was to gather actionable feedback from key stakeholders to support the creation of a framework in Florida where homeowners installing resilient roof products could receive financial benefits for reducing investment risk.
During the forum, several roofing contractors proposed the adoption of the commercial roofing industry’s warranted system model, which emphasizes routine maintenance. Since then, this concept has gained traction. TRIA has drafted a Maintenance
Manual and initiated discussions with executives in the insurance industry to advocate for this model as a viable means of mitigating homeowners’ insurance cost increases. These cost increases are often based on the assumption that roof system integrity deteriorates rapidly post-installation, necessitating replacement within 15 years. While this assumption might apply to shingle roofing, imposing the same replacement schedule on tile roofing appears both illogical and unsupported by factual
evidence. Nevertheless, the tile roofing industry recognizes its responsibility to present insurance carriers with a well-considered alternative.
The residents of Florida are facing mounting challenges in keeping pace with escalating annual homeowners’ insurance premiums. Prospective homeowners in the state must now weigh not only the affordability of purchasing a home but also the cost
associated with safeguarding their investment.
In anticipation of potential endorsement from insurance carriers for tile roofing maintenance protocols, TRIA is developing TRIA Certified Roof Maintenance classes to supplement its existing catalog of online and in-person installation manual training
programs.
Will the cost of insurance eventually reflect the resilience of roof systems? While the answer remains uncertain, TRIA will continue to pursue consideration from insurance carriers. Moreover, will roofing contractors adopt maintenance practices for sloped roofs as they have for commercial low-slope roofing systems? This remains a hopeful aspiration. Updates will follow as progress is made.
John Campbell is Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Eagle Roofing Products. After a brief stint working for a small independent roofing supplier, John spent the next 16 years at Monier, Lifetile, then the combined entity MonierLifetile. In 2012, he joined the Burlingame family and Eagle Roofing Products. John is currently a Board member for the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance and NRCA. John’s involvement in NRCA includes the Roofing Alliance Foundation and chairing the 2025 Roofing Day in DC event.
Previous Article