Guide for roofing contractors
Roofing supplements: how to get paid for what the estimate missed.
The first estimate is written fast. A supplement is how the full scope gets on paper.
Short answer
A supplement is a request to add items the carrier estimate missed or underpriced. Compare the carrier estimate to your scope line by line. Back every added line with a photo, a measurement, a code section or the manufacturer install instructions. Send it in writing and follow up until it is answered.
What a supplement is
The carrier approved the claim, but the estimate does not cover the whole job. A supplement asks the carrier to add what is missing. It is not a new claim. It is the same claim with a complete scope.
Items that get missed the most
- Starter strip and ridge cap
- Drip edge
- Ice and water shield and underlayment
- Step flashing, counter flashing, chimney and skylight flashing
- Pipe boots and vents
- Steep and high roof charges
- Extra layers of tear off
- Bad decking found after tear off
- Permits and dump fees
- Upgrades the building code requires
- Detach and reset items like gutters, satellite dishes and solar panels
- Overhead and profit
How to build one
- Get the carrier estimate from the homeowner. All pages.
- Line it up against your own scope. Mark every line that is missing, short on quantity or priced low.
- Prove each one with a photo, a measurement report, a code section, the manufacturer install instructions or an invoice.
- Write it clean. One line per item, with the reason and the proof next to it.
- Send it in writing to the adjuster or the claims desk on the claim. Keep the date.
- Follow up on a schedule until you get an answer in writing.
Code upgrades
If local code requires something the old roof did not have, put it in the supplement with the code section. Whether the carrier pays for it depends on the policy. The homeowner can ask the carrier before you build.
Overhead and profit
Carriers often leave it off. A common rule of thumb says it applies when a general contractor is coordinating three or more trades. That is a rule of thumb, not a law, and carriers push back. Document the trades and the coordination.
When to send it
- Before the build, for everything you can see now.
- During the build, for hidden damage like bad decking. Stop, photograph it and send it before you cover it.
- After the build, with the final invoice, if quantities changed.
Stay in your lane
A contractor can send an estimate, photos, measurements and pricing. That is a supplement. Arguing what the policy covers is different. In most states that takes a public adjuster license or a law license. See roofer or public adjuster.
Questions roofers ask
What is a supplement in roofing?
A request to the insurance carrier to add items to an approved claim that the first estimate missed or underpriced.
How long does a roofing supplement take?
It depends on the carrier. Complete, well documented supplements with steady written follow up get answered sooner.
Can I supplement after the roof is built?
Yes, for things like changed quantities or hidden damage, as long as you documented them. Photograph hidden damage before you cover it.
Does ClaimClosed help with supplements?
Supplements and escalation are part of the member training. On the claims members hand over, a ClaimClosed claim coordinator does the paperwork and the carrier follow up inside the member company.
Start with the score.
Ten quick questions. See how ready the file is and what to fix first.
General information for contractors. Not legal or insurance advice. Rules differ by state and by policy. A Closability Score is not a guarantee of approval. The carrier decides the claim.