Valley Liner:
A valley liner SHOULD be owed for on nearly all re-roofing claims where a valley is present on the roof. There is only one scenario for a re-roof that an insurance carrier would not owe for a valley liner: There is no valley liner existing AND there is no code coverage under the policy. That circumstance is extremely rare. Getting a valley liner approved is one of the easiest supplements to get approved IF you simply get a photo showing what is beneath the shingles in the valley. Even if there is no liner existing, get a photo showing that as many adjusters still want to see the existing condition before granting approval.
Step Flashing:
Step flashing is a high margin line item that is always a battle to get approved for replacement on re-roofs. This is not a silver bullet, but the best evidence you can present prior to starting work are photos showing the existing step flashing has been nailed through. In the event the carrier still does not approve the step flashing for replacement prior to work, get photos from during tear off showing this flashing getting torn up and mangled, and this item can be supplemented for again on the back end after work is complete.
Starter:
Starter is another line item that is always a battle to get accounted for properly on insurance claims. Many carriers use incorrect line items, or say that starter is included in their shingle waste, despite that never being the case mathematically. The best evidence to combat the carrier’s default position on starter is having pictures showing universal starter existing at BOTH the eaves and rakes. Universal starter is a separate material from field shingles and must be ordered and installed separately. A photo showing the sealant strip on the existing starter is the best evidence to demonstrate this.
Ice and Water Shield:
The first thing a carrier owes for is like kind & quality. If ice and water shield is existing on the roof, the carrier owes for installing new ice & water shield, even if you are working in an area that does not require it per code. Ice & water shield is an aggregate material, which code states cannot be reinstalled. A photo showing existing ice and water shield all but guarantees approval of replacement, regardless of code requirements or code coverage. This is true at any area of the roof. If ice and water shield is existing at penetrations, sidewalls, or anywhere else on the roof, document it!
Existing Underlayment:
Carrier estimates often default to 15# felt, and many adjusters do not check to see what existing underlayment product exists. There is a significant price difference between 15# felt and Synthetic felt. If existing, the only thing needed to get this upgraded underlayment approved, is a photo showing it existing. Remember to also document if multiple layers of underlayment are existing, as code and manufacturer instructions state you must tear down to a clean roof deck, so removal and disposal of any additional layers should be owed for.
Ice and Water Shield:
Many adjusters also overlook additional layers of roofing that may be existing. New shingles must be installed over a clean roof deck, and any additional layers must be removed and disosed of. Getting photos from an eave or rake clearly showing how many layers are existing go a long way towards getting this additional work approved.