How to Finance a Storm Guard Franchise: Storm Roofing Startup
By Chris Cornella
A Storm Guard franchise loan finances a home-based exterior restoration business rather than a storefront: trucks, equipment, marketing and, above all, the cash to carry jobs from the first inspection to the final insurance or homeowner payment. Storm Guard publishes an estimated initial investment of $200,400 to $236,600 and a $200,000 minimum liquid capital requirement, so the starting point for any financing plan is the owner’s own cash.
This article walks through what Storm Guard does, what its published costs and fees mean for a lender, how SBA and conventional loans fit and how to plan for the uneven cash flow that comes with storm and insurance work.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Storm Guard; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s materials and disclosure document can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
Storm Guard Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Estimated initial investment: $200,400 to $236,600, according to Storm Guard’s franchise opportunity page.
- Minimum liquid capital: $200,000, according to the same page.
- Royalty: 6.25% of gross sales, subject to minimums described in the FDD, according to the franchisor’s FAQ.
- Brand development fee: 0.75%, according to the franchisor’s FAQ.
- Experience: Storm Guard says neither a roofing background nor a roofing license is required to buy a franchise, though some states require contractor licensing or registration.
- Training: four pillars of initial training spanning the first 3 to 6 months.
- Franchisor: Storm Guard Franchise Systems, LLC, with a home office in Fort Worth, Texas.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S1629, with no additional notes.
What Is Storm Guard?
Storm Guard is a roofing and exterior restoration brand whose system is made up almost entirely of independently owned and operated franchise locations. The company describes itself as a one-stop shop for insurance claim work and retail remodeling. Services include residential roof inspection, repair and replacement, commercial roofing, gutters, siding, windows, painting and emergency roof tarping, and the brand advertises a limited lifetime warranty on labor and materials.
The company says it has been in business for more than a decade, and its location finder lists franchised offices in more than a dozen states. The franchisor’s home office is in Fort Worth, Texas.
Why lenders view Storm Guard the way they do. A Storm Guard franchise is a service business with modest fixed assets. Lenders generally like the low build-out and the franchisor’s sales and production systems, but they focus closely on the owner’s liquidity, because revenue depends on storms, sales activity and the timing of insurance payments.
Storm Guard Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 of the current FDD sets the initial franchise fee for a standard territory. We found differing figures across the franchisor’s own pages, so confirm the current fee directly in Item 5 before you build a budget.
Real estate. Storm Guard is not a retail storefront concept. Owners typically need modest office and storage space for materials and equipment rather than a large build-out, which keeps real estate costs lower than in many franchises.
Vehicles and equipment. Branded vehicles, trailers, ladders, safety equipment, inspection tools, tarping supplies and office technology make up much of the equipment budget.
Opening costs and working capital. Marketing, insurance, licensing, hiring and an operating reserve are essential. Roofing jobs often require paying for labor and materials before the customer or insurance carrier pays, so working capital carries more weight here than in many franchises.
Total investment. Storm Guard’s franchise opportunity page lists an estimated initial investment of $200,400 to $236,600. Review the Item 7 table in the current FDD for each line item and its assumptions, including:
- Initial franchise fee
- Vehicles, trailers and equipment
- Office setup, technology and software
- Initial marketing and launch costs
- Insurance, licenses and permits
- Training travel and expenses
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. The franchisor’s FAQ lists a royalty of 6.25% of gross sales, subject to minimums described in the FDD.
Brand development fee. The FAQ lists a 0.75% brand development fee, which Storm Guard says is used to improve the system and market the brand.
Minimums. Royalty minimums matter in a seasonal business. In a slow month or a quiet storm year, a fixed minimum can take a larger share of revenue, so lenders and owners should model it.
How lenders factor these costs in. Lenders deduct royalty, brand fees, materials, crew costs and overhead from projected revenue, then test whether the business can cover debt service in a slower season. Read our article on seasonality and cash flow planning for roofing companies for how that works in practice.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
- Liquid capital: Storm Guard lists a $200,000 minimum liquid capital requirement.
- Experience: no roofing background or roofing license is required, according to the franchisor, though state licensing or registration rules apply.
- Candidate profile: the franchisor looks for self-motivated, business-savvy owners who build relationships well; product or people management and outside sales experience can help.
- Training and support: four pillars of initial training over the first 3 to 6 months, plus weekly calls with a franchise business consultant that continue for the life of the franchise.
Because the liquidity requirement is close to the top of the published investment range, many owners fund a meaningful share of the startup with their own cash and use financing for vehicles, equipment and a working capital cushion.
Ways to Own a Storm Guard
A new territory. Most owners start a new territory. Lenders underwrite projections, the owner’s background and liquidity. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how these loans are structured.
Buying an existing franchise. When a Storm Guard location is for sale, a buyer can show a lender historical revenue, job backlog and customer relationships. The franchisor must usually approve the transfer, and Item 17 describes the conditions. See our article on buying a franchise resale.
Adding territories. Owners who perform well may add territories if the franchisor offers them. Each expansion typically requires additional vehicles, staff and working capital, and a second Storm Guard franchise loan is usually underwritten on the first territory’s results.
Financing Options for a Storm Guard Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because Storm Guard is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can combine the franchise fee, vehicles, equipment and working capital in one loan. Our article on SBA loans for roofing companies covers how lenders view roofing businesses.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program is designed for real estate and long-lived fixed assets. It rarely fits a new Storm Guard territory, but could apply later if an owner buys a building for offices and material storage.
