One of the most significant factors in the cost of property insurance for charter schools is something that most schools don’t consider: the material used in the building the school occupies. Selecting a building with more fire-resistant materials can significantly decrease premiums.

For reference, here are the different construction types of buildings:

1. Frame Buildings
The exterior or walls are made of wood or other combustible materials, including construction materials, where the combustible materials are combined with different materials such as brick veneer, stone veneer, wood iron-clad, and stucco on wood.

2. Joisted Masonry Buildings
Where the exterior walls are constructed of masonry materials such as adobe, brick, concrete, gypsum block, hollow concrete block, stone, tile, or similar materials, and where the floors and roof are combustible.

3. Non-combustible Buildings
Where the exterior walls, floors, and roof are constructed of and supported by metal, asbestos, gypsum, or other non-combustible materials.

4. Masonry Non-combustible Buildings
The exterior walls are constructed of masonry materials as described in number 2 above, with the floors and roof of metal or other non-combustible materials.

5. Modified Fire Resistant Buildings
The exterior walls, floors, and roof are constructed of masonry or fire-resistive materials with a fire-resistance rating of one hour or more but less than two hours.

6. Fire Resistant Buildings
The exterior walls, floors and roof are constructed of masonry or fire resistive materials with a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours.

If you would like to learn more about decreasing your property insurance premiums for your charter school, please get in touch with our office.