10 Items Adjusters Commonly Miss on Roof Estimates
Updated July 16, 2026
Adjusters cover thousands of claims a year and rely on templates. A handful of line items get missed often enough that any homeowner should scan for them before signing off on an estimate. None of these are exotic — they are standard, code-driven, and easy to document.
Educational information for homeowners. Not legal, insurance, or public-adjusting advice. Every policy, roof, and jurisdiction is different — verify specifics with your insurer, a licensed contractor, or a qualified professional.
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1. Drip edge
A metal strip installed along the eaves and rakes to direct water off the roof edge and away from fascia. Required by the International Residential Code (IRC R905.2.8.5) in most jurisdictions on all new asphalt shingle roofs since 2012.
Measured in linear feet. Typical unit price is $2–$3 per LF. A 40x60 rectangular roof has roughly 200 LF of eaves and rakes combined, so this alone can be $400–$600.
2. Starter strip
A dedicated starter course installed at the eaves, separate from the field shingles. Provides the seal for wind resistance on the first row.
Frequently marked 'included' when it should be a separate line. Ask specifically. Priced per bundle or per LF.
3. Ice & water shield
A self-adhering membrane installed at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. Required by code in cold climates (per state) at eaves, and required in valleys almost everywhere.
One of the most commonly under-quantified items. Verify square footage at eaves, valleys, chimneys, skylights, and any penetrations that need waterproofing.
4. Ridge cap shingles
Purpose-made cap shingles for the ridge lines. Priced separately from field shingles — they are a different product.
Estimate should list ridge cap in linear feet based on total ridge length. If you have hip roofs, hip caps count too.
5. Step flashing and counter-flashing
Metal flashing at every wall-to-roof intersection (dormers, chimneys, sidewalls). Should be replaced on every full roof replacement — not reused.
Look for the item on the estimate. If it is missing and you have any wall abutment on your roof, supplement.
6. Pipe jacks, vent boots, and gooseneck vents
Every penetration through the roof needs a flashing or boot. One per pipe/vent. On a typical house you might have 3–8 penetrations.
Count the ones on your roof. If the estimate lists fewer, supplement with photos.
7. Detach & reset for solar, satellite dishes, antennas, and accessories
Anything attached to the roof surface needs to be removed for tear-off and reinstalled after. Solar panels, satellite dishes, antennas, holiday-light attachment points, wind turbines.
Priced per item. Solar detach & reset in particular is often a significant line ($400–$1,500+ per panel bank).
8. Decking replacement at required percentage
Most estimates include a nominal decking allowance (say, 1–2 sheets). Actual rotted or damaged decking discovered at tear-off may be far more.
Photograph every damaged sheet at tear-off and supplement the count. Include measurements — 4x8 sheets at whatever price the contractor is actually paying.
9. Permit fees and inspection fees
A separate line, priced at your local jurisdiction's actual fee. If your municipality requires a permit for a re-roof (most do), the fee is a covered claim expense.
Attach the fee schedule or the paid permit receipt to the supplement.
10. Debris removal, dumpster, and jobsite protection
Tear-off produces a significant volume of debris. Dumpster rental, tarps for landscaping protection, plywood over pools or AC units, and post-job magnetic sweep for nails all belong on the estimate.
These are usually small individually and get lumped or forgotten. Together they can add up to several hundred dollars.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I supplement all 10 at once?
- Only supplement items that actually apply to your roof and are missing from your estimate. Send one consolidated supplement with photos and quantities for each.
- Will supplementing 'annoy' the adjuster?
- No. Supplements are routine and expected. Documented supplements are approved as normal claim workflow.
- What if the adjuster says these are 'included in the shingle price'?
- Ask for the Xactimate line-item breakdown for the shingle SKU used. It will show what is and is not bundled. Most bundled shingle prices do not include drip edge, starter strip, ice & water shield, or flashing.
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Related guides
- What Is a Supplement on a Roof Claim?A supplement is how a roof insurance estimate gets corrected. Here is what supplements cover, who writes them, and how homeowners get them approved.
- How to Read a Roof Insurance Estimate (Xactimate Explained for Homeowners)A plain-English walk-through of a roof insurance estimate: what Xactimate is, how line items are built, and what RCV, ACV, depreciation, and O&P actually mean.
- Insurance Estimate Lower Than Your Contractor's Bid — What to DoYour roofer says $22,000, your insurance company says $14,000. That gap is normal — and there is a specific process to close it. Step-by-step for homeowners.
- What Is Recoverable Depreciation and How Do I Get It Back?Recoverable depreciation is money your insurance company owes you but holds back. Here is exactly how it works and how to release it after your roof is repaired.
Educational information only. ApproveMyRoof is an educational document-analysis platform. It is not a law firm, insurance company, public adjuster, engineering firm, or guarantee of coverage or payment. Always confirm details with your insurer or an appropriately licensed professional.