Conventional term loans. Owners with strong credit and collateral may use a conventional business loan, particularly when buying an established location.
Equipment and vehicle financing. Work trucks, trailers, ladders, safety systems and tablets for inspections can often be financed on their own schedule. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Storm and insurance work can bring a wave of jobs at once, with materials and crews paid before claims settle. A line of credit can smooth those gaps. See our roofing working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. A seller may carry part of the price of an existing location. Any seller note generally must be acceptable to the senior lender and is typically subordinate to it, and loan programs may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for Storm Guard Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility, and SBA lenders generally require a listing before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to a franchisee. A listing does not approve any borrower.
Storm Guard’s listing. Storm Guard appears on the directory under code S1629 with no additional notes. In plain English, the directory flags no extra documents or conditions for this brand, though your lender will still review the franchise agreement and FDD.
Loan size and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. A single territory will typically need far less. Show where your liquid capital comes from, include Item 7 in your budget and present projections that account for seasonality and insurance payment timing.
How Lenders Evaluate a Storm Guard Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement and usually require a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. With a $200,000 liquid capital requirement from the franchisor, lenders will verify those funds and look for reserves beyond any equity injection.
Industry and management experience. Roofing experience is not required by the franchisor, but sales, management or construction experience strengthens a loan request, and lenders weigh the franchisor’s training.
Business plan and projections. Projections should cover lead generation, close rates, crew capacity, materials costs, the mix of insurance and retail work, royalty minimums and a realistic ramp-up.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, territory, renewal and transfer rules. Item 19 tells you whether the FDD includes financial performance representations. Our guide to reading an FDD for financing explains which items matter.
Licensing and insurance. Lenders will confirm state contractor licensing or registration, general liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
Historical financials for resales. For an existing location, expect to provide several years of financial statements, job reports and receivables aging.
Vehicles, Equipment and Job Cash Flow
Unlike a restaurant, Storm Guard’s main assets move. Trucks and trailers carry crews and materials, and inspection technology helps document storm damage for insurance claims. Financing vehicles separately can preserve cash for operations.
The bigger financial challenge is job timing. Insurance claims can take time to settle, and homeowners may finance their own projects through customer financing programs. Owners need enough working capital to pay crews and suppliers while receivables come in.
Real-World Scenarios
A sales professional starting a territory. A former outside sales manager meets the liquidity requirement, uses personal funds for much of the startup and takes an SBA 7(a) loan for vehicles and working capital.
A contractor adding a franchise. A general contractor joins Storm Guard to add the brand’s insurance and roofing systems, financing new trucks with equipment loans.
A buyer acquiring an established location. A buyer purchases an operating location, and the lender underwrites its historical revenue, with the seller carrying a small note.
An owner bridging a storm season. After a major hail event, an owner draws on a line of credit to pay crews and materials while insurance claims settle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Treating the published investment range as the total cash needed, without a seasonal reserve
- Ignoring royalty minimums in slow months
- Underestimating how long insurance payments take
- Overlooking state contractor licensing timelines
- Buying too many vehicles before sales volume supports them
For more, read about the roofing company loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your Storm Guard Franchise
Step 1: Confirm your liquidity. Make sure you can document at least $200,000 in liquid capital.
Step 2: Review the FDD. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 11, 17, 19 and 20 with a franchise attorney and accountant, and confirm the current franchise fee.
Step 3: Check licensing. Learn your state’s contractor licensing or registration rules.
Step 4: Estimate payments. Use our SBA loan calculator for planning; results are estimates only and not an offer or approval.
Step 5: Talk with a financing specialist. Decide how much to finance and how to structure vehicle, equipment and working capital needs.
Step 6: Apply and close. Submit your business plan, financial statements, tax returns and franchise documents, and coordinate closing with Storm Guard’s training schedule.
Storm Guard Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a Storm Guard franchise cost?
Storm Guard’s franchise opportunity page lists an estimated initial investment of $200,400 to $236,600. Review the Item 7 table in the current FDD for line-item details.
What is the Storm Guard franchise fee?
Item 5 of the current FDD lists the fee for a standard territory. Confirm the current amount there, since the franchisor’s pages have shown differing figures.
What royalty does Storm Guard charge?
The franchisor’s FAQ lists a 6.25% royalty on gross sales, subject to minimums in the FDD, plus a 0.75% brand development fee.
How much liquid capital do I need?
Storm Guard lists a $200,000 minimum liquid capital requirement.
Do I need roofing experience?
No. Storm Guard says neither a roofing background nor a roofing license is required, though some states require licensing or registration.
Is Storm Guard eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. It is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S1629 with no additional notes. Each borrower must still qualify.
Can I finance trucks separately?
Often, yes. Vehicle and equipment financing can cover trucks and trailers apart from the main loan.
Can a first-time owner get a Storm Guard franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves the candidate and the borrower meets lender standards. Liquidity and sales or management experience help.
Does Storm Guard offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the current FDD. Most owners arrange their own loans.
How long is the franchise term?
Item 17 of the current FDD lists the term, renewal and transfer conditions.
Final Thoughts
A Storm Guard franchise loan works best when it supports, rather than replaces, the owner’s liquid capital. Owners who plan for royalty minimums, licensing and the time it takes insurance payments to arrive give their new territory the room it needs to grow.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and roofing business financing solutions.
