How to Supplement Roof Claims: A Guide for Contractors

Filing a roofing insurance claim is just the beginning. Often, the initial scope of work from the insurance adjuster falls short of covering everything required for a code-compliant, high-quality repair. That’s where roof supplements come in.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a roofing supplement is, when and how to file one, and tips for ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.

What Is a Roofing Insurance Supplement?

A roofing insurance supplement is a request for additional funds beyond the original claim estimate to cover legitimate costs that were:

• Overlooked by the adjuster

• Required to meet building codes

• Discovered during the actual roof replacement or repair

Supplements aren’t about inflating costs—they’re about ensuring the claim reflects the full scope of work necessary for a safe and compliant roof.

Common Reasons for Roofing Supplements

Filing a roofing supplement isn’t uncommon, especially when surprises arise during the roof replacement process. Homeowners and contractors may need to file a supplement for several reasons that weren’t included in the original insurance estimate. Understanding these common scenarios can help you proactively identify what to document and justify in your submission.

• Additional Layers: Often, tear-offs reveal multiple layers of shingles that weren’t accounted for in the initial claim. Removing and disposing of these extra layers takes more labor and materials.

• Code Upgrades: Local building codes may require upgrades that were overlooked in the adjuster’s estimate, such as drip edge, ice and water shield, proper ventilation, or specific underlayment.

• Hidden Damage: Once the roof deck is exposed, issues like rotted decking, compromised chimney flashing, or water-damaged insulation can emerge and require repairs.

• Labor Cost Adjustments: The rates used by insurance companies may be outdated or not reflective of the real market costs in your area. Supplements allow for adjustments to ensure fair compensation.

• Measurement Discrepancies: Insurance scopes may include incorrect measurements or exclude elements like ridge caps, starter shingles, or overhangs—leading to underpayment.

By understanding and documenting these common triggers, contractors can build a strong case for supplement approval and ensure they’re fairly paid for the full scope of work.

How to Identify Supplement Opportunities

Identifying supplement opportunities early and often can improve approval timelines and accuracy. Here’s how to uncover them:

• Post-Inspection Review: Compare contractor findings to the adjuster’s scope of loss.

• Photo Documentation: Take detailed pictures before and during the tear-off.

• Code Research: Reference local building codes and attach them to the claim.

• Material Matching: Ensure the correct replacement materials are used and verify product specifications against code or HOA requirements.

Step-by-Step Process for Supplementing a Roof Claim

Understanding how to supplement a roof claim is crucial for ensuring you get paid for the full scope of work. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what to do.

1. Review the Initial Estimate

Begin by carefully examining the insurance adjuster’s scope of work. Compare it against your inspection findings to identify any missing components or underpriced line items.

2. Perform a Thorough Inspection

Conduct a comprehensive roof inspection. Take detailed notes and document all damage—especially anything not captured in the adjuster's original estimate. Look for hidden issues like rotted decking, missing flashing, or code-required upgrades.

3. Prepare the Supplement Packet

Compile a professional supplement request that includes:

• An updated estimate (preferably using Xactimate or similar software)

• High-quality photos with annotations

• Applicable building code citations

• Manufacturer product specs (e.g., CeDUR features for upgrade justification)

• An explanation of why each line item is necessary

4. Submit the Supplement

Send the completed packet to the insurance carrier via their preferred submission channel—whether that’s email, an adjuster portal, or a third-party platform. Double-check submission guidelines to avoid delays.

5. Communicate and Follow Up

Maintain consistent, professional communication. Be ready to answer questions, provide clarifications, or negotiate on itemized line costs. Document every exchange and follow up regularly until the supplement is processed and approved.

By staying organized and proactive at each stage, contractors can increase approval rates and avoid unnecessary delays in project timelines.

Best Practices for Roofing Insurance Supplements

Mastering the supplement process isn’t just about submitting the right documents—it’s about building trust, credibility, and efficiency in your roofing business. Here are some expanded best practices to guide you:

• Document Everything Thoroughly: Take high-resolution photos of all damage, include pre- and post-work documentation, secure manufacturer specs, and gather code references. Keep a well-organized digital file with timestamps.

• Be Transparent with Homeowners: Educate homeowners early in the process that supplements are common and necessary when additional damage or code upgrades are discovered. Clear communication avoids confusion or mistrust.

