Adjuster scopes are written by people handling dozens of claims simultaneously, often without being on your roof, using pricing software that defaults to regional averages. Predictable gaps appear on claim after claim. Here are the items that get omitted most often — and how to document each one for a successful supplement.
Overhead & Profit (O&P)
O&P is the single largest supplement recovery for many contractors, and many adjusters simply don't include it on the initial scope. The standard is 10% overhead and 10% profit (referred to as "10 and 10"), applied to the total replacement cost when a general contractor is coordinating the project.
How to supplement it: Most carriers will approve O&P when you document that you're the general contractor coordinating multiple trades (roofing, gutters, painting, interior repairs, etc.) or that the complexity of the project warrants general contracting services. A simple letter identifying you as GC, listing the trades you're coordinating, and citing the applicable Xactimate category is typically sufficient.
Common carrier resistance: Some carriers deny O&P when only one trade is involved. This is a negotiable position — escalate to the adjuster's supervisor and cite the scope complexity. Many contractors successfully recover O&P on complex single-trade projects.
Starter Strip
Starter strip (or starter shingles) at eave edges and rakes is a standard installation requirement per manufacturers and building code, but it's frequently absent from initial adjuster scopes. Without starter strip, shingles at the eave can blow off and the warranty is voided.
How to supplement it: Photograph the existing eave edge showing the need for starter strip. Cite the shingle manufacturer's installation instructions (which require starter strip) and note the applicable warranty requirement. Quote the line item as "STA — Starter Shingles" in Xactimate.
Drip Edge
Drip edge is required by most building codes (IRC R905.2.8.5) and by shingle manufacturer installation requirements, but it's left off a significant number of initial scopes — particularly when the existing roof didn't have it. On a full replacement, if drip edge is required by current code, it must be included even if the original roof didn't have it (this is a code upgrade, not an optional item).
How to supplement it: Photograph the eave edge showing the absence of drip edge or incorrect size. Cite the applicable building code, the shingle manufacturer's installation guide, and the contractor's liability exposure for installing without required drip edge. Provide linear footage of eave and rake.
Ice & Water Shield
Ice and water shield (self-adhering membrane) is required in cold climates at eaves, valleys, and other vulnerable areas, but many adjusters either omit it entirely or underestimate coverage. Requirements vary by code and climate zone.
How to supplement it: Document existing ice barrier (or lack thereof) by photographing the eave edge after carefully lifting a shingle. Reference the local building code requirement for your climate zone. Provide measurements of the required coverage area. If the home is in a zone requiring 24" past the interior wall line, calculate the required footage accordingly.
Ridge Cap Shingles
Ridge cap is sometimes omitted or underpriced on initial scopes. Architectural shingles require 3-tab or purpose-made ridge cap — not cut pieces from field shingles — and some adjusters skip it or price it as field shingles.
How to supplement it: Photograph the existing ridge before tear-off. If ridge cap shingles aren't line-itemed separately in the scope, or if the price is based on field shingles, provide the quantity in linear feet and correct price per the ridge cap product specified.
Hip & Ridge Ventilation
When replacing a roof, ventilation often needs to be addressed — either because existing ventilation was damaged, doesn't meet current code, or is incompatible with the new shingle system. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and box vents are frequently omitted or underquantified.
How to supplement it: Document existing ventilation type and quantity. Calculate required net free area per code (typically 1 sq ft per 150 sq ft of attic space, or 1 per 300 with balanced intake/exhaust). Note any damaged vents and provide photos.
Pipe Boots and Penetration Flashing
Rubber pipe boots deteriorate faster than the roof shingles and should be replaced on a full replacement. Many adjusters don't include them — or only include a fraction of the penetrations on the roof.
How to supplement it: Photograph and count every pipe penetration on the roof. Note the diameter of each pipe (small, medium, large) to justify separate line items if applicable. Adjuster may have counted from a satellite image that doesn't capture small pipes — your field count is the authoritative number.
Step Flashing and Counter Flashing
Step flashing along walls and dormers is frequently left off or significantly underpriced. Counter flashing (the cap that covers step flashing) is even more commonly missed.
How to supplement it: Measure all wall-to-roof transitions, dormer sides, and chimney bases requiring step flashing. Document existing flashing condition (rust, improper installation, missing sections). Note whether step flashing is integrated or exposed (affects labor rate).
Decking Replacement (After the Fact)
Rotten or damaged decking is discovered during tear-off, so it often isn't on the initial scope. Many contractors handle this with a per-sheet supplement after the job starts.
How to supplement it: Photograph every damaged sheet before replacement with a measurement indicator (a tape measure or square footage marked). Note the panel dimensions and OSB vs. plywood. Submit with an invoice or material receipt showing the sheets purchased. Document in writing (text or email) when the homeowner or adjuster is notified of the damage.
Code Upgrades (Permit and Inspection Fees)
If a permit is required for the roofing project, permit fees are a legitimate supplement item. The cost to pull a permit is not included in most initial scopes.
How to supplement it: Request the permit cost from your local building department before supplementing (or use the actual invoice). Cite the carrier's obligation to pay for code-compliant installations, which require permits in jurisdictions that mandate them.
Building a Supplement Checklist
The most efficient way to capture these items consistently is to build a checklist you run on every insurance inspection before you leave the property. Every item above should have a corresponding row that your inspector checks and documents on-site. That documentation then flows directly into your supplement letter — no reconstructing from memory days later.
Further Reading
- Roofing Insurance Supplements: The Complete Contractor's Guide — Full process from documentation through approval and tracking
- How to Document a Roof for an Insurance Claim — Field checklist for capturing the evidence that supports every item above
- How to Negotiate with Insurance Adjusters — What to do when an adjuster pushes back on these line items