Why carriers deny these roof line items — and how to answer

Each page below takes one line item a carrier commonly leaves off a roof estimate, states the reason adjusters give for refusing it, and gives the answer that addresses that reason.

• Additional layer tear-off

  Rare — photo usually settles it.

• Code upgrade / Ordinance & Law

  No O&L coverage, or the limit is exhausted.

• Counter flashing

  Same as step flashing.

• Decking / sheathing replacement

  Pre-existing condition.

• Detach & reset — solar, satellite, rooftop HVAC

  The roofer can do it, and recalibration or realignment is not required.

• Difficult access / scaffolding / fall protection

  Included in general conditions.

• Drip edge

  It wasn't there before the loss.

• Dumpster / haul-off for non-roofing trades

  Included in the roofing line.

• Hidden damage discovered at tear-off

  Late notice.

• High roof / two-story charge

  Single-story structure, so no high roof charge applies.

• Hip / ridge cap

  Included in the shingle line — the tear-off item already covers ridge cap removal, and cap replacement comes out of the shingle waste.

• Ice & water shield

  Not required at valleys or penetrations, and 30 lb felt with a separate secondary water barrier is the matching replacement here.

• Impact-resistant hip & ridge cap

  Standard cap is equivalent.

• Matching / uniform appearance

  A partial repair is sufficient; matching material can be harvested from another elevation; and matching does not apply on a commercial loss.

• Overhead & Profit (10% + 10%)

  (a) You self-perform. (b) Gutters are the same trade as roofing. (c) This is a roofing-only project and no general contractor is supervising it.

• Permit fee

  Estimated amount.

• Pipe jack / boot flashing

  Only one allowed.

• Price list staleness

  The approval date governs.

• Re-nail decking to code

  Code upgrade is not covered.

• Soft metals — gutter, downspout, apron

  Cosmetic only.

• Starter course

  Included in waste.

• Steep slope charge

  Slope not documented in the file.

• Step flashing

  Detach & reset is sufficient.

• Underlayment (felt / synthetic)

  The underlayment is excluded as wear and tear along with the rest of the roof.

• Valley metal

  A closed valley could be used instead.

• Ventilation / ridge vent

  Box vents would have been sufficient.

• Waste factor

  Standard is 10%.