• Understand State and Carrier Guidelines: Each state and insurance company may have specific rules regarding timelines, documentation, or approval protocols. Being familiar with these reduces rejections and delays.

• Use Professional Estimating Software: Tools like Xactimate help standardize your estimates in a format that adjusters are trained to understand. This increases the likelihood of faster approvals.

• Focus on Valid, Defensible Items: Only include legitimate additions—items required by code, due to hidden damage, or overlooked initially. Inflated claims or unnecessary line items damage credibility and slow down approvals.

• Stay Organized and Follow Up: Create a system to track submissions, deadlines, and communications. Timely follow-ups show professionalism and keep your supplement from falling through the cracks.

These practices ensure your supplement requests are not only accurate but also positioned for approval—helping you get paid for the full value of your work while keeping jobs on schedule.

Challenges with Roofing Supplements (and How to Overcome Them)

Supplementing roof insurance claims isn’t always a seamless process. Contractors often face hurdles when navigating insurance company protocols, documentation requirements, and processing delays. By understanding these common challenges, you can be better prepared to overcome them and keep your projects moving.

1. Denied Requests

Insurance companies may reject a supplement that lacks justification.

• Fix: Provide strong evidence, cite building codes, and include before-and-after photos to make your case bulletproof.

2. Slow Processing

Supplements can take time to review, potentially delaying material orders and project timelines.

• Fix: Begin preparing your supplement documents immediately after the inspection, and follow up consistently to ensure timely processing.

3. Scope Conflicts

Disagreements between the adjuster’s scope and your estimate can create friction and stall progress.

• Fix: Maintain a professional tone, support every disputed line item with evidence, and escalate to a claims supervisor or appraisal process if needed.

4. Documentation Gaps

Missing or incomplete documentation is a top reason supplements are denied or delayed.

• Fix: Build a checklist system for each supplement request to ensure all photos, estimates, product specs, and code references are included.

5. Varying Carrier Requirements

Each insurance company may have slightly different expectations for formatting and content.

• Fix: Familiarize yourself with major carriers' supplement processes or partner with a supplement service that understands them.

With the right approach, these challenges can be mitigated—and even turned into opportunities to build trust and earn repeat business from satisfied clients.

Tools That Can Help Streamline the Process

Navigating supplements can be overwhelming, but modern tools can automate much of the work. From estimating software to CRM platforms, here are a few that make the process easier:

• Xactimate: Standard software for creating estimates insurance carriers understand.

• CompanyCam / HOVER / EagleView: For photos, measurements, and roof sketches.

• JobNimbus / AccuLynx: CRM tools that track claim stages and supplement status.

When to Use a Roofing Supplement Service

If your roofing team doesn’t have the time or expertise to handle supplements, consider outsourcing. A professional supplementing service can:

• Identify overlooked scope items

• Create compliant estimates

• Follow up with insurance

• Improve approval rates

Where CeDUR Fits In

If you're already going through the work of supplementing a roof claim, don’t miss the opportunity to recommend the best roofing product possible. CeDUR's synthetic cedar shake roofing is an ideal upgrade in many insurance supplement cases. Whether the homeowner is replacing a wood shake roof or simply wants to improve durability and curb appeal, CeDUR offers:

• Class A Fire Rating without Special Underlayment

• Impact Resistance for Hail-Prone Regions

• Natural Wood Appearance Without Maintenance

• Lightweight and Easy to Install

Because CeDUR meets or exceeds many building codes and performance standards, it’s a strong candidate for inclusion in supplement submissions where code upgrades or premium materials are justified. Including CeDUR in your proposal can enhance the homeowner’s satisfaction and boost the long-term value of the project.

Get Paid for the Work You Actually Do

Roofing supplements aren’t just paperwork—they’re a way to ensure your roofing business is properly compensated for doing the job right. By supplementing with care, organization, and the right tools, contractors can protect profit margins while delivering quality results to homeowners.

Want to get more from every roofing claim? Include CeDUR in your supplement strategy to boost performance, compliance, and client satisfaction.

Don’t leave money on the table. Master the supplementing process and turn every claim into a fair, profitable project—with a long-lasting roof to match.