Background
This example is made up to show a pattern that roofers along the Front Range see often. Older ranches were frequently re-roofed by laying new shingles over old ones, and early decking was sometimes plank boards rather than sheets. Neither is visible from a ladder, so neither shows up in an estimate written from a roof inspection.
The situation
Illustrative example. Not a real job or customer.
After a late-spring hailstorm, an adjuster approves replacing the shingles, underlayment, drip edge and vents on a hypothetical 1960s ranch near Littleton. The estimate assumes one layer of shingles over plywood. On tear-off day the crew finds two layers of shingles over plank decking with wide gaps, several boards soft near a valley, and no ice barrier at the eaves.
- The roofer stops before installing anything new and photographs both shingle layers, the plank gaps and each soft board with a tape measure in the frame.
- The roofer covers the open roof with temporary protection while the issue is reviewed.
- The roofer sends the photos the same day with line items for the second-layer removal and new sheathing over the planks.
- The homeowner forwards the submission to the adjuster with a short note asking for a prompt review.
- The adjuster approves the added tear-off and sheathing based on the photos.
- At inspection, the building inspector notes that ice barrier is required at the eaves under the jurisdiction's adopted code and writes a correction notice.
- The homeowner asks the adjuster whether the policy's ordinance or law coverage applies to the ice barrier and sends the inspector's notice.
The added tear-off and sheathing were handled as a supplement to the original claim. The ice barrier was reviewed under ordinance or law coverage. The roof passed its final inspection, and the homeowner kept the photos and permit record with the house documents.
What was added and why
| Added item | How it was found | How it was submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Removal of a second shingle layer | Visible on tear-off | Supplement with photos of both layers |
| New sheathing over plank decking | Gaps too wide for new shingles | Supplement with measured photos |
| Replacement of soft boards near the valley | Probed during tear-off | Included in the same supplement |
| Ice barrier at eaves | Inspector correction notice | Ordinance or law question to adjuster |
General information for Littleton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.