Roofing Insurance Supplement Cheat Sheet

This guide highlights roofing items commonly missed in insurance estimates and useful when preparing supplements or reviewing scopes of loss.

15 COMMONLY MISSED ROOFING ITEMS

1. Starter Shingles – Often omitted from estimates; required along eaves and rakes.
2. Ice & Water Shield – Required in many northern climates along eaves and valleys.
3. Drip Edge – Now required by most building codes even if the original roof lacked it.
4. Step Flashing – Often written as reset but frequently must be replaced during tear-off.
5. Ridge Cap Shingles – Sometimes mistakenly counted as field shingles.
6. High Roof Charge – Additional labor for steep slopes such as 7/12+ pitch.
7. Multiple Story Charge – Added labor for two-story or higher structures.
8. Detach & Reset Gutters – Needed to properly install drip edge and replace roofing.
9. Satellite Dish Removal – Often forgotten but required for full replacement.
10. Chimney Flashing Replacement – Resetting old flashing may not be feasible.
11. Pipe Boots – Commonly cracked or brittle when shingles are removed.
12. Valley Metal – Should be replaced when valleys are rebuilt.
13. Roof Vent Replacement – Plastic vents often break during removal.
14. Decking Replacement – Necessary if decking is rotted, warped, or cannot hold nails.
15. Code Upgrades – Ice barrier, drip edge, and ventilation may be required by code.

ADDITIONAL ITEM: SOLAR PANELS

• Ownership Check – Determine if panels are owned outright or leased/financed.
• Leased Panels – May require coordination with solar company; removal may not be covered under standard policy.
• Owned Panels – Typically can be included in claim depending on policy language.
• Detach & Reset Solar Panels – Required for roof replacement; includes labor and coordination.
• Electrical Disconnect/Reconnect – Licensed electrician may be required.
• Mounting Hardware – May need replacement if damaged or not reusable.
• Potential Damage – Panels or brackets may be damaged during removal.
• Code/Manufacturer Requirements – Reinstallation must meet current standards.

COVERAGE TYPE: ACV vs. REPLACEMENT COST

• ACV (Actual Cash Value) – Pays depreciated value only; no recoverable depreciation.
• Replacement Cost (RCV) – Pays full replacement cost after work is completed (subject to policy).
• Check Policy – Always verify if roof is ACV-only (common for older roofs).
• Recoverable Depreciation – Only available on RCV policies after proof of completion.
• Documentation – Keep invoices, contracts, and photos to recover depreciation.

ADDITIONAL CLAIM CHECKS

• Deductible Amount – Verify policy deductible and how it applies (flat vs %).
• Shingle Manufacturer Warranty – Check if roof is 5 years old or newer; potential warranty claim or contribution.
• Matching Endorsement – Review policy for matching coverage (color/style uniformity requirements).