A roofing supplement is a request to the insurance carrier to add what the original estimate left out or measured short. It is a normal part of most storm claims, because the first estimate is often written from a quick inspection or an aerial image before anyone has counted every pipe boot or seen what is under the old shingles. A supplement gets paid when each item stands on its own: what is missing, how much, why it is needed, and the photo and measurement that prove it. This form lays it out that way, one item per row, followed by what tear-off revealed and the items the building department will require. You can fill it in here and download a finished PDF without creating an account.
One item, one reason, one piece of evidence
Reviewers approve lines, not letters. A paragraph saying the estimate is too low gets a paragraph back; a list where each row names the item, the quantity, the reason and the photo is much harder to turn down. For every item, say plainly whether it was missing from the original scope, measured short, priced as the wrong material, or given too little waste.
Keep the reason in your own plain words — "the eaves have no drip edge and the new roof needs it on every edge," not a block of pasted rules. Then attach the evidence that settles it: a photo of the bare edge, the measurement report line, the manufacturer's installation instructions.
What usually goes missing
The same items come up again and again: drip edge, starter strip, hip and ridge cap, ice and water barrier at eaves and valleys, step and counter flashing, pipe boots and vents, waste that does not reflect a cut-up roof, extra charges for steep or high slopes, an extra layer of old roofing, detaching and resetting gutters, and the permit.
Check the original estimate against your measurement sheet line by line. Anything you measured that is not on their estimate, or is on it at a smaller quantity, is a candidate for this list.
Tear-off findings need photos before the deck is covered
Some items cannot be known until the old roof comes off: rotted or delaminated decking, a second layer nobody could see, spaced plank sheathing that needs solid decking over it, damage to the framing. Photograph them in place, with a tape for scale and something in the frame that shows where on the roof you are, before new decking or underlayment goes over them.
Tell the adjuster as soon as you find them, and record when and how. Many carriers want the chance to see hidden damage before it is covered, and a supplement for decking that was replaced without notice or photos is the hardest kind to get paid.
Code items, written plainly
Where the local building code requires something the old roof did not have — ice barrier at the eaves, drip edge, more ventilation, full tear-off of extra layers — describe the requirement in plain words, name the building department and the code section or permit note it comes from, and attach the department's letter if you have one. Whether it is paid often depends on the policy's ordinance or law coverage, so ask the adjuster.
Speak while you walk, and the document writes itself: say "north slope, three sheets of OSB delaminated, photos taken, adjuster called at ten" and the tear-off row is written, with the photos in it.
Common questions
What is a roofing supplement?
A request to the insurance carrier to add items or quantities the original claim estimate missed. It lists each item, the amount, why it is needed and the evidence, and the carrier reviews it and approves all, part or none of it.
When should I send a supplement?
As soon as you know an item is missing — ideally before work starts for anything you can measure, and immediately for anything found during tear-off, before it is covered. Many carriers have time limits on reopening or adding to a claim, so check the policy.
What evidence does a supplement need?
For each item: a clear photo, the measurement or count and where it came from, and the reason in plain words — a code requirement, the manufacturer's installation instructions, or damage found. A dated photo of hidden damage in place, before it was covered, is the strongest evidence there is.
Are code upgrades covered by insurance?
It depends on the policy. Many homeowner policies include ordinance or law coverage, which pays for work the current building code requires when a damaged roof is replaced, up to a limit. Ask the adjuster what the policy includes and record the answer.
Does the homeowner need to sign a supplement?
Not always, but it helps. The homeowner is the policyholder, and their acknowledgement that the work and the request are theirs avoids questions later. This form has an optional homeowner signature beside the contractor's.